Our Leadership

J.T. Geren is the Vice President of Communications at Heartland Forward, a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank focused on accelerating economic growth, changing the narrative about the middle of the country and generating $500M of economic impact to the heartland by 2030, where he oversees the brand strategy, public relations, media relations and digital communications of Heartland Forward. Additionally, J.T. leads public policy engagement and initiatives on Heartland Forward’s core focus areas of regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.

Before joining Heartland Forward, J.T. previously led communications and marketing for Runway Group, the Bentonville-based holding company, which invests in outdoor recreation, hospitality, aviation and real estate. Previously, he spent nearly a decade in intercollegiate athletics and worked in senior leadership roles at the University of Kansas and University of Arkansas. He led marketing efforts for Jayhawk and Razorback Athletics, notching revenue and attendance records during his time on campus.

A graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class XVII, J.T. holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Samford University and a master’s degree in recreation and sports management from the University of Arkansas.

J.T. has lived in four different heartland states including Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi. He currently lives in Northwest Arkansas with his wife and their two children.