Meet the New CEO & President, Derrell Hartwick
Derrell Hartwick is a business and community leader with more than 15 years of experience in chamber leadership, economic development, business advocacy, organizational growth, and public-private partnerships. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of business and community development, bringing leaders together to advance shared priorities and create meaningful value for businesses and the communities they serve.
Hartwick most recently served as President & CEO of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, providing executive leadership across organizational strategy, financial management, membership development, economic development, advocacy, workforce initiatives, and community partnerships. During his tenure, he worked closely with the Chamber's Board of Directors, elected officials, business leaders, and regional partners to strengthen the organization's role as a catalyst for business growth and economic opportunity.
His experience includes advancing business retention and expansion efforts, supporting business recruitment and community investment, developing strategic public-private partnerships, and serving as a leading voice for the business community with government and civic leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. His leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, accountability, strong governance, fiscal responsibility, and measurable results.
Before leading the North Little Rock Chamber, Hartwick served as President & CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce in Idaho, where he led strategic planning, operations, membership development, government affairs, financial management, and community partnerships. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with the Little Rock Regional Chamber and the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Hartwick is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and played football for the Razorbacks. He is also a graduate of the IEDC Mid-South Economic Development Institute and has completed additional professional leadership and sales development programs.
His leadership and contributions to the business community have been recognized through his selection to Arkansas Business' Top 250 Leaders and recognition by Arkansas Money & Politics. He has also been actively involved in leadership programs and organizations focused on business, economic development, and community engagement.
Hartwick is married and enjoys an active, health-conscious lifestyle outside of his professional work. He and his wife enjoy traveling, experiencing new places and cultures, and spending time in the kitchen cooking together.
Hartwick brings to his next leadership opportunity a strategic and forward-looking approach, a commitment to strong relationships and organizational excellence, and a passion for creating environments where businesses, professionals, and communities can thrive.