Kay Stebbins, who joined Boyette Strategic Advisors in August 2005, has an extensive background in economic development and communications, both as an employee in state government and as an account manager at Arkansas’ largest advertising agency.

Stebbins served as Director of Information Services for the Arkansas Department of Economic Development (ADED) for four years. In that position she was responsible for research and communications. While at ADED, Stebbins directed a major targeted industry study for the state of Arkansas and managed many successful location proposals.

Since leaving ADED, Stebbins has worked for seven years as a freelance public relations professional. In that role, she has worked with legislators to develop constituent relations programs and managed an effort to strengthen gun storage laws in Arkansas following the tragic school shooting in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Stebbins also has advised a variety of corporations on public policy issues and has conducted research for healthcare organizations, political candidates, economic development organizations and non-profit associations.

Stebbins also worked for six years as a Senior Public Relations Account Executive for Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods, a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations agency in Little Rock, where she was the lead staff for government and political accounts, in addition to project work on a utility company merger and a program to promote education reform. During that time, Stebbins had the opportunity to serve as a member of the Clinton-Gore Campaign Advance Team, where she organized events ranging from Mr. Clinton’s campaign announcement to Election Night activities. Prior to her tenure at CJRW, she was Communications Supervisor for the Arkansas Department of Education from 1986 to 1988 and Assistant Press Secretary in the Office of the Governor from 1983 to 1986.

Stebbins is an accredited member and past president of the Public Relations Society of America, Arkansas Chapter. In 2004 she received the chapter’s Crystal Award, the highest award given to a chapter member, for lifetime achievement in public relations. She also is a past recipient of the PRSA President’s Award for outstanding service to the organization. Stebbins serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Centers for Youth and Families and is a past Secretary and Treasurer of that organization. She also is former vice chair of the Board of Trustees of The Cathedral School, and she chaired the school’s Marketing Committee. In addition, Stebbins is a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Little Rock.

A native of Little Rock, Stebbins received a bachelor of fine arts degree in journalism from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She and her husband, Robert, have two daughters, Laura and Caroline. They attend Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where Stebbins teaches the First Grade Sunday School class and is active in the Wedding Guild.

I most admire: Mary Kay Ash, who gave women unmatched opportunities to succeed in business.

Favorite quote: "It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

I'm proud of: My family – two beautiful, thoughtful daughters and a supportive, loving husband.

In the kitchen, I make: Dinner for my family five nights a week.

I really enjoy: Sports (watching, not playing!), spending time with my kids, cooking and knitting.