30 Jun 2025 Natural State Council of Scouting America honors community legend

Posted at 7:41 PMh in News by

The Natural State Council of Scouting America proudly hosted its annual Heart of the Eagle: Community Legends dinner on May 21 at the St. Joseph Spiritan Center in Conway. 

This year’s event celebrated the extraordinary contributions of William “Bill” Adkisson, a revered figure in the community, for his decades of service in law, business and civic leadership.

Jamie Gates (from left), chair of the Heart of the Eagle committee, Don Greenland, Natural State Council board president, William “Bill” Adkisson, Heart of the Eagle 2025 honoree, and Shanna Richardson, Natural State Council CEO.

The evening opened with a presentation by Troop 534 Scouts, followed by a heartfelt welcome from Jamie Gates, chair of the Heart of the Eagle Committee and executive vice president of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. The program highlighted the enduring impact of Scouting in Arkansas, which serves more than 8,500 youth and adult members across 67 counties.

Adkisson was recognized for his distinguished legal career, community leadership and unwavering commitment to Conway’s growth and prosperity. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Arkansas School of Law, he has spent more than 40 years guiding individuals and businesses through complex legal matters while championing economic development initiatives through his work with the Conway Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Bill Adkisson exemplifies the values of Scouting — integrity, service and leadership,” said Jerry Adams, retired president and CEO of the Arkansas Research Alliance, during the tribute. “His legacy is not only in the courtroom or boardroom, but in the lives he’s touched and the community he’s helped shape.”

The event also celebrated the achievements of the Natural State Council, including 162 Scouts earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 2024; more than 96,000 hours of community service performed; 40,600 pounds of food collected for local pantries; and more than 1,400 girls participating in Scouting programs.

The evening concluded with remarks from Don Greenland, council board president, and Shanna Richardson, Scout executive and CEO, who emphasized the importance of Scouting in developing the next generation of leaders.

For more information about the Natural State Council and how to support Scouting in Arkansas, visit naturalstatecouncil.org.