12 Jan 2026 Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana announces new Board

Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana has announced new leadership for its 2026 Board of Directors.

The board has named Phyllis Rogers, CFO of Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, as Chair where she will serve a two-year term. Rogers began her first term as board member in 2015 and a second term in 2022. She will succeed outgoing Board Chair Eric Mangham who joined the board in 2019.

“I am truly honored and excited to serve as Chair of the Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana board, and I recognize I have big shoes to fill following Eric Mangham. Eric’s leadership guided us through an incredible period of growth, including our expansion into Northwest Arkansas and the opening of our Ronald McDonald House in Shreveport,” said Phyllis Rogers. “I’m looking forward to continuing to serve even more families across Arkansas and North Louisiana alongside our exceptional CEO, Janell Mason, and her outstanding team. They truly have a heart for the mission of supporting families when they need it most.” 

Along with Rogers, Brent Beaulieu of Baptist Health Medical Center has been elevated to Vice Chair, Darryl Webb will take on the role of Secretary, and Derek Pierce of Forvis Mazars will serve as Treasurer. The board also elected five new members who will start their three-year terms. They are Mandy Richardson, Melissa Udouj, Lori Grunwald, Dr. Caroline Crocker, and Stephanie Shine.

Mandy Richardson is the President of the Consumer Division for Arkansas Business Publishing Group/360 West and Publisher of Soiree Magazine in Little Rock.

Melissa Udouj is a community leader and philanthropist based in Fort Smith and is a longtime volunteer and committee member for Ronald McDonald House: Fort Smith.

Lori Grunwald is the Compliance Office for Simmons Bank and has volunteered with Ronald McDonald House for several years. 

Dr. Caroline Crocker, DO is a Neonatologist with UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Stephanie Shine is the Co-founder and Partner of Arkansas Talent Group and most recent chair for A Night in Vegas, a Ronald McDonald House fundraising event.

The Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana board of directors has 34 members representing each program location from Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith, Little Rock, and North Louisiana. These new additions fill the seats of five members whose term ended at the close of 2025. We want to thank them for their exceptional service and leadership during unprecedented years of growth for our organization.

“Our recent expansion reflects not just more Ronald McDonald House programs, but years of strategic governance and dedicated service from our board members.  I am incredibly grateful to our outgoing board members, whose guidance, integrity, and commitment to our mission helped strengthen our organization and extend our impact for the families we serve. Their leadership has positioned us well for the work ahead,” said Janell Mason, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana.

Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana is a locally funded and operated nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. Find out more at ronaldmcdonaldhousearnla.organd follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @ronaldmcdonaldhousearnla.