Arkansas Advanced Energy Association Staff
-
Lauren Waldrip
Executive Director
-
Jill Balaster
Director of Operations
-
Ebony Mitchell, MBA
Director of External Relations
-
Stephanie Slagle, TMP
Communications Manager
Staff Bios
Lauren Waldrip
Lauren Waldrip previously acted as partner at Campbell Ward, a Little Rock based public affairs and public relations firm. A native of Moro, Lauren oversaw communications, promotional efforts, media relations, trade association management, event planning, marketing strategies, government relations, grassroots engagement and activities for state and federal PACs.
While at Campbell Ward, Lauren served as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Rice Federation and testified on behalf of farmers before the Public Service Commission regarding net metering.
She has worked as Project Coordinator for the Razorback Foundation, where she created and implemented a program that increased membership by 20%. Lauren assisted with the re-branding of the Razorback Foundation and aided in planning events for current and prospective donors. She has provided public relations assistance for U.S. Senator John Boozman and for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.
Lauren serves on the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission and the Arkansas Foodbank board. She has been named to Arkansas Business’ 20 in their 20’s and Arkansas Money and Politics’ Future 50 lists and is a Leadership Arkansas graduate.
Executive Director
Jill Balaster
Jill Balaster serves as the Director of Operations & Communications at the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Arkansas Tech University.
Prior to her current role, Jill was the President of an Arkansas-based startup solar development company from January 2021 to April 2023. During her tenure, she implemented project management tools, streamlined operations, and developed comprehensive HR policies. Her efforts led to a 200% growth in the workforce within two years.
At the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, Jill has quickly made an impact by enhancing operational efficiency and communication strategies. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and driving the association's mission forward.
Outside of work, Jill is passionate about health and fitness, travel, photography, and gardening. She and her husband are currently restoring a live-aboard sailboat with plans to travel the world.
Director of Operations
Ebony Mitchell, MBA
Mitchell, a Harrison, Arkansas native, brings a wealth of experience in external affairs and marketing. Most recently, she served as the Director of External Affairs for the Arkansas Foodbank, following her tenure as a Marketing Specialist with Conway Regional Health System. A dedicated professional with a strong academic foundation, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from John Brown University. Recognized for her leadership and service, Mitchell was appointed by Governor Sarah Sanders to the Arkansas 250 Commission and is an esteemed member of the Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL. Additionally, she was honored as Miss Arkansas in 2022.
As Director of External Relations for AAEA and AAEF, Mitchell is responsible for stakeholder engagement, advocacy, membership growth, and external partnerships.
Director of External Relations
Stephanie Slagle, TMP
Maumelle native Slagle brings more than 16 years of communications experience to AAEA and AAEF. She worked in public relations for Mangan Holcomb Partners before joining the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2013. Rising through the ranks to Vice President of Marketing and Communications over ten years, she was honored as a 2021 Hospitality Hero by the Arkansas Hospitality Association and featured in Little Rock Soiree's "Women to Watch" 2022. Her photography appeared in prominent publications like AY Magazine and Arkansas Business. A Hendrix College graduate with a strategic communications certificate from University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Slagle is also a certified Travel Marketing Professional (TMP).
As Communications Manager for AAEA and AAEF, Slagle is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
Communications Manager