Meet the Association Staff
Executive Director
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
Director of Operations & Communications
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 & Communications
Public Relations & Policy Intern
Amelia Southern-Uribe
Amelia Southern-Uribe is a proud Colombian-American pursuing an advertising/public relations and political science degree with a minor in sustainability. They are particularly interested in strategic communication to increase climate action and education to ensure environmental justice. As the founder and editor of Roots Magazine, Amelia leverages advocacy through art and media to expand access to equitable environmental education. Amelia founded Zero Hour Arkansas, an advocacy organization merging science, activism, and creativity to empower youth to engage with environmental issues, resulting in an effort that diverted 238,128 pounds of waste.
Amelia also serves on various boards of directors, such as the Arkansas Environmental Education Association. They were named a 2023 Udall Scholar, 2024 Truman Scholar Finalist, 2024 Aspen Future Climate leader, and 2022 City of Fayetteville’s Environmental Steward. After graduation, Amelia wants to pursue an MA in environmental management to shape intersectional solutions and impactful climate action for Southern communities through intentional community engagement. In their leisure time, Amelia likes weightlifting, painting, hiking, and spending time with their family.
Public Relations & Policy Intern