New Executive Director Appointed for Arkansas Waterways Commission

A new executive director has been named for the Arkansas Waterways Commission. The commission board has appointed Cassandra Caldwell to take the reins of the organization.

As executive director, Caldwell will head up the state’s agency for overseeing and promoting waterborne transportation and economic development for the ports of the Arkansas, Mississippi, O

“I am thrilled to have Cassandra here at the Arkansas Department of Commerce as our Executive Director of the Waterways Commission,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said in a statement. “With 1,800 miles of navigable waterways, it is critical that our waterway transportation meets the needs of businesses and provides easy access to U.S. markets around the world. Her skills and experience are top notch and exactly what we need in this role.”

Caldwell is replacing Deidre Smith, the commission’s executive director since 2017. She assumes her new role on Monday, Feb. 24.

Most recently, Caldwell served as the administrative programs officer for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.  She previously served in the U.S. Navy.

She holds a degree in medical and molecular biology from Rogers State University and also an associate’s degree in biology and legal studies.