Arkansas Children’s Foundation has announced four new members to its board of directors: Trav Baxter, Fadil Bayyari, Angie Staley Johnson, and Katie Stephens. They join the 36-member board that represents statewide communities served by Arkansas Children's. Baxter, Bayyari, and Johnson were elected to three-year terms that began on January 1, 2024. Stephens, also elected to a three-year term, began her service on July 1, 2024.
Baxter recently started his own firm, Baxter Law Group. He provides counsel to individuals and business entities in the areas of estate planning, taxes, trusts, formation and operation of business entities and succession planning. He is a fellow in The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in trusts and estates.
Bayyari is the founder and CEO of Bayyari Properties and Construction, a real estate development company in northwest Arkansas. He has operated the business for more than 30 years and is a longtime supporter of Arkansas Children’s.
Johnson served as president of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) Auxiliary Board of Directors in 2022-2023. She is a board-certified pediatric occupational therapist, serves as comptroller for her husband’s company, JPJ Consulting, and previously served on the board of directors of Staley, Inc.
Stephens, a lifetime member of the ACH Auxiliary, has been a generous supporter of Arkansas Children’s for several years. During her years as an attorney, her passion for public service led her to provide pro bono legal services through the Center for Arkansas Legal Services. She maintains a commitment to helping others, currently serving on the board of trustees for Episcopal Collegiate School and the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute after previously serving as a board member for several other esteemed organizations across Arkansas.
“We are thrilled to welcome these new board members,” said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer at Arkansas Children's. “Their diverse backgrounds, expertise and community service leadership are invaluable as we advocate and promote a culture of philanthropy throughout Arkansas and beyond. With their passion and dedication, we look forward to achieving even greater success together as we fundraise to support Arkansas Children’s historic expansion.”
Arkansas Children's is building a new generation of care with its multimillion-dollar expansion project, announced in 2023. The plan will expand bed capacity, transform inpatient and outpatient surgical approaches with the addition of an ambulatory surgery center, redesign clinical spaces to promote multidisciplinary care, and create an inviting and accessible campus experience.