Excellerate Foundation today announced the upcoming retirement of its President/CEO, Jeff Webster, who will step down from his role in April 2025.
Webster, who has been instrumental in reshaping the Foundation’s work over the last six years, will leave behind a legacy of remarkable achievements. His degree of business acumen combined with the philanthropic and social services expertise on his team has been instrumental in developing Excellerate’s unique capabilities, which continue to be applied for the benefit of the hardworking but struggling families in Northwest Arkansas.
Webster's career is distinguished by his extensive experience in leadership at major corporations, including Kellogg's, Tyson Foods, and Simmons Foods, as well as key roles in several leading-edge startups. Since taking the helm at Excellerate Foundation, he has applied his expertise in operations, business development, and strategy to the philanthropic sector, spearheading innovative initiatives that have profoundly changed the landscape of support for the region’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population.
Reflecting on his time at the Foundation, Webster said, "This has been the most important and impactful work of my career. I'm honored to have played a role in creating better opportunities for Northwest Arkansas, and I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together."
Even after his official retirement, Webster plans to remain involved in supporting the Foundation’s mission, offering guidance when needed to help secure the success of Excellerate’s projects for the community.
"We are deeply grateful for Jeff’s vision and servant leadership, which have been instrumental in improving the lives of countless Northwest Arkansans,” said Stephen Dacus, Board Chair of Excellerate Foundation. "As we look to the future, the direction for the Foundation will remain the same–with the same goals and objectives–ensuring that Jeff’s vision continues to guide our efforts. Given the importance of local relationships in our work, the Board believes the right candidate is right here in Northwest Arkansas. We are engaged in a rigorous process to identify Jeff’s successor, and we intend to have this person in place by the end of 2024 in order to provide a generous transition period that will maintain continuity."
