2024 Board of Directors Election

Attention all ARAPA members! We are now holding elections for open positions on the Board of Directors starting in 2024. Please vote here. Elections will remain open until Tuesday, 11/14. 

The nominees are:

President Elect - OPEN
Vice President - Carol Trana
Secretary - Abby Rainwater
Director at Large: Northwest - Amber Acord
Director at Large: Central - Sarah Lindsey
Director at Large: Southeast - Allen Childers
Director at Large: Southwest - Jesse Clark

Nominations have been open for two weeks but unfortunately we have not received any nominations for President-Elect. If you are interested in this position, please contact presidentelect@arkansaspa.org. Of note, Allen Childers has stepped down from the position of Southwest Director at Large in order to run for Southeast, leaving Southwest open. Jesse Clark has been nominated to run for this position. 

Biographies for each candidate can be found below, descriptions of each role can be found in the bylaws. 

Vice President - Carol Trana
I received a BA degree in French from Northern Michigan University and BS degrees in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Arkansas at Monticello where I also studied Spanish and Education.  I received a master’s degree from Harding University in Physician Assistant Studies and currently work at UAMS in Medical and Biochemical Genetics.  I am the ARAPA Central Region Director-at-Large and is a member of the ARAPA Legislative Committee.   I am currently a Naturalist-in-Training (a NiT!) with the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists, hoping eventually to become a Certified Master Naturalist. 

Secretary - Abby Rainwater
Abby received her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Before pursuing a career as a PA, Abby worked at Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta in the field of applied behavior analysis therapy, primarily working with children with autism. Following graduation from the UAMS PA program in 2018, Abby joined OrthoArkansas as a neurosurgery PA with roles in the clinic, hospital, and OR. Abby enjoys first assisting in surgery and helping patients navigate their postoperative experience. Abby is currently at home with her two daughters and serves as secretary of ARAPA as well as co-chair of ARAPA Communications and Outreach Committee.

Director at Large: Northwest - Amber Acord
Amber Acord is a family medicine physician assistant. She has been employed by River Valley Primary Care Services, a federally qualified health center, for the past four years. She has worked at RVPCS locations in Ratcliff, Fort Smith, and Waldron. After completing her undergraduate education at Arkansas Tech, she obtained her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Harding University in 2018.

Director at Large: Central - Sarah Lindsey
I graduated from UAMS with my BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in 2013 and then my Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2019. I have worked in Interventional Radiology following graduation and could not love it more. I am extremely passionate about investing in both the current PA profession and helping train the upcoming PA’s by precepting students and being a part of the UAMS PA Program Advisory Committee to assist in admissions. I look forward to helping our profession continue to grow as I serve on the board of directors for ARAPA.

Director at Large: Southeast - Allen Childers 
I graduated from UAMS and entered the Physician Assistant profession in 2017. Immediately after graduation, I began my career in Urology and continue to practice in this specialty today. I started practicing in Little Rock but made my way to south Arkansas where I currently see over 6000 patients a year in El Dorado, Monticello, and White Hall. I am amazed at the growth of the Physician Assistant profession in the state of Arkansas in the 5 short years I have practiced. This is what led me to join ARAPA so that I could help support and facilitate the continued growth of the Physician Assistant profession in this great state. Since joining ARAPA BOD, I have also joined the CME committee. In my “spare time”, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, hunting/fishing, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. 

Director at Large: Southwest - Jesse Clark
I earned my Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2017 and my Doctorate in Healthcare Leadership and Administration from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2021. I have practiced in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine specialties. I have been an active member of ARAPA and currently serve as the Vice President and Communications & Outreach Co-Chair. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family.