Emily Medlock has been handed the keys to Bentonville’s business engine, at least for now.
The Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that the group’s board of directors tapped Medlock to serve as interim executive director. The move comes as the chamber prepares for the departure of President and Chief Executive Officer Brandom Gengelbach, whose last day falls this Saturday, October 31.
Gengelbach isn’t just walking out the door. According to the press release, he remains on payroll to assist the board and staff through the transition period.
Medlock brings a résumé that feels familiar to anyone who knows the local rhythm. Before taking the helm here, she spent three years at Blake Street, Bentonville’s bustling social club that sits right in the middle of the action on SW Second Street. She ran the show there as director of membership and general manager—balancing the high-energy nightlife vibe with corporate connections.
She joined the Chamber in May of this year as director of business development. In that short span, she’s been acclimating to the unique ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas, where the lines between corporate headquarters and hyper-local dining and culture blur on a daily basis.
“I’m honored by the Board’s confidence and excited to work alongside our staff, members and partners,” Medlock said in the release. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do. As we look toward 2027, I want to hear what they need, build on what’s working, and create more opportunities for businesses.”
A moment of transition
Leadership changes at the Chamber are rarely subtle. As the voice of the largest employment hub in the state, the organization plays a massive role in everything from downtown density debates to how Walmart’s corporate land-use policies affect the rest of Benton County.
Medlock’s appointment is a bridge. The Chamber released a statement indicating she will focus on maintaining current member services, pushing forward upcoming programs, and supporting strategic planning for 2027. Essentially, she’s tasked with keeping the lights on and
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
