Northwest Technical Institute

Originally from Guatemala, Mr. Chicas relocated to the United States over 20 years ago. He graduated from John Brown University, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Mr. Chicas has spent 20 years working as a Sports Broadcaster and News Reporter. Some of his time was spent covering Arkansas Razorback sports in Spanish, where he was named “Voice of the Razorbacks” in 2007. He is currently working for the second largest Spanish TV network, Telemundo. He is also the General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Hola Media Group. Mr. Chicas and his wife, Deysi have three children.

Dr. Johnson comes to us from the University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing where she serves as an Associate Professor. Dr. Johnson has been a nurse educator teaching both undergraduate and graduate students for over 30 years. Dr. Johnson is the co-founder of Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding and Infant Support Organization. Dr. Johnson completed a research fellowship with UAMS in community engaged research with a focus on Pacific Islander Health. She graduated from Springdale High School and continues to serve the Springdale community through her research and community activities.

Aaron Wright received a BA from Henderson State University and a M.Ed. in Technical Educational Administration from the U of A in Fayetteville. He’s been a member of the American Welding Society for 20 years and currently holds certificates as a Welding Inspector, Welding Educator, Welding Supervisor and Robotic Welding Technician. He is partners in two Arkansas businesses, United Robotics Inc. and Lancaster Properties. He is currently on a mission to help America continue to lead the world with innovation in the manufacturing sector

Derek Gibson is an Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending at Legacy National Bank in Springdale. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BS in Industrial Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology with an MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at SMU. He also serves on the boards of the Art Center of the Ozarks, Springdale Public Housing Authority and Downtown Springdale, Alliance.