SPRINGDALE — SPRINGDALE — An Arkansas native with government experience in Washington, D.C. and California is returning home to head the Northwest Arkansas Council, the group announced Tuesday.
Nelson Peacock, 47, works as senior vice president for government relations for the University of California system and will take on his new post next month, he said at a brief press conference at the council's office. The council is a nonprofit group of civic and business leaders that aims to encourage healthy economic growth and higher quality of life for the region.
Peacock, who earned a doctorate in law from the University of Arkansas, said he hopes to strengthen the council's relationships with the area's city and county governments and continue its work to grow and develop the region's workforce. The council in some ways acts as a regional chamber of commerce, keeping a finger the local economy's pulse and working to attract new residents and employees to the area.
"I am looking forward to building on the region's excellent track record of success," Peacock said in a statement, adding Tuesday he sees his new position "as a public service job."