Bobby Howard serves as the Executive Director of Arkansas Appleseed, leading public policy advocacy, development and communications, and organizational performance.

A life-long Arkansan, Bobby received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Arkansas’ Fulbright College, conducting multi-disciplinary research in philosophy of religion, political philosophy, cognitive science, and human rights theory.

Bobby approaches issue advocacy work as an educator, with a decade of classroom teaching experience at a land-grant public institution. Bobby believes in the power of education (and higher education, in particular) to level the playing field for students and their families, and he knows the role of education in improving futures and life outcomes.

Following eight years of electoral and issue advocacy work in this region of the country, Bobby is inspired by the prior achievements of Arkansas Appleseed, and is eager to continue forward progress.

Jen Standerfer (Bentonville, AR) is an experienced trial attorney with backgrounds in criminal, elections, and contract law. Jen has twenty years of experience in criminal justice, including time as a prosecutor, public defender, legislative relations, and victims' rights advocacy.

Jen is a seasoned litigator and has a track record of protecting Arkansans' access to the ballot. In 2024 Jen was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists for her work on behalf of the Arkansas Press Association to protect freedom of information in Arkansas.

We're thrilled to benefit from Jen's leadership in the policy space.