AEDC Executive Director O’Neal Named to North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers List

Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), was recently recognized as one of the top economic developers in America.

O’Neal was selected by Consultant Connect for its 2025 “North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers” list. Consultant Connect is a consulting agency dedicated to bridging the gap between economic developers and site location consultants.

The “North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers” list is an annual recognition that spotlights outstanding economic development professionals for the leadership, innovative strategies, and measurable impact on their communities. Recipients are nominated by their peers in both the economic development and site consulting industries.

O’Neal was named Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and has served in this role since 2023.

He has more than 17 years of economic development experience and is passionate about making an impact by helping communities win economic development projects and helping companies be successful in Arkansas. O’Neal began his economic career in 2007 as a project manager for AEDC before joining the Missouri Partnership in 2011 as the Vice President of Business Recruitment. He returned to Arkansas, rejoining AEDC in 2018 as the Deputy Director of Global Business.

“At Consultant Connect, we believe economic development goes beyond infrastructure and investment—it’s about creating opportunities that transform lives,” said a spokesperson from Consultant Connect. “We’re honored to shine a spotlight on these exceptional leaders who are driving meaningful change across North America.”

Consultant Connect will officially recognize the 2025 recipients and present their awards during the ECONOMIX event on November 12 in Lake Nona, Fla.