Karen Hutchins

Karen K. Hutchins currently serves as the executive director of the Arkansas Bar Association and the president of the National Association of Bar Executives. Prior to becoming the executive director, Ms. Hutchins served as the associate executive director and the director of continuing legal education of the Arkansas Bar Association. Ms. Hutchins earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 2013. During her time as executive director she has led the association in many changes and innovations. Advancements in website and mobile technology have provided state of the art communication opportunities for association members. The internal association technological advances and integrations have provided for a more efficient and economical operation. A current board member of both the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) and the Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Ms. Hutchins will serve as chair Vice President for NABE and President for ASAE in 2016-17 bar year. Additionally, she is a member of the American, Arkansas, and Pulaski County Bar Associations, the State Bar of Texas, and the American Society of Association Executives. Ms. Hutchins is also an Arkansas Bar Foundation Fellow. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law Center. Ms. Hutchins previously practiced law in both Texas and Arkansas concentrating in trust, wills, real estate, and oil and gas law. She continues to share her knowledge of the law and nonprofit management with students teaching online courses in both business law and business management.