2025 Donna Merriweather

Our recipient of the 2025 Jim Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award is Donna Merriweather, SPHR, SHRM-SCP.

Donna has shaped workplaces and mentored professionals across Arkansas and beyond. Our recipient has also spent a lifetime as an active SHRM volunteer – from serving as chapter President three times, ARSHRM Legislative Director, State Conference Chair twice, ELLA chair, State Director for three years, and many more roles. She has never been one to say “no” and is always willing to step up and help the Arkansas SHRM organization when needed.

Our recipient was a founding member of the West Central Arkansas SHRM chapter, and once signed checks for the organization when it was known as the Diamond Lakes Personnel Association in the early 1980s.

Beyond HR, this individual has led with purpose in the community — chairing boards for the United Way of Garland County as well as First Step School, and volunteering in countless ways that reflect quiet, servant-hearted leadership.

She began her career in banking, later serving as Vice President and HR Director in organizations — including a sixteen-year tenure at Mountain Valley Water and senior leadership roles at Summit Bank and Bear State Bank, where she guided the organization through a major acquisition. Today, she serves as the first Chief Human Resources Officer for Cyrus Works/Smith Family Funeral Homes, helping define culture, strategy, and talent development for a growing, multi-state enterprise.

Through every role, every initiative, and every act of service, Donna has lifted others, strengthened the profession, and modeled what true leadership looks like.