Alma Mater: Lyon College
A quote or motto you live by: Encourage, engage and equip others to believe in the possibilities is my personal mission statement.
Kemp has shown fortitude and determination throughout her storied career, which originally began by working for the Forrest City Chamber of Commerce and Conway Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas. It was then she realized her passion for supporting communities and economic growth, and when she joined Conway Corp. in 2000, her enthusiasm only intensified. Kemp has since worked to create pathways for women within her company and in the energy workforce—where women make up 25% of the overall group.
Impact Factor: Kemp’s mentorship and guidance helped her become the first woman president of the Mid-America Cable Telecommunications Association. That’s not the only glass ceiling she broke—she’s a member of the Conway Kiwanis Club, where she became the chapter’s first female president in 2000, the same year Kemp was chosen as Kiwanian of the Year. She was recognized as NCTC’s Marketing Executive of the Year in September 2024. Kemp currently sits on the board for United Way of Central Arkansas and MACTA.
Where do you find energy and inspiration outside the office? Right now, my greatest source of energy and inspiration is leading my Girl Scout troop. I’ve been a troop leader for 20 years and currently have both Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts. Planning meetings, mentoring young girls and watching them grow in confidence brings me real joy. Even more rewarding is seeing former scouts as adults—hearing how their Girl Scout experiences helped shape who they’ve become.
How do you amplify the voices of others around you? I want to create space–for reflection, for contribution and for growth. Whether I’m mentoring a team member, facilitating a leadership book study, or leading a training workshop, I want to be drawing out the strengths and perspectives of others. I especially try to tune into people who might be hesitant to speak up. I want to intentionally invite participation from everyone and give individuals the confidence to step forward. I also try to champion people behind the scenes–nominating them for opportunities, recommending them for stretch roles and reminding them of their value–maybe before they see it themselves.
For me, amplifying voices isn’t about volume–it’s about intention, encouragement and trust.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities to make an impact in the next few years? I believe one of the greatest opportunities ahead lies in how we grow and support future leaders. That’s a big part of why I continue to invest my time and passion volunteering with Girl Scouts and youth organizations–because leadership starts long before a job title. I hope more companies are embracing the need for emotionally intelligent, values-based leadership–the kind that leads with clarity, empathy and self-awareness. I’m especially passionate about helping others become more reflective, confident and connected to their purpose. I see so much potential in leadership development that prioritizes communication, coaching and culture-building–not just task management. And as a woman who has benefited from mentorship myself, I feel a deep responsibility to support and elevate emerging women leaders to want to lead in this way.
If you weren’t in this business, what career might you have pursued? No matter what field I was in, I think storytelling and helping others grow and connect through stories would always be part of what I’d want to do. I love our National Parks, so maybe I’d be a park interpreter—or possibly a facilitator for leadership retreats, creating space for reflection and personal insight. A few years ago, I became certified in the Birkman Method for coaching individuals and organizations, and I’ve truly enjoyed seeing how impactful that kind of coaching can be when it helps people understand themselves and others more deeply.
Who or what had the biggest impact on your leadership journey? I’ve been fortunate to have leaders and mentors who invested in me early on. One of my early bosses saw potential I didn’t fully see in myself yet. He encouraged me to grow, gave me real responsibilities and provided professional development opportunities that set the foundation for my career. That kind of belief early on made a lasting difference. But my leadership roots go back even further. I spent time in the summers growing up with my grandparents, and my grandfather–an Army veteran—was one of the first people to talk to me seriously about leadership. He often told me I should take psychology classes or anything that would help me understand people. He believed that no matter what career I chose, people skills would be the most important asset I had. He was right. That message stuck with me. To this day, I’m a lifelong learner—constantly reading and reflecting. Authors like Brené Brown have shaped the way I think about leadership, vulnerability, emotional intelligence and organizational health. I truly believe we lead better when we’re learning, questioning and staying curious. Those early lessons, combined with my passion for continued growth, have shaped how I lead—with empathy, insight and a commitment to always get better.
If your colleagues had to describe you in three words, what would they say: This is more than three words—but I think they would say I care deeply, I communicate boldly and I hold space for real connection.