Mr. Adams founded the Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) in 2008 as a non-profit, public-private economic development organization focused on investing in university research to change the economic trajectory of Arkansas. He retired as ARA president and chief executive officer in late 2021. Prior to starting ARA, Mr. Adams held a variety of senior leadership positions at Conway, Ark.-based Acxiom Corporation, a major database marketing firm, where he worked for 34 years, until his retirement in 2007. Throughout his career, Mr. Adams has been involved in a variety of initiatives with far-reaching outcomes in Arkansas – from energizing education to growing 21st century companies and jobs. Mr. Adams is working with a sense of urgency, serving organizations that move Arkansas forward.