LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Today Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald announced the appointment of Joseph (Joe) Bailey as Executive Director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission, effective May 27. Bailey succeeds Cassandra Caldwell, who has served in the role since 2020.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joe to the Department of Commerce,” McDonald said. “His experience and long-standing commitment to Arkansas’ economic development and infrastructure will be invaluable in this role.”
Bailey brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in economic development, infrastructure coordination, and strategic project management across both public and private sectors. Most recently, he served for more than a decade as senior project manager of economic development and external affairs at Entergy Arkansas. Prior to that, he was director of business development at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. He holds a degree in manufacturing technology from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in public administration.
“Joe’s background and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our river system make him a great fit for this role,” said John C. Edwards, Chair of the Arkansas Waterways Commission. “We’re excited to have his leadership as we continue advancing Arkansas’ inland waterways as a critical part of the state’s infrastructure and economy.”
The Arkansas Waterways Commission is the sole state agency responsible for developing, promoting and protecting waterborne transportation in Arkansas. The Commission also promotes economic development for ports on the state’s five commercially navigable rivers: the Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, Red and White rivers.