Natural State News

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s (AEDC) former director of marketing, Esperanza Massana-Crane, is taking over as the new director for the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWOBE) Division.

The position had been vacant since December, when former director Patricia Brown retired, according to an AEDC press release. 

Mike Preston, Arkansas secretary of Commerce, said that Massana-Crane, who has filled a number of roles at the AEDC over the past seven years, is a good fit for the position, according to the release.

“We conducted a thorough search for the next person to fill this position, and we are confident that Esperanza’s diverse professional portfolio and experience will be an incredible asset to the state as she steps into her new role as director of the MWOBE Division,” Preston said in the release.

Preston said that he feels she will carry on with the legacy created by Brown, according to the release.

“My goal and passion in economic development is to create opportunities,” Massana-Crane said in the release. “I look forward to elevating our women and minority-owned businesses and the significant role they play in our diverse economy. It is an honor and a privilege to follow in Pat Brown’s footsteps and build upon her legacy.”

As director at the division, Massana-Crane will be responsible for overseeing its role in providing technical and professional assistance, as well as state vendor certification, according to the release. The division also works to provide networking opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses.

She is also active in the community, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, according to the release. She is also a member of the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. 

“I look forward to seeing the MWOBE Division thrive under Esperanza’s leadership,” Preston said in the release.