From Crisis to Clarity: Leadership Lessons With Jessica Hughes Ford

In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, Lisa Van Hook and Hannah Phillips welcome Jessica Hughes Ford, APR — Chief Communications Officer at Arkansas Community Foundation — for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership and the real work behind impact.

Jessica shares her career journey from Heifer International to leading communications at one of the state’s most influential philanthropic organizations. Along the way, she opens up about navigating crisis communications, earning her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), and the lessons learned from building a strong internal culture that empowers teams and drives mission-aligned results.

With clarity and candor, Jessica offers insight into what it takes to lead in high-stakes situations — and why investing in people is just as important as investing in the mission.

Tune in for an inspiring look at how great leadership starts with listening.

Learn more about Jessica and her work: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/jessica-ford