Catalyst NEA 2026 is bringing big ideas back to Jonesboro, and Kalmer Solutions will be part of the conversation.

Kalmer Solutions is proud to share that Chief Executive Officer Nathan LaRue has been named a panelist for Catalyst NEA: Economic Development and Leadership Forum, hosted by Arkansas State University on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro.

Now entering its third year, Catalyst NEA brings together business leaders, educators, policymakers, researchers and innovators for conversations focused on the issues shaping Northeast Arkansas and the broader Mid-South.

The forum has attracted more than 600 attendees in each of its first two years.

Catalyst NEA 2026 Brings Leaders Together

This year’s program will feature four panel discussions examining how research, education, industry and public leadership can work together to strengthen the economy, prepare the workforce and improve quality of life.

The four discussions will focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, university-industry partnerships, workforce development and rural health.

  • Innovation and Resilience: Building the Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Workforce Together
    This discussion will explore how the region can prepare its workforce for an artificial intelligence-driven economy while strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure.
  • The Innovation Engine: University-Industry Partnerships That Deliver Results
    This discussion will examine how universities, businesses and research organizations can turn discoveries and expertise into practical solutions.
  • Bridging Learning and Earning: Strengthening the Workforce Continuum
    This discussion will focus on building stronger connections from kindergarten through 12th grade, higher education and employment.
  • Rewriting the Rural Health Playbook: Collaboration That Delivers
    This discussion will explore how universities, health care providers and community partners can address gaps in rural health care access.

A Regional Conversation with a Technology Perspective

Arkansas State University named Nathan among the Catalyst NEA 2026 panelists alongside leaders representing transportation, higher education, research, business, education, health care and public policy.

His participation gives Kalmer Solutions another opportunity to contribute to regional conversations about technology, cybersecurity, workforce readiness and economic growth.

These issues are deeply connected. Organizations need strong technology systems, prepared employees, practical cybersecurity strategies and partnerships that help them adapt as risks and opportunities change.

Meaningful progress happens when people with different areas of expertise stop working in separate lanes and begin building the road together.

Building the Cybersecurity Workforce Through Partnership

Nathan’s participation comes as Kalmer Solutions and Arkansas State University continue developing the Red Wolf Security Operations Center.

The student-led cybersecurity center is designed to give students hands-on experience while strengthening the university’s cybersecurity capabilities.

Through a three-year agreement, Kalmer Solutions serves as the founding strategic industry partner, supporting the program through mentorship, training, collaboration and ongoing investment.

That partnership makes the workforce discussion tangible. Workforce readiness does not happen through conversation alone. It grows through mentorship, practical learning and opportunities to work through real-world challenges.

“By creating stronger partnerships, we can accelerate discovery, strengthen our economy and produce solutions with an impact well beyond Northeast Arkansas.”

Calvin White Jr.
Interim Chancellor, Arkansas State University

Connected Challenges Require Collaborative Solutions

Catalyst NEA 2026 is designed to bring together people who may work in different industries, institutions or parts of the state but are often trying to solve connected problems.

Cybersecurity, workforce development, economic growth, education and community resilience do not exist in isolation. Each area affects the others, and progress requires leaders who are willing to exchange ideas, share resources and create practical solutions.

For Kalmer Solutions, participating in that conversation reflects our commitment to supporting the organizations, professionals and future technology leaders who keep Arkansas moving forward.

Event Details

Event: Catalyst NEA: Economic Development and Leadership Forum
Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
Location: Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center
City: Jonesboro, Arkansas

Individual tickets are $60, corporate tables are $550, and group registration and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Learn More

Read the official Catalyst NEA 2026 announcement from Arkansas State University.

Tickets, registration details and sponsorship information are available at AState.edu/Catalyst.

Strong regions are built when the right people, ideas and opportunities meet in the same room.

See you at Catalyst NEA.