By David Edwards on October 19th, 2022

Media Contact:  David Edwards
Phone:  501-748-3303  
Email:  dedwards@arkansashospice.org

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Kim Kirkman has joined Arkansas Hospice as Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, and Laura Grimes has been added as Arkansas Hospice Foundation’s Communications and Events Coordinator.

Kirkman will lead the Arkansas Hospice Foundation team and fundraising campaigns including planned giving, capital campaigns, memorials, and grants. She recently completed her educational doctorate in educational leadership from Harding University in Searcy, where she also earned a master’s of education reading specialist and bachelor of arts in elementary education degrees, graduating cum laude. Her previous experience includes Regional Director of Development for Taylor University of Upland, Indiana, where her tenure coincided with a record year of fundraising. Before her time at Taylor, she served as Executive Director of the American Studies Institute of Harding University. In addition to these roles, Kirkman was a teacher for 12 years where she taught in college, high school, junior high and elementary schools. She has also served as a children’s minister in Christian education and has been a successful business owner in the fields of retail children’s clothing and residential construction. “As an educator, fundraiser, business owner, but most importantly a caregiver who has experienced the impact Arkansas Hospice has on families, I have a passion for the mission of this incredible organization,” Kirkman said. “It is truly an honor to be in a role where I can lead the Arkansas Hospice Foundation and educate donors about the incredible ways their gifts improve the lives of Arkansans facing life-limiting illness.”

Grimes graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Theater Arts from Hendrix College in Conway and is a graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in New York. She has experience in retail branding, merchandising, and marketing, and has worked as a Brand Manager and Media & Event Stylist for P. Allen Smith Companies. Most recently, Grimes was the Executive Director for Argenta Community Theater in North Little Rock. In her new role at the Arkansas Hospice Foundation, Grimes will provide media support for foundation activities and fundraising campaigns, and coordinate events such as “Party at the Plaza,” Arkansas Hospice’s signature annual fundraising event.

Arkansas Hospice President and CEO Judy Wooten said, “We are thrilled to have Kimberlee and Laura as a part of our organization. Their passion for our mission, coupled with their talents and experience will help take our philanthropic activities to the next level, and, in turn help our fellow Arkansans with serious illness live better.”

About Arkansas Hospice

Caring since 1992, Arkansas Hospice’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for those facing serious illness and loss by surrounding them with love and embracing them with the best in physical, emotional, and spiritual care. The hospice care provider is the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards, as well as numerous other awards for quality of care, including Hospice Honors Elite from HEALTHCAREfirst, as well as the only hospice in Arkansas to be certified by the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for nonprofit service to Arkansas’ veteran population. For more information, visit https://arkansashospice.org.