Terry Stewart

Southwest
Occupation: CEO of El Dorado Festivals and Events
Originally from: Daphne, Alabama
Home now: El Dorado

For just moving here from Cleveland, Terry Stewart is already one of the most influential Arkansans in the region. The former head of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is now the CEO of El Dorado Festivals & Events, and he wants the city to be the hottest arts destination in the South. With the help of right-hand man Austin Barrow (pictured, right) and a $75 million pool of funds, Terry works rapid-fire toward a late 2016 debut. There’ll be an amphitheater and park, a cabaret, a hotel—to name a few—and countless new events. “I believe in what El Dorado is trying to do, and I think it’ll be a template for other small towns in America struggling to find their way in the 21st Century,” Terry said.

Insider Knowledge

Your Town in Three Words: bold, bodacious, visionary

Best Place to eat: Fayrays

Best Local Events: All the events we’re planning for next year

One Thing Everyone Must Do: Showdown at Sunset

Best Day Trip: Hot Springs