About

Whether you’re on a bicycle, in the air, at a restaurant, strolling downtown, or enjoying a piece of art, those moments can be transformative – giving you a reason to think beyond the ordinary and imagine the extraordinary. Thinking big is at the core of what we do and drives us to make the region even better than we found it.

Steuart and Tom Walton began their work to advance Northwest Arkansas more than a decade ago. Since then, they’ve built a team of visionaries and investment professionals who are leading this region on a path to building a better community we can all enjoy now and for generations to come.

Explore what Northwest Arkansas has to offer today in the areas we’ve focused on and see what is to come next.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to sustainably develop and transform the Northwest Arkansas region into a dynamic “lifestyle” metropolitan area with a unique culture that reflects our heritage and natural beauty. By doing so, we all move forward.

Values

We believe in creating a healthy, outdoor-focused lifestyle for all those who live here; in building world-class downtown environments with unique cultural scenes; in offering mobility opportunities beyond automobiles; in becoming known for a welcoming and diverse culture; and in supporting bold civic and community leaders who fight complacency and advocate for a better future.

Runway was founded by brothers Tom and Steuart Walton. They have spent the past decade assembling a diverse team of investment professionals and visionaries that continue to propel the state into new and exciting opportunities.

Leadership Team

Chad Yoes, CEO

Chad Yoes is the CEO of Runway Group, in Bentonville, Arkansas. Chad has more than 20 years of experience in business and has built his career over multiple disciplines, including 18 years with Walmart.

Under Chad’s his leadership, Walmart developed and implemented a three-year, $6 billion pricing initiative to strengthen the company’s position in the global marketplace. He led several key company initiatives in pricing, data science, replenishment, product layout, tech development, merchandising, operations, and corporate strategy.

Before joining Walmart, Yoes worked as a financial analyst in the construction industry and taught courses in logic and critical thinking to middle school and high school students. Chad also serves as the Chairman of Benton County Delta Waterfowl, a non-profit focused on Waterfowl conservation.

Chad graduated with a business degree in Finance from Louisiana State University where he met his wife, Taylor. He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoys sharing his love of Cajun cuisine with others, and coaches youth sports teams for his five children, including baseball, soccer, football, and basketball.

Email: cyoes@runwaynwa.com

Krista Cupp, Runway Group — Director of Strategic Communications Group
Krista Cupp

VP Corporate and Community Affairs
Mike Malone

Director of Strategic Communications Group

Krista Cupp

Krista Cupp is Director of Communications for Runway Group in Bentonville, Arkansas, where she is responsible for communications and marketing across Runway’s businesses, investments and executive leadership.

Her previous roles include Vice President of The Herald Group, a public affairs agency in Washington D.C.; Corporate Identity and Executive Communications lead for Tyson Foods; and Senior Elections and Grassroots Coordinator for the National Rifle Association. She also served as Communications Specialist for U.S. Senator Kit Bond.

Krista sits on the Leadership Circle for the Independent Women’s Forum and is a member of the Arthur Page Society. She grew up in Missouri and earned a political science degree from William Jewell College.

Krista is active in her church’s women’s ministry and is a firm believer in servant leadership. She enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, jogging, and being on the water. She married her high school sweetheart Cameron and lives in Bentonville with her two children.

Email:kcupp@runwaynwa.com

CFO

Landon Lee

Email:llee@runwaynwa.com

VP Corporate and Community Affairs

Mike Malone

Mike Malone is the Vice President for Corporate and Community Affairs for Runway Group, where he leads a number of quality of life projects and initiatives. Prior to his current role, Mike served for more than a decade as President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, an organization established to identify regional challenges and solutions for the fast-growing and dynamic Northwest Arkansas region.

Prior to working for the Northwest Arkansas Council, he was employed by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and the U.S. Senate in Washington, DC. During the Clinton Administration, Mike worked at the White House for six years in various roles including Deputy Assistant to the President for Management and Administration.

Mike has served on numerous state and local boards, including the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation’s Board of Directors, NWACC Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Fayetteville Public Library’s Board of Trustees, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, and the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Healthcare.

Mike resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas with his wife Allyson Malone and their two children Olivia and Mia.

Chief Administrative Officer