Dalaney Thomas is the Director of Tourism within the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Before being named Tourism Director, Thomas was already a champion for Arkansas’ tourism industry and the outdoor economy. She spent nearly a decade working with Arkansas Tourism as an Account Manager at the Little Rock-based ad agency CJRW, managing creation and implementation of innovative creative campaigns, paid media strategies and nationwide public relations endeavors, as well as building industry relationships within the state. Thomas knows Arkansas well having worked annually on publications such as the Arkansas Travel Guide, Arkansas Adventure Guide, Arkansas Biking Guide and the Arkansas Tourism website. Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in business administration from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. She currently serves on the Easter Seals Guardians Board and was named to the Arkansas Business “20 in Their Twenties” class in 2019. Arkansas Money and Politics recognized her among its “Top 100 Professionals” in 2022.