CJRW, Arkansas’ largest advertising and communications firm, announced significant transitional leadership changes that will take effect January 1, 2026.
Jill Joslin revealed she will retire as president of CJRW after nearly a decade in the role. Joslin, who became president in 2016, was the first woman to lead the agency and will remain with the firm for several months to ensure a smooth transition.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Darin Gray will transition out of his CEO duties while continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board.
As part of the leadership shift, Mark Raines has been elevated to Chief Executive Officer, and Katherine Vasilos has been named President of the agency.
Jill Joslin
“Leading this incredible company has been the honor of my career,” Joslin said, expressing gratitude to CJRW employees, clients, and community partners while voicing confidence in the agency’s future leadership.
Darin Gray
Gray praised Joslin’s impact, citing record stock growth, increased client billings, and innovative program development during her tenure. He said the transition reflects CJRW’s confidence in its people and positions the agency for continued success.
Raines joined CJRW in 2014 as senior vice president of client services and public relations. His background includes corporate communications and government relations roles with Chesapeake Energy and BHP Billiton, as well as service as news director at KTHV Channel 11 in Little Rock from 1999 to 2007.
“CJRW is an iconic Arkansas company, and I am honored to be selected as its next CEO,” Raines said, praising the agency’s employee-owners and commitment to innovation and creativity.
Vasilos joined CJRW in 2016 and currently leads strategy for the Arkansas Tourism and Arkansas State Parks accounts. She serves on the CJRW Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Committee and is widely recognized for her expertise in brand management, public relations, and government relations.
“I’m honored to help lead CJRW during this pivotal time,” Vasilos said. “Partnering with the industries and brands that define Arkansas is deeply rewarding.”
CJRW’s client portfolio includes the Arkansas Department of Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Oaklawn Hot Springs, National Cold War Center, Delta Dirt Distillery, Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas Department of Commerce, and the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
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