Welcome to the Panel!

The Arkansas Public Policy Panel is a statewide organization dedicated to achieving social and economic justice by organizing citizen groups around the state, educating and supporting them to be more effective and powerful, and linking them with one another in coalitions and networks. The Panel seeks to bring balance to the public policy process in Arkansas. 

The Arkansas Public Policy Panel and the Citizens First Congress join thousands in Arkansas and across the country today in mourning the loss of our founder and former executive director, Brownie Ledbetter.

Brownie’s history with the Panel can be traced back to 1972, when the Panel of American Women became the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, an organization aimed at achieving social and economic justice by organizing citizens to be advocates for public policy change. She was active with the organization in several capacities including that of executive director until her retirement in 1999.

“Brownie was an innovator in that she created a model for public policy work based on helping people find common ground, even when they were unaccustomed to working with each other,” said Bill Kopsky, Executive Director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. “Her ability to establish a rapport with anyone was legendary, and she used that ability to bring people to the table in the hopes of finding common ground and common goals. First and foremost, she was a bridge builder and her work will have an effect on Arkansas for years to come.”

Brownie was a beloved friend and mentor to us all and she will be greatly missed.