The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches is governed by a 32-member board of directors comprised of a cross-section of Arkansas residents. Traditionally 10 of the state’s 75 sheriffs serve on the board with representation from each of the four congressional districts. Other board members include business professionals, educators and elected state officials. Board members act as liaisons for the Ranch and continue to play a vital role in its operations.
The Ranch’s chief executive officer is Thomas M. “Mike” Cumnock.
Thomas M. “Mike” Cumnock
Cumnock first joined the Ranch staff as director of professional services in 1985 and was named CEO in June 1995. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a master’s in social work from the University of Arkansas Graduate School of Social Work and a master¹s in business administration from UALR’s Executive MBA program.
Cumnock has taught at UALR and was assistant professor of social work at Arkansas College (Lyon College) in Batesville for five years. He currently serves as social work field instructor for Harding University in Searcy and the University of Arkansas Graduate School of Social Work, and he is a founding member of the Arkansas Youth Suicide Prevention Commission. He was named Arkansas Childcare Provider of the Year in 1992 and Arkansas Non-Profit Executive of the Year in 2000. Cumnock serves on the Child Welfare League of America’s Southern Regional Board and the National Advisory Board on Rural Social Services. He is an ordained minister for the Catholic Diocese of Arkansas.
Cumnock and his wife, Sarah, have a daughter, Mara, and previously have been houseparents for a residential childcare facility. They also have had 13 foster children.
Board of Directors
| Mr. Larry Stone
President |
Sheriff Larry Mills
1st Vice President |
| Mr. Scott Schrader
2nd Vice President |
Ms. Joyce Porter
Secretary/Treasurer |
| Mr. Richard Hudson
Member at Large |
Sheriff Danny Russell
Member at Large |
| Mr. Brent Stevenson
Member at Large |
Mr. Troy Tucker
Member at Large |
| Ms. Robin Brock
Member |
Sheriff Karl Byrd
Member |
| Mr. Charles Cabe
Member |
Mr. Martin Carpenter
Member |
| Mr. T.M. “Mike” Cumnock
Member |
Mr. Dennis Farmer
Member |
| Mr. Tom Garrison
Member |
Mr. Mike Grady
Member |
| Sheriff Tim Helder
Member |
Sheriff Doc Holladay
Member |
| Sheriff Ken Jones
Member |
Mr. Chuck Lange
Member |
| Sheriff Bobby May
Member |
Sheriff Jack McCann
Member |
| Mr. William Roberts
Member |
Sheriff Larry Sanders
Member |
| Ms. Debi Barnes
Member |
Mission Statement
To address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children.
Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches Inc. Strategic Plan
The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches is dedicated to positive youth development and to building assets in Arkansas’ youth. Our program is based on relationships between children and healthy adults in a rural farm setting. The long-term strategic plan calls for the development of campuses/service centers within 1.5 hours of every population center in the state.
The campuses in Independence and Sharp Counties serve central and northeast Arkansas. Clark County (DeGray Lake) serves south Arkansas, and Crawford County (The Donald W. Reynolds Campus near Alma) serves west and northwest Arkansas.
The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches Inc. advocates for the healthy development of all of Arkansas’ children and youth. Therefore, we create and nurture programs and services that foster healthy communities which in turn produce healthy youth.