Meet the Candidates 2025

POSITION NO. 1
(3-year term)
WALT PIGOTT began serving Ouachita Electric Cooperative on the Board of Directors in 2001. As an OECC Director, he has completed NRECA's curriculum to achieve the level of Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD). He has also obtained certification in Cooperative Board Leadership and has completed the Director Gold Program.

He has served two years as Board Secretary and has served four years as OECC Board Chairman. He has served on the statewide Board of Directors at Arkansas Electric Cooperative for four years. Pigott retired in June 2018 as superintendent of the Harmony Grove School District. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1983 and attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville receiving a Bachelor's in Kinesiology and a Master's in Administration. He served in the Arkansas Army National Guard from 1986-1990 and the Air Force Reserves from 1990-1996.

Walt and his wife, Angel Gaston Pigott, reside in Sparkman, and have three children and five grandchildren. They attend Holly Springs Baptist Church.

POSITION NO. 2
(3-year term)
In 2024, KELLY BELT was appointed as the director of District No. 2 on the Ouachita Electric Board of Directors. She is currently enrolled in courses to obtain the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certification.

Kelly is a lifelong resident of Ouachita County and a 1995 graduate of Fairview High School. She has an associate of arts degree from Southern Arkansas University Tech. Kelly is a 27-year employee of L3 Harris-Aerojet Rocketdyne where she currently serves as a senior associate, configuration management in the engineering department. She is a member of Liberty Methodist Church. Kelly is married to Brandon Belt, and they share two children, Austin and Gracie Belt. Kelly is the daughter of the late Jim Garner who also served on OECC's Board of Directors. In her free time, Kelly enjoys camping and spending time with her family

POSITION NO. 2
(3-year term)
JANE MARIE DAWSON is the daughter of the late John Dawson, Jr. and Nancy Dawson. She graduated from Fairview High School and then attended Ouachita Baptist University and obtained her degree in Music Education. She has two children, Allie Marie Wofford of Camden and AJ Watson also of Camden. Jane Marie is the co-owner and vice president of Arkansas Pulpwood Co., Inc. in Camden.

She has a heart to serve her community and as a member of Calvary Baptist Church, she has enjoyed leading in worship for the past 12 years. She has also served her community as a volunteer at The Ouachita County Recreational Center (OCRC). Her service and experience in business as well as in her community make her an ideal candidate for District 2, and if elected, she would be a positive influence on those in our community as well as OECC as a whole.

POSITION NO. 3
(3-year term)
LISA (DUNCAN) HENDRIX is a Hampton native and 1975 graduate of Hampton High School and holds an Associate Degree in Business from Southern Arkansas University Tech. 

She is employed by Blann Tractor as Bookkeeper. Lisa was elected to OECC's Board of Directors in 2001. She served 15 years as secretary/treasurer and currently serves as vice president.

She has obtained NRECA certification as a Credentialed Cooperative Director, received the Board Leadership Certification and has completed the Director Gold Program. Currently, she serves on the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) Board and also serves as Secretary on the Executive Committee for AECC.

Lisa and husband, Donnie, have two daughters, Dawn (Russ) and Kris (Chris), three grandsons, Peyton (Samantha), Garrett, and Maddox, one granddaughter, Elise, and one great-grandson, Branson. Lisa attends Victory Missionary Church where she serves as treasurer. She served on the Calhoun County Fair Pageant Committee (1984-94) and Hogskin Holidays Festival Committee (1995-2003) and currently serves on the Calhoun County Museum Board.