Picked up a copy of the Arkansas Times this week? Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Executive Director Rich Huddleston was named one of the 50 most influential people in the state of Arkansas.

The article, published this week and available here, identifies 50 people “who shape our state” and includes leaders from fields as varied as fashion design, farming, art, philanthropy, and big business.

The Times summed up the need for the work of Arkansas Advocates pretty well: “Children neither vote nor make campaign contributions, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to influencing public policy.”

AACF steps into that void to be a voice for children. It’s the reason the organization was founded almost 35 years ago, and why we continue the work that we do.

Rich credited his staff and the board of AACF for the organization’s influence. “I really do believe that the recognition was a reflection of the great work that [they] all do,” he said.

Rich and the other honorees will be feted at a party at the Old State House on Sep. 21.