Be Part of Our Story - Spotlight

Howard & Elaine Kerr

For more than four decades, Howard and Elaine Kerr have had a front-row seat to the remarkable growth of Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas. Through their leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy, they have also helped shape the community into what it is today.

Howard first joined the Bentonville Library Foundation board of directors during the early 2000s when the first Capital Campaign was well underway to build the library facility now located on Main Street. He continued his dedicated service through the Library Expansion Campaign serving as board president. The new addition officially opened in 2024. Howard’s leadership doesn’t stop there. He has also served 15 years on the board of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), giving him an even more unique perspective on the region’s extraordinary growth.

When asked why supporting the Bentonville Library Foundation matters, Howard’s answer is simple, “When you give a gift to support the library, that donation has the potential to reach every citizen in the city.” He describes the library as the heartbeat of the city — a welcoming place where newcomers gather information about the community, children discover opportunities, and residents of all ages feel safe, connected, and inspired. “The city’s budget can only go so far,” Howard shared. “If we want additional programs and amenities for our library, those resources must come from philanthropic support through the Bentonville Library Foundation.”

Howard believes one of the most visionary moments in Bentonville’s history was the decision to expand the public library. Today, he points to the Children’s Programming, Makerspace, and constantly utilized Meeting Rooms as examples of how the library serves as a true community hub. “Everyone is welcome here,” he said. “It’s a place where people can come together, learn, feel safe, and belong.”

Howard and Elaine have been married 42 years. Reflecting on her initial move to Northwest Arkansas from Tulsa, Elaine laughs that Bentonville had only one stoplight at that time. “Now,” she said, “I love everything about what’s happening here in Bentonville. I’m so proud of all of the growth.” Elaine’s own service to the community has been equally impactful. She served 10 years on the Library Advisory Board and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Bentonville Public Library. She has served on the Bentonville Planning Commission the last 9 years. In 2021, Howard and Elaine became the first couple to receive Bentonville’s Volunteer of the Year Award. This year, Elaine will receive the Circle of Roses award for her 25 years of service in the Bentonville Garden Club.

Howard enjoyed an amazing 40-year career with a dental products company that began in NWA. Their products focused on cavity prevention to teeth whiteners. His role took him all over the world. In 2007, the company sold to 3M Corporation.

Today, Howard and Elaine still love to travel. They just returned from an incredible trip to Greece and Turkey. Elaine was especially captivated by the culture, architecture, friendly people and rich history of Turkey. Still, despite their travels, Bentonville remains home and giving back remains central to their values. “In my opinion, we have been so blessed,” Howard said. “It is our obligation to pass it on.”

The Bentonville Library Foundation is deeply grateful for leaders like Howard and Elaine Kerr, whose generosity, vision, and volunteer service have helped the library grow and thrive. Their story reminds us that philanthropy is not simply about giving — it is about investing in a stronger, more connected community for everyone.