Perfectly Suited
In her blue power suit, radiating confidence and determination, Dr. Robin Hickerson makes quite an impression as she strides through the halls of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce office. While she acknowledges that appearances hold limited significance, she learned long ago from one of her mentors, Delores Pickett, the importance of projecting an image that commands respect. “Watching Ms. Pickett’s strength and dignity, and the way she carried herself, taught me not to be intimidated in any room. She showed me how to balance being caring and compassionate with being firm and direct.”
After a distinguished 35-year career in education, Hickerson has found the ideal opportunity to further her vision for her hometown of Texarkana, USA. She was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce in July. This role aligns perfectly with her vision for a vibrant hometown where people and businesses thrive. “The Chamber began in 1905 as the Texarkana Board of Trade, focusing on railroads, power, water, airports—many of the same things we prioritize today,” Hickerson explains. She emphasizes the importance of a thriving community and its ripple effect on local businesses. “Our goals include expanding our workforce by attracting new talent to our community and supporting the education of local students.”
Hickerson sees the path to achieving these goals starting with the students in Texarkana. She is committed to developing Texarkana into an ACT Work Ready Community, which provides tools and data to drive economic growth. “We’ll reach this goal by investing in the leadership skills of our local students,” she says. She sees the town’s access to higher education as a key advantage. “It’s rare for a town our size to have three institutions of higher learning like Texarkana College, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.”
A major focus for Hickerson and her team is ensuring that Texarkana offers a high quality of life, complete with a strong arts community and rich cultural offerings. “We’re so fortunate to have resources like the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, art galleries, the Perot Theatre, and the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. These, along with strong healthcare systems and quality schools, are what attract new talent, executives, and physicians to our community,” she says.
Hickerson also aims to work with local residents to keep Texarkana beautiful, maintaining hiking and biking trails, reducing litter, and supporting both Texas and Arkansas farmers’ markets. “Our goal is to become a Work Ready Community, with a high quality of life that complements the work of AR-TX REDI, TexAmericas, and the exciting developments in Nash and the greater Texarkana area.”
As the first woman to lead the Chamber, Hickerson feels ready for the challenge. Her impressive career in education prepared her well for the role. She began teaching in Texarkana, Texas, before moving into administration roles in Texarkana, Arkansas. Rising from assistant principal to principal at College Hill Middle School, she and her team achieved the honor of being the top middle school in Arkansas, earning her the Principal of the Year award. Later, as the first female principal of Arkansas High School, she made history once again. Now, as the first female President/CEO of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, Hickerson reflects on how times have changed. “It’s not such a big deal now. Things have really changed, and doors have opened for women. I definitely felt it more in 2007 than I feel it now.”
Most recently, Hickerson served as a representative for Texarkana Arkansas’ Airport Authority. “One of the biggest compliments I’ve been given lately was from someone I served on the airport board with. I was the only female on the board, and when I got this job (with the Chamber of Commerce), I sent out a message to our group text that basically said, ‘Gentleman, I will be stepping down from my position on the Authority because I have accepted a job at the Chamber, which requires me to represent both sides of the city.’ One of the guys said to me, ‘It never occurred to me that you were the only woman on the board until you sent that message.’” Hickerson is proud she was around that table, having the conversations, doing the work, and no one ever thought of her as “the only woman.” She was simply operating as an equal and valuable part of the team.
One thing Hickerson likes to reflect on is the invaluable lessons she has been taught by mentors and dear friends who have shaped her journey. “Of course, my parents’ beliefs greatly impacted my sister, Tina, and me. They made us believe we could do or be anything,” she says. “Beyond my family, I have been incredibly fortunate to have so many women from the generation before me that blazed the trail.” She credits a long list of female leaders for helping her become the businesswoman she is today. Each name represents an indelible mark and an opened door that continues to benefit leaders throughout the community.
Among those who made a lasting impact are Julia Mobley, Remica Gray, and the late Rosie Sanderson. “These women paved the way for our community with their strength and determination. Julia and Remica are still investing in women and pouring into them,” she notes. “The Honorable Prissy Hickerson and Representative Carol Dalby, always lend a listening ear but are never easily swayed. They act with integrity and make decisions for the greater good, not out of self-interest. The late Mary Fore, the late Gayle Hines, and the late Joyce Varner were tremendous influencers for many young women of my generation. Each carried themselves with impeccable taste, class, and confidence.” And, of course, “Georgia Hubnik, my amazing mom, who taught me to appreciate art and instilled strong spiritual values in me.”
Hickerson also has a special group of inner circle friends who she considers her biggest cheerleaders. They “do life together” and support each other relentlessly. “I am truly blessed to be connected to lifelong friends and friends from work, book club, Bible study, and my neighborhood,” she said. “We celebrate weddings, babies, graduations, and birthdays. We support each other when there is illness, and we cry together when we experience loss. My life is full, and I am so grateful for the tribe of women beside me. My husband, David, is ultimately my best friend. He supports me in every way. We both love Texarkana and appreciate the opportunity to be close to our kids and grandkids and enjoy everything our city has to offer.”
Currently, Hickerson is developing an all-female Chamber team commencing with the examination of the leadership book, The Go-Giver. The five fundamental teachings outlined within the book embody the guiding principles she aspires to implement in her stewardship of Texarkana. Through this approach, she aims to maximize the town’s growth to its fullest potential, enticing its children to return home and flourish here while simultaneously establishing an environment that attracts successful individuals seeking a place to live, work, and play.
The Five Fundamentals
- Value—Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
- Compensation—Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
- Influence—Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.
- Authenticity—The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
- Receptivity—The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Robin Hickerson’s lifelong commitment to making a difference leaves no doubt that she will excel in her new role. Her love for Texarkana, USA, and her dedication to guiding the next generation toward a brighter future are at the heart of her vision. As she steps into this chapter, we join her many supporters in wishing her the very best—knowing there’s no one better suited… literally or figuratively.
Click here to read “The Go-Giver Book Review” from Talk Tuesday.
