Mayor Lisa Hicks Gilbert

Lisa Hicks Gilbert is a 2015 UA-Pulaski Technical College graduate, (Little Rock), receiving her AAS in Paralegal Technology. While a student at UA-PTC, Lisa served as Chapter President of the FBLA Collegiate organization where she competed and won state awards in Business Law, International Business Law, Public Speaking, and a national award in Justice Administration.

Currently living in her hometown of Elaine, Arkansas, Lisa is a volunteer Program Manager with the non-profit Lee Street Community Center. A descendant, Lisa founded the Descendants of the Elaine Massacre of 1919 (DOEM1919) which focuses on educating, protecting, and preserving the history and stories of the Elaine Massacre.

In 2022 Lisa began a yearlong fellowship as an “Artist At Work” Fellow with THE OFFICE performing arts +film, which has afforded her the opportunity to focus on community building, collaborations, writing her grandmother ‘ s stories, poetry, and to create educational exhibits in hopes of inspiring other descendants, artists, and poets to share their family stories and histories that inspire bridge-building, reconciliation, and healing. In addition, Lisa recently graduated from the Movement Institute as part of the organization The Foundation for Social Impact that supports and encourages leaders in civic and economic development in underrepresented communities.

On December 6, 2022, in a runoff election against the incumbent, Lisa was elected Mayor, and made history as the first Black, and first elected female Mayor of Elaine, Arkansas. Lisa was sworn in on January 1, 2023, and began serving a four-year term with a focus on addressing economic and social disparities, inspiring new leaders, and healing and building a more thriving Elaine community.