Orson Weems is the co-founder and executive director of The Music Education Initiative. Prior to heading this diverse-led and founded nonprofit, Orson worked as the chief operating officer with the legendary music and entertainment icon, Al Bell, and his global music, entertainment, and artist development company, Al Bell Presents. Since 2006, Orson has been the president and majority shareholder of Land Improvement Company, a company founded in 1965 that specializes in construction management, civil construction/site preparation, small building demolition, and industrial services for federal, state, and local projects and government contracts.
Orson currently serves on the Advisory Board of The National Cold War Center and has served on numerous boards, including the Razorback Lettermen's Club Board of Directors, the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Walton College of Business, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board, the University of Arkansas Chancellor's Council on Diversity.
He is a graduate of The University of Arkansas, Fulbright College of Arts and Science, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (Advertising and Public Relations), and a minor in English. He was also a Razorback offensive lineman and three-year letterman (‘81, ‘82, ‘83) under the legendary coach, Lou Holtz.
An enthusiastic sports fan, Orson also enjoys traveling, cooking, good food, great music, and estate sales. He resides in Rogers, Arkansas with his wife, Karen, they have a son, a daughter, and one grandson.
Downtown Springdale Alliance, Director of Events, Al Bell Presents, Chief Creative Officer - Bentonville, AR
Former Soulsville Foundation, Director of Operations, and Former Director of The Stax Museum of American Soul Music - Jackson, TN
Managing Partner & Chief Executive Office, MTI Consulting Group, Construction - Springdale, AR
Out Of The Box Management, Owner - Traverse City, Michigan and Nashville, TN
