Dr. James K. Hendren has been the entrepreneurial champion for the advancement of technology startup companies and knowledge job development since the mid-1980’s. He received his doctorate in physics from the University of Arkansas in 1972, providing a foundation for his successful career in sophisticated software development in both the defense and finance industries. James was CEO, then Chairman of Arkansas Systems, Inc. (ARKSYS), one of the early Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) “high-tech” companies. While growing that company from a small, home-grown company to an internationally known corporation, he served on the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority board of directors and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission where he lead the charge for changing the economic development strategies to include high tech startup companies. Dr. Hendren has spearheaded the efforts to produce an excellent environment to encourage startup companies in Arkansas.
He has formally worked with more than thirty technology startup companies being CEO of four. He has mentored over a hundred startups; helping them move forward.
He is the Chairman of the Arkansas Venture Center, where he actively participates in the direction of the Center and as an active mentor to members of the Center.