Molly Rawn (left), chief executive officer of Experience Fayetteville, stands alongside Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan at a groundbreaking ceremony for TheatreSquared’s new campus on June 23, 2017. (Flyer photo/File)Molly Rawn, the executive director of the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission and CEO of Experience Fayetteville, recently launched a campaign website, signaling her intent to run for mayor.
Rawn is set to challenge incumbent Mayor Lioneld Jordan in the 2024 general election, where Jordan will be seeking his fifth term.
Rawn and Jordan both confirmed their plans to the Flyer on Monday.
Rawn was hired to lead the A&P Commission in 2016 after serving as the director of development and communications at the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, where she led the museum’s capital campaign efforts prior to its opening in July 2015.
Rawn’s previous positions include director of membership at KUAF Public Radio, assistant director of development at Fulbright College at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and director of development at the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter.
Jordan was first elected after defeating then-Mayor Dan Coody in 2008. He defeated Coody again in 2012, and ran a third successful campaign in 2016 over challengers Tom Terminella and Ron Baucom. Jordan faced both Terminella and Baucom again in 2020, along with William Harrison, and took 68% of the votes to secure a fourth term.
Before becoming mayor, Jordan served eight years on the City Council as a Ward 4 representative.
Rawn said she’s excited to begin her campaign. Jordan echoed that sentiment.
“I’m excited to be running and looking forward to meeting tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges, because I believe in the future of Fayetteville,” said Jordan.
The nonpartisan mayoral position will be decided at the next general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
In other election news, Fayetteville voters this year will select a Ward 1 City Council member to replace Sonia Harvey during a special election on Nov. 14.
