Staff

Cassandra Caldwell, Director

Cassandra Caldwell grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After graduating from high school, she served in the United States Navy. Following an honorable discharge from the service, she entered the workforce and began attending college. She earned Associate of Science degrees in Legal Studies and Biology. She went on to study Medical and Molecular Biology at Rogers State University.

Cassandra was named Director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission in February 2020. She previously served as an Administrative Programs Officer with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Waterways Program, where her passion for our nation’s inland waterways was born. Prior to beginning a career in waterborne commerce, Cassandra spent several years in the medical field, working for a private practice physician. She also worked for many years as a corporate paralegal, with a strong focus on contracts, regulation and compliance, and business development.

Cassandra is a certified Inland Maritime Port Manager. She is a member of the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives. She serves on the Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center Board with the University of Arkansas, the National Waterways Conference Navigation Caucus, the Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals Board of Directors, and serves as the voting member for the State of Arkansas on the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials Council on Water Transportation. She also serves on the State Freight Advisory Committee.

Cassandra and her husband, Jon, collectively, have four children, one dog and two cats. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, hiking, kayaking, and listening to live music.