--Tyler Dunegan

Tyler Dunegan's story is probably like many in the Delta. Born in Osceola, Tyler was raised by his devoted grandmother and his aunt. Defying the odds stacked against him, Tyler graduated from Osceola High School and attended Arkansas Northeastern College and the University of Arkansas system. Tyler married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, and together they have three children. Their commitment to nurturing young lives extends beyond their own, as they served as foster parents and were actively involved in the National Foster Parent Association.
 

Tyler's dedication to public service has always transcended his age. In 2003, he became one of the youngest political party chairmen in the nation. His spirit of community service caught the attention of Governor Mike Huckabee, who appointed him to the 2nd Judicial District Jail Standards Committee, marking the beginning of a lasting friendship. In 2006, Tyler became the youngest Mississippi County Constable, further solidifying his role in local governance. His commitment to public service continued when he joined the Arkansas Secretary of State's office in 2011 as an Outreach Coordinator, where he continues to work to make a difference. The following year, he was elected to the Osceola City Council, adding to his legacy as then the youngest elected official in the city's history.
 

A Certified Municipal Official through the Arkansas Municipal League, Tyler is an active member of the League's Executive Committee and serves as Chairman of the Public Safety Advisory Council. He has participated in the National League of Cities’ Community and Economic Development federal advocacy committee and Small Cities Council, helping to shape vital policies that support cities and towns across the nation.

Tyler's commitment to his community is evident in his service on multiple boards and commissions. He is involved with the South Mississippi County Intermodal Authority, the Osceola A&P Tax Commission, and the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson in 2017. His passion for education is reflected in his work with the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Committee, which provides financial assistance to low-income single parents in Mississippi County pursuing higher education. Additionally, he serves as moderator of the Mississippi County Baptist Association, Vice President of the Mississippi County Museum, and Rotary International, where he has taken on various leadership roles, including Club Secretary, Treasurer, three-time Club President, Assistant Governor, and multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
 

Tyler has previously served on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the Mississippi County Animal Shelter, Acts of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, the Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce, South Mississippi County United Way, and the Osceola Planning Commission. He also served as co-chair of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Tyler and his family are active members of First Baptist Church in Osceola, where he takes pride in organizing the National Day of Prayer community luncheon each year.