--Tyler Dunegan

Tyler Dunegan grew up in Osceola, raised by his loving grandmother and aunt. He graduated from Osceola High School and went on to study at Arkansas Northeastern College and the University of Arkansas system where he earned his Bachelor's degree. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, and they have three children together. Their dedication to helping others led them to become foster parents and actively engage with the National Foster Parent Association.

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Tyler has always been passionate about public service. In 2003, he became one of the youngest political party chairmen in the United States. His commitment to community work impressed Governor Mike Huckabee, who appointed him to the 2nd Judicial District Jail Standards Committee, sparking a long friendship. By 2006, Tyler was elected as Mississippi County Constable, reinforcing his influence in local governance. In 2011, he joined the Arkansas Secretary of State's office as an Outreach Coordinator. A year later, he became a member of the Osceola City Council, making history as the youngest elected official in the city.​ As a Certified Municipal Official through the Arkansas Municipal League, Tyler is active on the League's Executive Committee and chairs the Public Safety Advisory Council. He has also participated in the National League of Cities, contributing to important policy development through committees like Community and Economic Development and the Small Cities Council.

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Tyler's dedication is evident through his service on various boards and commissions. He is a member of the South Mississippi County Intermodal Authority, the Osceola A&P Tax Commission, and the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, where Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed him in 2017. His commitment to education shines through his work with the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Committee, providing financial support to low-income single parents pursuing higher education in Mississippi County. Additionally, Tyler serves in the Mississippi County Baptist Association, is Vice President of the Mississippi County Museum, and is involved with Rotary International, holding numerous leadership roles over the years.

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Previously, Tyler has served on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including the Mississippi County Animal Shelter, Acts of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce, South Mississippi County United Way, and the Osceola Planning Commission. He also co-chaired the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

 

Tyler and his family are active members of First Baptist Church in Osceola, where he proudly organizes the annual National Day of Prayer community luncheon.