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Member Spotlight - Collette D. Honorable

By Ms. Crystal Newton posted 07-17-2014 10:57 AM

  
Meet one of the Arkansas Bar Association's Members - Collette D. Honorable

How long have you been an attorney and what type of law do you practice?
I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in 1995. I am Chairman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission, which regulates public utilities in the State of Arkansas. Along with being the agency head, I engage in energy/utility law daily as well as administrative law. We are very involved in the legislative process as well.

How long have you been an ArkBar member and why did you join?
I have been a member of the Arkansas Bar Association since 1995, and I’ve loved every minute of it! I initially joined to continue learning and growing as a young attorney, and to network. I stayed engaged because I learn so much through Arkansas Bar Association programs and enjoy working alongside such wonderful, thoughtful and hardworking colleagues, who also take pride in serving others. I am proud to be part of the best profession in the world!

Congratulations on becoming president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. You are serving as the first president from Arkansas and as first president of color in the organization’s 125-year history. Do you have any words of wisdom for other attorneys that endeavor to have such high ideals of integrity and public service?
It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as NARUC President this year. We are comprised of over 200 members from all 50 states and the U.S. territories. I actually didn’t set out to become president when I joined the Arkansas PSC in 2007, but similar to opportunities in the Arkansas Bar Association, our organization has many committees and opportunities for leadership. I’ve had many mentors from all over the country and colleagues who “took me under their wings,” so to speak. But then I had to do the hard work, learn the industry and seize opportunities as they arose. I must also acknowledge my colleagues and staff at the Commission, as well as our stellar energy bar in Arkansas. They’re the very best!

This new role has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight several major themes of my administration, including pipeline safety, resilience and reliability issues in the energy sector, fuel diversity and workforce diversity. And of course, I never pass up an opportunity to brag about the great things happening right here in Arkansas!

I urge newer attorneys to commit to their work, learn their craft, be willing to work well with others from all walks of life, and to find a mentor. Finally, the most important work we can do is serving others. Bar none.

Thank you for choosing to belong to the ArkBar, Collette!

Collette's contact information can be found on the ArkBar Member Directory.

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