Mayor's Biography

Harold Copenhaver is currently serving his second term as Jonesboro’s mayor.

In his first four years, Copenhaver exponentially increased needed funding for critical infrastructure – including streets, sidewalks and drainage. Copenhaver has championed quality of life projects, including significant investments in our parks and recreational centers. Mayor Copenhaver has also served as a strong supporter of our local non-profits and local charities. 

A staunch advocate of public safety, Mayor Copenhaver was recognized as the 2024 Mayor of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police. Mayor Copenhaver has increased pay for first responders, invested in life-saving technology, and created the state’s first real-time crime center — comprised of more than 700 smart cameras in our parks, streets and neighborhoods. This approach has positioned Jonesboro as an innovative leader in the state in public safety technology.

A crowning achievement of Mayor Cope’s first term was establishing the Mayor’s Youth Council to better invest in youth and to involve Jonesboro’s next generation of leaders in the community at an earlier age. The group has grown from 40 to 99 members since it’s inauguration.

Prior to being mayor, Copenhaver worked in business development at Centennial Bank, served in the Arkansas Legislature, and has an extensive background in insurance.

A graduate of Jonesboro High and alumnus of Arkansas State University, Copenhaver and his wife, Kathleen, have dedicated their lives to giving in Jonesboro, volunteering and serving on community boards and committees. They were a Red Wolf Family of the Year in 2009, signifying the family that best exemplifies support for Arkansas State University.

He and Kathleen have three children: Lauren Copenhaver Nunnally, Austin and Myles, and have five grandchildren.