Mayor Tomeka Butler has proudly served the city and people of Eudora, AR in her office since 2020. Elected with no prior political experience, she became not only the first African American woman in the city’s history to hold the office, but also the first woman of color to run for the position! She continued making history with her term beginning with the onset of COVID-19 on March 11, 2020. Taking it all in stride, Mayor Butler has maintained a positive outlook while striving to serve as everyone’s mayor by representing the entire city and not just certain sectors.

Overseeing administrative duties in a manner that allows her to connect with her constituents with empathy, passion and understanding have given her a platform for transparency as she tackles the daily issues of municipal infrastructure, water quality and strategically utilizing all available resources to lead her city to a safe and healthy existence.

 

Born and raised in Eudora as the youngest of seven siblings in a supportive family, Ms. Butler has always possessed the drive to succeed. After graduating Valedictorian from Eudora High School in 1995, she went on to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and in 2000 obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Her desire to work in the public sector led her to attend Webster University at the Little Rock Air Force Base Training Center to acquire a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration in 2007. The consummate student of learning, Ms. Butler pursued knowledge in Administrative and Quality Management, Public Budget and Finance Management, Human Resources Management, and Youth and Family Services Administration in Arkansas and Texas.

While working to continue her personal and professional education, she obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix- Dallas Campus in 2014.

 

Mayor Tomeka Butler is adamant in her quest to be a catalyst for community and economic development. In doing so she serves or has served on the following Boards of Directors and Councils: Arkansas Black Mayors Association (ABMA); Arkansas Community Development Society (ACDS); Delta Population Health Institute (DPHI), South Arkansas Health Council (SAHC), Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District (SEAEDD) Chief Elected Officials; Arkansas Municipal League Advisory Council for Economic Development and Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corporation (SEACAC). Mayor Butler is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a Charter Member for Club #4396433- Mr. Cooper Inspires-Toastmasters International, a Level II Certified Municipal League Officer, a graduate of the Class of 2023 Community Development Institute (CDI) as well as the 2023 recipient of the Ernest Whitelaw Award.

 

Mayor Butler attributes her success to her faith in God, describing her career journey as “her assignment”. She advises others to be determined enough to dream even bigger. Butler considers being the first woman of color to become mayor of Eudora to be one of the proudest achievements of her career. While it is a distinct part of her legacy, she hopes it is an example and stepping- stone for others in the community and abroad. Mayor Butler looks forward to continuing to serve the city of Eudora by working together with other leaders and residents to build a brighter future for years to come! When she is not serving her constituents, Mayor Tomeka Butler enjoys reading, relaxing, writing, traveling, and spending time with family. She especially loves time spent with her mother, Doris Butler at 86 years young, her daughter, TaKevalyn and her grand furbaby, Mr. Yoda.