Central Research, Inc. is an award-winning business located in Northwest Arkansas. We provide a range of innovative services to state and federal government agencies as well as commercial organizations. Our service areas include: Professional Services, Financial Services & Solutions, Records/Document Management Services, and Information Technology Services.
CRI’s leadership is comprised of experienced industry professionals.
The current executive leadership of the company consists of the following team members:
Scott Dillard
President & CEO
Scott Dillard, MBA, co-founded Central Research Inc. with his father, Johnny Dillard, Ph.D. Scott brings years of business and management experience. As President and CEO Scott ensures CRI preserves the high-quality support and customer centered approach that has enabled CRI to grow into the thriving large business it is today. His guidance maintains CRI’s reputation as a go-to contractor for our current and future customers. Scott earned his MBA from Webster University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management from Arkansas Tech University.
Don Taylor
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
As Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Don Taylor leads multiple initiatives to expand CRI’s presence with both government and private entities. His career spans over 40 years in which he has gained broad experience in operations, sales and regulatory compliance. Mr. Taylor served as President of three companies where he developed corporate strategies to successfully grow these organizations. Mr. Taylor is a recognized subject matter expert in the collections industry. He possesses experience in multiple markets including federal, state, and municipal government, student, health care and financial services. He is known for his motivational speaking, mentoring, and sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Gus Bell
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Gus Bell has 40 years of proven leadership and management experience in all aspects of program, contract, financial, and quality management in the Federal Government and private industry. Gus is a retired Sr. Air Force officer who served in the White House during the George HW Bush and William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Administrations. He is certified Level III in Program Management and in Financial Management. Mr. Bell received his MBA in Business Management from Troy State University and is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a BS in Accounting.
Joseph Agyei
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Joseph Agyei has 20 plus years of accounting and finance experience. As CFO he oversees all financial functions and processes for optimum efficiencies and compliance. Mr. Agyei holds an MBA from the University of Mary Washington and a BSc (accounting) from George Mason University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. Mr. Agyei is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and Virginia Society of Certified Accountants.
Kenny King
Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)
As the Chief Human Resource Officer. Kenny King possesses vast experience in Human Resource management, as well as over 30 years of business and management experience. Mr. King’s guidance and leadership ensures our Human Resource department establishes and maintains processes to reinforce the overall business strategy of CRI. Mr. King has established several successful programs to enhance hiring procedures, employee engagement and retention, and effective leadership. Mr. King holds certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP0) and Human Resource Certification Institute (PHR).
Steve McGill
Chief Information Officer
Steve McGill, Chief Information Officer, brings over 30 years of IT leadership experience to Central Research, Inc. Steve has worked with city, county, state and federal agencies, as well Canadian provinces. He consulted with Native America Tribes on business development and gaming as well as energy and tribal systems. Mr. McGill has extensive global experience in infrastructure, sourcing, facilities, procurement and contracts. Mr. McGill holds an MBA and BS in Economics from Oklahoma State University.
Karena Holt
Vice President of Operations
Lowell, Arkansas
Karena Holt brings over 24 years of credit and collection experience. As the Vice President of Operations, she set up the infrastructure for the U.S. Department of Education (ED) Federal contract. Ms. Holt oversees all operations providing executive-level leadership. Her thorough knowledge working on six ED contracts ensures her proficiency managing operations and client services. Ms. Holt graduated from Vol-State Community College with a degree in Business Administration.
Philip Dearborn
General Counsel
Philip Dearborn joined Central Research, Inc., in 2016, bringing with him over 20 years of experience providing legal and strategic business advice to government contractors. Philip oversees the Company’s Contracts department and provides legal counsel to the Company on a wide-variety of issues. Prior to joining CRI, Philip was lead contracts counsel for a private corporation designated by the Federal Communications Commission to administer a $10B public fund. For most of his career, Philip was a partner with PilieroMazza, a prestigious DC law firm that specializes in all facets of government contracting law, including compliance with procurement laws, contract claims, Government Accountability Office (GAO) protests and internal investigations responding to federal and criminal authorities. Earlier in his career, Philip successfully litigated cases for his government contractor clients at the GAO, US Court of Federal Claims and Federal District Courts in Virginia and DC. Philip received his J.D. degree from the College of William and Mary and was subsequently admitted to practice law in Virginia and D.C.