Deep South Today, the nonprofit network of local newsrooms that includes Mississippi Today, Verite News and The Current, is pleased to announce that Emily Rappé Fisher is the new senior director of development and partnerships for Arkansas Today, a new DST newsroom that will launch in fall 2026.
Rappé Fisher brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, marketing and community engagement. In her new role, she will focus on expanding strategic partnerships, increasing philanthropic support and advancing initiatives that create meaningful impact across Arkansas.
“As an Arkansas native who has devoted her life and career to critical nonprofit work that benefits communities across the state, Emily is the perfect person to develop the relationships and resources for our new Arkansas Today newsroom,” said Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today. “Arkansans need access to more local news and information, and Emily’s impressive experience and record of accomplishment will ensure that we can build this essential civic infrastructure in a sustainable way.”
Based in Northwest Arkansas, Rappé Fisher is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) recognized for her ability to build meaningful relationships, develop strategic partnerships and secure philanthropic investments that drive organizational growth and community impact. She has led successful fundraising initiatives ranging from annual giving and major gifts to corporate partnerships, special events and capital campaigns.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by the power of community and the generosity of people who want to make a difference,” Rappé Fisher said. “I’m excited to join the Deep South Today organization and help build on its momentum as we work together to create lasting impact across the state of Arkansas.”
Prior to joining Arkansas Today, Rappé Fisher served as director of development for the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County, where she oversaw fundraising, donor relations, sponsorship development, communications and community outreach efforts. During her tenure, the organization experienced significant growth in philanthropic support and community engagement while expanding services to meet increasing demand.
One of her most notable accomplishments was helping lead and successfully complete a $15 million capital campaign that funded the construction of the Children’s Safety Center’s new state-of-the-art facility. The campaign enabled the organization to significantly expand its capacity to serve children and families across Northwest Arkansas while positioning the Center for long-term growth and sustainability.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and passion for strengthening communities, Rappé Fisher has built lasting relationships with business leaders, civic organizations, foundations and individual donors throughout Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
She lives in Northwest Arkansas where she attended the University of Arkansas and still cheers on the Razorbacks. She has served in several board roles for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and remains an active member.
About Deep South Today:
Deep South Today is a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that includes Mississippi Today, Verite News and The Current. Its new Arkansas Today newsroom will launch in fall 2026.
Founded in 2016, Mississippi Today is now the largest newsroom in the state, and in 2023 it won the Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. Verite News launched in 2022 in New Orleans, where it covers inequities facing communities of color. The Current is a nonprofit news organization founded in 2018 serving Lafayette and southern Louisiana.
With its regional scale and scope, Deep South Today is rebuilding and re-energizing local journalism in communities where it had previously eroded, and ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability.
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