Howard, appointed by the City of Bentonville (2009), is a retired business owner and pharmaceutical sales manager. He retired in 2007 after 40 years with Omni Oral Pharmaceuticals (acquired by 3M Corporation). He is a native of Northwest Arkansas and has lived in Bentonville for over 20 years. Howard serves on the Bentonville Public Library foundation board and formerly served on the airport advisory board for the City of Bentonville. He and his wife Elaine are members of DBI, Crystal Bridges, and are active in supporting several area charitable organizations.