Mat Faulkner serves as Mayor of Searcy, Arkansas, where he was sworn into office in January 2023. As mayor, he is committed to responsible stewardship, collaboration, and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Searcy.

Before entering public service, Faulkner founded Think Idea Studio, a full-service marketing and communications agency based in Searcy, where he served as Chief Idea Officer. He has been actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations throughout his career, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Searcy Regional Economic Development Corporation, chairing the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee, co-founding the Searcy Beats & Eats Festival, founding the Think ART Project, serving as president and board member of Jacob’s Place Homeless Mission, and volunteering on Searcy’s Beautification Committee and Holiday of Lights Committee. He is a member of Harding University’s Sigma Nu Tau National Entrepreneurship Honor Society and was recognized by Arkansas Business as a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2017.

Faulkner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Management from Harding University in 2002.

Mat and his wife, Shelley, have been married for more than 25 years and are the proud parents of three sons: Easton, Lawson, and Jace. The family has a deep appreciation for preserving Searcy’s history and community character, including renovating the historic Robbins-Sanford Mercantile building in downtown Searcy.