VE FIVE

Kenya G. Davenport, Esq. Chief of Staff / SVP of Stakeholder Engagement Southern Bancorp, Little Rock

Q. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN BANKING?

A. I had an unconventional path into banking. I started in Finance as a Financial Planner with Edward Jones in Houston, Texas. Of course, to obtain the appropriate licensure for being a Financial Planner you have to study a large body of regulatory laws. I found that I had a higher interest in the law that governed the financial industry, so I went to law school and focused on Business and Finance Law. After passing the bar exam, I worked with Carney Williams law firm that specialized in consumer class action against banks and other financial institutions. So, I was on the other side of the table for a while. The managing partner for that law firm left to become the CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. Years later, I joined him at Southern Bancorp.

Q. WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED OVER YOUR CAREER THAT YOU’VE CARRIED WITH YOU?

A. Every experience, good or bad, great or small, is an opportunity to learn and sharpen your skills. We are well advised to take advantage of those opportunities.

Q. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE DO YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YOU STARTED YOUR CAREER?

A. That the path is not straight and doesn’t always have nice scenery.

Q. YOU’VE SERVED ON THE ABA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHY DO YOU FEEL SERVICE TO THIS ORGANIZATION IS IMPORTANT?

A. I One of the best things about our state is the number of community banks serving our communities. Consequently, Arkansas banks and bankers have their hand on the pulse of the people. Simultaneously, they have seats at the largest and most influential tables in the state. Being effective as a bridge, I believe is our charge and the guidepost for that work is through the ABA. It has been my honor to participate at the board level.

Q. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

A. Always make the ask. You can be told yes or no. If you are told no, ask to speak to someone else. This was my mother’s way of explaining that I should not be afraid to ask and to never take no for an answer.

Q. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND ONE MILLION DOLLARS?

A. I would donate it.

Q. IF YOU COULD HOST A TALK SHOW, WHO WOULD BE YOUR FIRST GUEST?

A. Michelle Obama. “ Always make the ask. You can be told yes or no. If you are told no, ask to speak to someone else.”