NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Credits His Success to Banking

REP. BRIAN EVANS, R-Cabot, the incoming Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives, believes in bankers. He wouldn’t be in business or politics today if it weren’t for a local banker who believed in him at a critical juncture early in his career.

“A hometown banker took a chance on a young guy who had a big dream living the American dream. And without that relationship and that trust that banker put into me, I definitely have no doubt I would not be where I am today,” said Evans. “He really stepped out there when he didn’t have to, but believed in me and took a chance on me when there were probably others that wouldn’t and really helped me overcome a lot of obstacles in building a business.

The man who will lead the Arkansas House in the 95th Arkansas General Assembly that starts in January 2025 has made a career in the logistics business. He serves as President of L&L Freight Services, Inc. in Cabot and is the former chairman of the board of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. He’s married with two children.

Evans, 56, said his banker is his business sounding board and a mentor still, and the experience is one he won’t forget as he leads his chamber in setting policy.

“Understanding the vital relationship that there is in our communities all across the state with our bankers is vital to the future of Arkansas. And I have the greatest respect for our bankers across the state. The work that they do, the opportunities that they provide through the operations of their institutions, they are definitely an economic driver in our state, and I appreciate so much the work they do to help the common man live the dream,” he said.

Evans is serving his fourth term in the House having been first elected in 2019. He represents District 68, which includes the city of Cabot, as well as portions of Lonoke County.

Last session, Evans, who served 10 years on the Cabot School Board, chaired the House Education Committee, which tackled a host of important legislation including Gov. Sarah Sanders’ LEARNS Act. He’s also a veteran of the House Insurance and Commerce Committee and the Joint Budget Committee. This session, Evans will serve on the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the Judiciary committees, and he’ll appoint all of the chairs of the House committees.

With the state’s finances on solid footing, Evans expects a lot of activity this session on K-12 education, higher education, mental and maternal health, military and veterans’ issues, drinking water and wastewater concerns. He’s also looking forward to leading the House and its diverse membership, which includes one banker, State Rep. Randy Torres of Siloam Springs.

“I look forward to working with an outstanding group of House members, including the 13 new members that are coming in,” said Evans. “We’ve got a really solid group on our end of the building, folks that are very gifted and talented, experienced content-based experts that can help us drive great policy that is going to benefit all Arkansans. Yes, it is a time of transition. There’s a lot of new people in the House as we prepare for the 95th, but we have an outstanding staff that is helping me daily as we transition and plan for that and I’m looking forward to a great session.”