ARVEST BANK EXECUTIVE

Don Walker Dies

Longtime Arvest Bank executive Don Walker died in late November. He was regional executive when he retired from the Fayetteville-chartered bank in January 2020. Walker was first hired into banking by Sam Walton.

He completed a 42-year career with Arvest, which included helping to form the Arvest name and create its mission statement. He also was president and CEO for its Bentonville, Siloam Springs and Tulsa, Okla., markets.

Walmart founder Sam Walton hired Walker in February 1978 as a loan officer at The Bank of Bentonville. It was the largest bank in a holding company that’s still controlled by the Waltons and known today as Arvest Bank Group Inc.

During Walker’s tenure, Arvest grew from 100 employees and eight Arkansas branches to about 6,400 employees and 280 offices in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

“Don Walker exemplified the values that define Arvest Bank. His unwavering commitment to his colleagues, customers and community left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of working with him. He was a great friend to so many of us, and he will be deeply missed,” said Kevin Sabin, chairman and CEO of Arvest Bank.

WALMART FOUNDER SAM WALTON HIRED WALKER IN FEBRUARY 1978 AS A LOAN OFFICER AT THE BANK OF BENTONVILLE. HE COMPLETED A 42-YEAR CAREER WITH ARVEST, WHICH INCLUDED HELPING TO FORM THE ARVEST NAME AND CREATE ITS MISSION STATEMENT.

Regional President and Chief Lending Officer for Northwest Arkansas

Jared Gabriele Named Regional President For Chambers Bank

Jared Gabriele has joined Chambers Bank as its Regional President and Chief Lending Officer for Northwest Arkansas. Gabriele will oversee the bank’s lending teams in Elkins, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale.

“We are excited to have Jared join the Chambers Bank family,” Greg Rotter, Corporate Chief Lending Officer, said. “As a lifelong resident of Northwest Arkansas, his leadership and energy will help Chambers Bank reach our continued growth goals in the NWA market.”

Gabriele has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, serving as a branch manager, mortgage closer and commercial loan officer before becoming market president for a community bank.

“I’m excited to join Chambers Bank and lead an incredible team in our mission to serve our community,” Gabriele said. “By building strong relationships with our customers, we will help them drive success while making a lasting difference and creating growth and opportunity for everyone.”

A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, HIS LEADERSHIP AND ENERGY WILL HELP CHAMBERS BANK REACH OUR CONTINUED GROWTH GOALS IN THE NWA MARKET.”

Eileen Jennings Director of Community Lending and Investment for Arvest Opportunity Fund