ABA Chairman Jon Harrell: Faith, Family, & Work...in that order

ABA Chairman Jon Harrell: Faith, Family, & Work....in that order

jon Harrell is not someone you would overlook in a crowd. For one thing, he towers over most people, measuring in at 6’5”. Plus his wide grin, warm personality, and southern gentleman manners just naturally draw people in. Getting to know someone like Harrell is a definite plus in the banking industry and not just because he’s the current chairman and CEO of Generations Bank. He’s the fifth generation Harrell to lead the bank. Generations is a family owned bank that began in Calhoun County in 1907. They branched into Northwest Arkansas in 2010 and moved their main location to Rogers in 2019, where it is now headquartered. They are a $530 million community bank.

Harrell was born in southwest Arkansas in 1966, in the sleepy little town of Prescott. The Harrells moved to Camden in 1969, where they lived for Jon’s childhood. After graduating from Camden high school in 1984, Harrell headed north, to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he graduated in 1988, with a BSBA in Finance and Banking. After graduating college, Harrell obtained a graduate banking degree at the Graduate School of Banking at LSU in 1997. In 1992, Jon met his future wife, Sheila and they are the parents of two children: Max, 24, (Photo from left to right) Daughter-in-law Josie, son Max, Jon, Sheila, and daughter Mackenzie.

who is a commercial lender at Generations Bank and Mackenzie, 20, a junior at the U of A in Fayetteville majoring in nutrition.

When asked about his greatest achievement, Harrell is quick to respond, “family.” That can apply to his work and his personal life.

“I am proud to carry on the tradition of managing a family bank and that I am able to continue and hopefully improve on the culture and character of our bank. Personally, I am so proud that Sheila has put up with me for 27 years! If you’ve ever seen us together, she’s 5’ on a good day (she wears a lot of high heels) but her personality and charm carry me and has certainly helped my career. I’m proud of my kids and the kind of adults thy have turned out to be. They are much better humans than I was at that age!” he laughs.

But Harrell isn’t all work. He keeps his large frame fit by being a member of Orange Theory fitness. Although, he does point out with a smile that he’s the senior member of most of the classes he attends. He’s an avid golfer and whenever their schedules allow, he and his wife like to get away to a family condo in Destin, Florida. A trip much easier to take now that they are “empty nesters.”

Harrell began his banking career as an examiner with the Arkansas State Bank Department. He thought climbing the professional ladder in a large bank in a metropolitan area was how he wanted to spend his career but with time, goals can change. He realized that he wanted to work in a community bank and carry on the family legacy. Something that didn’t seem as important to him starting out. Harrell also learned the importance of patience. “This isn’t an industry that you quickly accelerate up the organizational chart,” he says. He offers this observation, “I think our industry has to embrace and challenge our newer, young employees with tasks and responsibilities that our industry has previously made you earn with time. Millenials and Gen-Zers aren’t as patient as we were and we have to acknowledge this and recognize young talent and provide opportunity for rapid growth.”

One factor that contributes to less patience in the younger generation might be attributed to technology. Although shorter attention spans might be one drawback there are many other factors that many experts point out are outweighed by the benefits of modern advances. Harrell confirms that point and states that technology is the biggest shift that he has seen in banking. “The advances in technology and it’s impact on how the bank and its customers transact business is by far the biggest change,” Harrell says. “Also, additional regulatory changes that have made doing business more difficult and the increase in cybersecurity risks are a negative shift,” he’s quick to point out.

Technology is very important in today’s banking industry and Harrell knows that it requires a strong understanding and a willingness to embrace the impact of technology and how it will change the future of banking. “Strong relational skills continue to be necessary to be successful in this business, as well,” he states. “I enjoy the technical and relational mix that it takes to be a successful banker. I enjoy the challenge and opportunity of managing a business along with the relationships I have with our staff, our customers, and community.”

Harrell is the 2020-21 incoming chairman for the Arkansas Bankers Association (ABA) but working with the ABA isn’t new. He’s been Vice Chairman, Chairman-Elect, and a board member. When asked about his experiences with the ABA he said, “The ABA has had big changes in the last few years. We all miss Bill Holmes and the presence he was with the ABA and banking in Arkansas. I had the privilege of sitting in when Lorrie was interviewed for the President’s job and I have never been more impressed than I was with her preparation, confidence, and communication during that interview. I remember looking around the table after her interview and telling the central

(Top left photo) Jon and Sheila were married in 1992 and Jon is quick to credit his wife’s charm as helping him in his career.

(Above photo) A fifth-generation banker, new ABA Chairman Jon, celebrates with a cake at Generations Bank in Rogers.

Arkansas bankers that if we didn’t hire her for this job, they should employ her at their respective banks ASAP! It’s a different vibe and feel around the association but one thing hasn’t changed: all efforts are made with the best interest of Arkansas banks at the forefront.”

One thing Harrell said that he is looking forward to as the new chairman is continuing to work with the association for Arkansas banks and representing the bankers around the state at the national conferences that they attend. He emphasizes that he wants to make being a banker “sexy again” and push the agenda that the banking industry needs young talent. “Banks’ reputations took a big hit during the 2008-2012 financial crisis and are no longer a desirable path in our states’ colleges and universities.” He continues, “We as an industry need to do what is necessary in regard to increasing starting pay and responsibility to compete for the best and brightest.”

Whether you’re discussing the banking industry, the ABA, or the game of golf, it’s evident that Jon Harrell is someone you want to listen to. The culture at Generations Bank is defined by “Faith, Family, and Work, in that order.” It’s evident that Harrell practices what he preaches and expects his staff to do the same and that’s something to be commended in today’s world.