FACES OF THE ARKANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION
John Thomas Anderson Named ELS Council President John Thomas Anderson has been appointed as the 2017-18 Emerging Leaders Section Council President. Anderson is a 1999 graduate of Pine Bluff High School. He received a degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 2003, where he was a four-year letterman and pitcher on the baseball team. Anderson is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
Q&Awith John Thomas Anderson How long have you been in the banking industry, and with Malvern National Bank?
I began my career in banking almost 15 years ago in mortgage lending and transitioned into commercial lending a few years later. I joined MNB in Little Rock, last year as Vice President of Commercial Loans and am really enjoying it.
How long have you been involved with the Emerging Leaders Section of the Arkansas Bankers Association?
I’ve been involved with the Emerging Leaders program for the last four years. It has been a great opportunity and honor to serve in leadership roles within the Association.
What are some of your favorite experiences from being involved with the Emerging Leaders Section? My favorite experience would be our trip to Washington, D.C. We had the chance to see the political side of banking in action and the opportunity to meet with several representatives and senators to discuss issues important to banking in Arkansas.
I’ve also enjoyed having the opportunity to meet so many fellow colleagues in banking from around the state through the Emerging Leaders program. We’ve benefited from valuable leadership training, and opportunities for professional development.
What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the banking industry, or someone who has worked in the industry for a short time?
I would say a good start is to get involved in the banking community and community as a whole, including the Arkansas Bankers Association. There are so many opportunities for learning, career growth, professional education and networking. Also, be open to advice from colleagues in the industry and to learning new things, as banking is an ever-evolving industry.
Anderson with Representative Steve Womack during a 2016 trip to Washington, D.C.
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The Arkansas Banker | December 2017
