FACES OF THE ARKANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION: EMERGING LEADERS NATALIE BARTHOLOMEW
RYAN MOORE
Grand Savings Bank Rogers
Centennial Bank Jonesboro What do you see as the biggest issue facing community bankers in Arkansas? I’ll give you the three biggest issues: regulation, regulation, and regulation. Specifically, how the increase in regulations are making it more difficult to serve our customers in Arkansas. Community banks in Arkansas shouldn’t be regulated the same as Wall Street banks in New York.
What made you decide to become a banker? I have always known that I wanted to be a banker. I essentially grew up at Farmers & Merchants Bank of Prairie Grove, which was later purchased by Arvest. My grandfather worked there for 45 years and would bring home bank tickets to my sister and me. I had no idea what they really were, but I played “bank” all the time. As a high school student, I was a member of the Arvest Junior Bank Board and bugged the bank sponsors constantly about working there. It has always been in my blood to be in this industry and I hope to see more young women have the same aspirations.
SANDY STARNES
ROBERT HARGIS
Citizens Bank Batesville
Citizens Bank Monticello
What trait must today’s banker possess to be successful? Whether focus is product innovation, operational efficiencies or regulatory climate, today’s banker must possess two characteristics to be successful: agility and vision. We must have the vision to plan for tomorrow and the agility to pivot when the unexpected happens.
CAMERON HURST
What made you decide to become a banker? Becoming a banker was an easy choice for me. Banking presents a unique opportunity to exercise my interest in financial matters as well as getting to know people and their businesses in our community. It has been very rewarding to help friends and neighbors either get through a tough spot or make their lifelong dreams become reality. Local bankers are also deeply involved in the communities that we serve and love.
Gateway Bank Rison
EVELYN WADE What trait must today’s banker possess to be successful? Personalized service. Always make the person in front of you feel like they are your most important customer. Modern day banking regulations can make things difficult for borrowers, so always try to simplify the process for them. A great customer can always find another bank, but they can’t always find great service.
GEORGE PURVIS
First Financial Bank El Dorado 2017-18 ELS COUNCIL TREASURER What trait must today’s banker possess to be successful? In order to be successful, today’s banker must be adaptable. We live in an environment of ever- changing technology, evolving regulations, and balancing cross-generational customer expectations. Our society thrives on instant gratification; therefore, we must be able to meet the needs of our customers quickly as industry wide changes occur. Successful bankers do this by implementing and utilizing the latest technological advances, staying educated and knowledgeable of upcoming regulatory changes, and developing strategies to serve customers across generations. Delay in change could result in loss of business or failure. One must be responsive to change in order to stay on track to success.
Cornerstone Bank Eureka Springs 2017-18 ELS COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT What made you decide to become a banker? Seeing the possibility of a career in which I could help people achieve their dreams, have a positive impact on the local economy, be involved day to day in our community… all the while working for a family-owned company whose core values matched my own just seemed like a good fit. Besides, who doesn’t like giving away money?
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The Arkansas Banker | December 2017
