Arvest Bank is pleased to announce Craig Shy has been named local bank president in Fayetteville, effective Nov. 1.

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Shy has 33 years of industry experience, including the last 18 at Arvest. He has served in a variety of lending and management roles and has been executive vice president and loan manager for Arvest in Fayetteville since 2013.

Shy replaces Donny Story, who will retire at year-end. Story and Shy will work together during the two-month transition period.

“Craig has been an instrumental part of our success in Fayetteville and we are excited for him to step into this new role,” Arvest regional executive Craig Rivaldo said. “His experience working alongside Donny will no doubt serve him well, as will his leadership skills and deep knowledge of Fayetteville and all of Northwest Arkansas.

“Craig’s promotion provides continuity, but it’s also exciting to know he will lend his own unique perspective as we continue to transform to meet the changing needs and expectations of our customers, communities and associates.”

Shy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas, majoring in finance and banking. He also graduated with honors and distinction for leadership from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

Shy is the current chairman of the board for Life Styles, Inc., a past chairman of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce board and past president of the Northside Fayetteville Rotary Club board. He remains active with both organizations and volunteers for Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas and the National Down Syndrome Congress, among a lengthy list of civic endeavors.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to work with my teammates in our Fayetteville region, including Elkins and the communities of west Washington County,” Shy said. “We will continue to work to meet the financial needs of our customers in the communities we serve. Donny Story has done an outstanding job of leading our region for the past 18 years. I have been fortunate to be part of this team and I look forward to building on the great culture that we have created here.”

Shy and his wife, April, live in Fayetteville and have four children.