YELLVILLE, Ark. – Arvest Bank has named Mike Willard president and CEO of its North Central Arkansas and West Plains, Mo. region, effective July 1.
Willard currently is the president and CEO of Arvest’s Prairie Grove market in Northwest Arkansas. During his 15-year career with Arvest, Willard also served as consumer loan officer, commercial loan officer and community bank president in Mountain Home, Ark. from 2010-2013.
He currently is a member of the Arkansas Economics Advisory Board and has served on the board of directors for the Baxter Regional Medical Center Foundation, Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Home Education Foundation, Mountain Home Rotary Club and Performing Arts Council for Arkansas State University – Mountain Home, in addition to leadership roles with other organizations.
“Mike’s previous work and compassion for the North Central Arkansas community make his return to this area a perfect fit. He was very invested in the surrounding communities and in serving our customers and local businesses, so I’m sure he’s looking forward to this opportunity.”
Don Walker, Arvest regional executive
Willard earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla. He is a graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Banking
Willard succeeds Tom Dame, who recently accepted an executive leadership position in Arvest’s Springfield, Mo. market.
“Tom has been an exceptional leader in this market for many years and our customers and associates have benefitted from his experience and leadership,” said Walker. “We are fortunate to be able to utilize Tom’s experience in our Springfield market and name a successor who also has expertise in North Central Arkansas. We thank Tom for his great work here and wish him continued success in our sister territory.”
Dame’s history with Arvest began in 2000, when he joined the bank at Yellville. He has served as president and CEO of the North Central Arkansas market since 2014.