Arvest Bank of Bentonville announced Wednesday that it has filled two newly-created executive leadership positions.
Jason England, president of the bank’s market in Springfield, Missouri, has been named chief credit administration officer (CCAO), and Jennifer Baker has joined Arvest as chief information officer (CIO).
As CIO, Baker will be responsible for the cross-functional leadership of all technology departments and teams. The newly designed executive role aims to advance the bank’s long-term technology and innovation goals.
Under her leadership, Arvest will continue its multi-year technology modernization strategy focused on enhancing technical foundations to elevate customer experiences, improving associate enablement, maturing data accessibility and tools, and optimizing resource utilization.
Baker has more than 20 years of experience in business operations and technology, leading business transformations across fintech, retail banking, insurance, cybersecurity and technology. She previously held leadership roles with several large and mid-size financial institutions, including a five-year tenure as chief technology officer for Synovus Bank, a $58 billion asset regional community bank based in Columbus, Georgia.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Technology Management from Kennesaw State University and holds a certification in AI Strategy from Cornell University.
England has been with Arvest for 27 years and was most recently president of the bank’s Springfield market, where he has served since 2022. Prior to that, he held various leadership roles at the bank, including loan manager in Springfield and commercial loan manager for Arvest in Benton County.
As CCAO, England will lead Arvest’s credit risk strategy and governance, underwriting standards, portfolio monitoring and credit operations. He will also play a role in aligning technology enablement with credit, mortgage and bank operations.
England earned a bachelor’s degree in administrative management from the University of Arkansas and completed the American Bankers Association’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking program at the University of Pennsylvania. He also serves on several boards in the Springfield region.
“As we continue to advance our long-term strategy focused on technology and growth, having the right leadership in these key areas is essential,” Yurik Paroubek, Arvest COO, said in a press release. “Jen’s extensive experience driving innovation and optimizing technology teams aligns nicely with our future goals, while Jason’s tenure and deep involvement with our credit strategy and culture will ensure we stay focused on smart growth for the organization. We are excited to see how their combined expertise will help drive operational excellence and move us forward.”
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