Arvest Bank of Fayetteville has named Rodney Shepard regional executive for the bank’s southeast region.
Shepard replaces Craig Rivaldo, who is retiring after 37 years with the bank.
In his new role, Shepard will oversee banking operations in Arkansas. He has worked for Arvest for 31 years and previously served as regional executive for the bank’s northwest region of Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.
Prior to becoming regional executive, Shepard served as the bank’s first chief customer experience officer.
“Rodney’s experience and enthusiasm for our southeast region makes him a great choice to fill this role,” Kevin Sabin, chairman and CEO of Arvest, said in a news release. “He’s constantly risen to every challenge, and I am excited to have him work closely with our Arkansas management teams and boards as we continue our work to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future.”
Shepard holds a bachelor’s from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.; an master’s in business administration from Webster University and is an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the Mid-South School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee.
He also is a board member for Forward Arkansas, Mercy Health Fort Smith Communities and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith board of visitors.
To fill Shepard’s former role, Kirk Hays has been promoted to regional executive for the bank’s northwest region. Hays, who has worked for Arvest for 31 years, most recently served as president for the bank’s Tulsa region.
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