Equity Bank adds leaders to Arkansas locations

Equity Bank has added new leadership to its Arkansas locations, including the appointment of Brad Daniel as president, Ozark Mountain Region overseeing Equity’s entire Arkansas operation from the offices in Harrison.

Equity also added Craig Kesner as market president of Berryville, based in Equity’s bank location of 911 W. Trimble Ave., Justin Harris as a senior lending officer for the region and promoted Karlea Newberry to regional retail manager, leading Equity’s customer service in its five bank locations in Harrison, Eureka Springs, Berryville, and Pea Ridge.

Daniel will lead overall strategy for Equity Bank’s Ozark Mountain Region and will be based in the bank’s office at 200 E Ridge Ave.

Daniel joined Equity Bank in 2019 as chief deposit strategy officer in Wichita, Kansas. Prior to joining Equity, Daniel was the market executive for Capital One Bank in NW Louisiana. Daniel is a graduate of Tarleton State University and holds his B.B.A. in management. He began his career in banking more than 20 years ago and has successfully led regional teams across Texas and Louisiana prior to joining Equity Bank. Brad and his wife Debbie are in the process of relocating to the Ozark Mountain area. 

“We are very excited to have Brad Daniel as our region leader for Arkansas.” said Craig Anderson, president of Equity Bank. “He has a proven record for growth, while maintaining a strong community focus. He’ll be a tremendous resource for our customers, communities and colleagues in our Ozark Mountain region.”

Craig Kesner joins Equity Bank with more than 30 years of banking experience. Most recently, he was the community president of then-Liberty Bank, now Simmons Bank, in Branson, Missouri. Prior to that, Kesner served as a vice president at Great Southern Bank. Kesner is a member of the Carroll County Cattlemen’s’ Association.

“Craig’s wide range of experience in mortgage and commercial financing, along with his customer service focus is exactly what we need for Berryville.” said Brad Daniel, president, Ozark Mountain Region. “He’s got deep family roots in Carroll County where his family farms, so he understands what is needed from a bank in an agricultural community.”

Justin Harris joins Equity Bank with 21 years in the banking industry. Prior to joining Equity Bank, he worked as a senior commercial lender at Arvest Bank in northwest Arkansas and currently resides in Harrison. Past positions include, market president and regional sales developer with First United Bank, and a commercial lender and retail manager for Wells Fargo. Harris is a graduate of Utah State University and has an MBA from University of Arizona.

Newberry has been with Equity Bank for nearly three years. Prior to joining Equity Bank, Newberry was a branch manager for Signature Bank in Fayetteville. A native of the Harrison area, Newberry is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. She started her banking career as a teller and quickly moved into management. After 10 years in the industry, Karlea will helm the role of VP, regional retail manager and coordinate strategies for growth amongst the bank managers.