Local Faces

BACC Ribbon Cutting for Natural State Primary Care A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Natural State Shelly Hendrix Primary Care on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 1500 Lawrence Street in Batesville. Morgan Shirley, APRN, specializes in acute and chronic healthcare from birth to end of life, weight loss, ADD/ADHD, workman’s comp claims, DOT physicals, hormonal testing, and rapid COVID-19 testing. Dr. Verona Brown specializes in aesthetic procedures such as, Dysport, Botox, fillers, plasma pen skin tightening, microdermabrasion, and chemical facial peels. To make an appointment please contact 870-612-3223. N

Citizens Bank announces next generation of progressive leadership

Sandy Starnes

Citizens Bank, headquartered in Batesville, Arkansas, announced that effective immediately, Micah Beard is transitioning to Regional President of North Central Arkansas Market, where he will continue to support the bank’s mission to put people first.

“Micah is the right person to lead our talented team of associates in the North Central Region,” said Adam Mitchell, President and CEO of Citizens Bank. “Through his leadership, Citizens Bank was one of the first banks in the region to originate PPP loans for our customers, demonstrating his true commitment to community banking.”

A native of Monticello, Beard attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting. He later obtained specialized degrees from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania.

Beard has been employed at the bank since 2008, and has more than 25 years of experience in banking. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Batesville and is a Board Member for the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the White River Health System Advisory Board and the Vital Link Board. Beard continues a legacy of community-focus both in his career and throughout his personal life. He and his wife Jennifer live in Batesville with their daughter, Avri, age 9.

As outgoing president of the Arkansas Sheriff Youth Ranch’s (ASYR) Board of Trustees, Beard has overseen two of the organization’s most successful years. He helped the ASYR secure a PPP grant, providing crucial margin during the pandemic. Beard also helped by increasing Citizens Bank’s matching gift by 50% to encourage even more donations, which ultimately enabled ASYR to have its largest single day of giving in the organization’s history. For his community involvement, the Batesville Chamber of Commerce is celebrating him as one of its 2021 Spirit of Independence honorees. N

FCB Donation to HSIC & Welcoming Carrie Price

Angela Connell

First Community Bank’s Mila Mote, compliance HMDA specialist, presents a donation to the Humane Society of Independence County’s shelter Enrichment Coordinator, Hope Branch. First Community Bank employees held several events to raise funds for the cause including bake sales, blue jean Fridays, and several personal donations.

Mote said, “We know that fundraising efforts have been difficult recently due to the pandemic, but we believe in the work that the Humane Society is doing.” N

L to R: Joe Smith, Hope Branch, Andrew Lane, Mila Mote, Pat Rutherford, Eva Henriksen Carrie Price is now senior vice president and chief marketing officer, “It’s an exciting time to be at First Community Bank, our family is proud to call Batesville our new home, and we are grateful for so many that have welcomed us to the community.”