Forty Under 40: Gina Williams

Acting as interim president and CEO of UARK Federal Credit Union, Gina Williams, 29, has become the poster child for success. The Crosses native has been with the thrift since she was 18 and plans to retire there.

Starting at UARK as a teller, Williams worked her way up to the position of vice president and served in that capacity for 10 months before assuming her new duties.

Williams said her mother and her Aunt Alta Faubus, a former two-time first lady of Arkansas, are her inspiration and motivation. As a little girl, Williams ironically hated math but loved the puzzles that are involved in finance.

I can foresee myself dying in the credit union, and I cant see myself doing anything else, Williams said.

A large portion of Williams time is spent keeping up with new technology and federal compliance issues. Pleasantly surprised that her new interim position was not as difficult as she expected, Williams said she hopes to become the permanent president and CEO of UARK.

She said the best part of her job is helping people find solutions to their financial struggles. She also appreciates her appointment and is flattered that the UARK board of directors placed their confidence in a 29-year-old.