Forty Under 40: Samuel T. Sicard

A fifth-generation banker, Sam T. Sicard, 27, has been in banking since age 14. Sicard serves as the assistant vice president and commercial loan officer in the Sicard family-owned First National Bank of Fort Smith.

Sicard has been with the bank full time for five years, and in his current position for one. He plans to remain with First National and hopes eventually to hold his fathers title of president and CEO. Until that time, Sicard will focus on the growth of the bank.

Being the oldest national bank in the state, First National has grown over the years to incorporate Brown Hiller Clark and Associates, the largest insurance agency in the banks market.

Being involved in some degree in management during the merger has been the highlight of my career thus-far, Sicard said. Our financial holding company, First Bank Corp., is about to hit $1 billion. That has been interesting to watch grow.

Sicard attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a BSBA in banking and finance. During college, Sicard worked for the Walton College of Business at the UA in the business development office.

Sicard also serves as president of the Childrens Emergency Shelter, a United Way campaign division leader.