Forty Under 40: Derek Gibson, 34

Growing up in Springdale, Derek Gibson was inspired by leaders who emphasized the importance of community.

He turned to that inspiration when he got involved with a team of local community members and started Legacy National Bank in Springdale.

Gibson graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2000 with a degree in industrial engineering. He earned a master’s in industrial and system engineering from Georgia Tech in 2001.

Gibson worked for Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s logistics division until 2005, when he decided to change careers and join his father, Don, in banking. Gibson said one of his biggest achievements is being a part of the Legacy team and building a bank through trying times and learning valuable lessons along the way.

Another achievement he’s proud of is his work with the Ryan Gibson Foundation, started after his brother died of leukemia 10 years ago. Gibson said the foundation has been able to donate about $600,000 for leukemia research.

Gibson is very involved in the Springdale community, including the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, the public housing authority and the Rotary Club. His commitment to community service comes from seeing a lot of the leaders in the city continuously give back.

“My dad is a great role model and he’s always been about service and personal success,” he said. “I feel like that’s part of being a well-rounded person.”