Forty Under 40: Ben Carroll

Helping other people be successful is what Ben Carroll enjoys most about his job. “I get to help other people develop and achieve their goals through leadership programs, coaching or talent management,” he said.

Originally from Fort Smith, Carroll graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management from the University of Central Arkansas in 2003 and an MBA from the University of Arkansas in 2005.

He began his career in operations in 2005 at USA Truck in Van Buren. After three years in various roles, Carroll became the human resources (HR) supervisor, then manager.

“I decided to take that opportunity because HR is a field that relates to and can cross over into all industries,” he said. “I thought I was opening up more opportunity by going down that path.”

In 2014, he joined Graphic Packaging International as HR manager, but Arvest Bank hired him away within a year to be vice president/HR manager in the bank’s Rogers office. He has responsibility for the 400 Arvest associates in the largest of the company’s 16 community bank markets, Benton County.

As a member of the senior management team, Carroll directs the bank’s 12-month leadership development program and provides training, networking and community involvement opportunities to associates. He said it’s one of his most rewarding responsibilities.

Carroll holds professional certifications in HR and is a graduate of Leadership Fort Smith and Leadership Benton County. He serves on the Business Advisory Board at NorthWest Arkansas Community College and the local board of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Married with three sons, Carroll teaches in the kids’ ministry at First Baptist Rogers.