Connections: Walmart exec receives award honoring Black business icon

Walmart executive Latriece Watkins, executive vice president of consumables, received the inaugural Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The award was presented in May by the national trade group Personal Care Products Council. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to DEI through strong leadership and sustained efforts with a focus on workplace culture, programs and policies, or through external engagement with consumers and communities.

The award honors industry pioneer Madam C.J. Walker, who started her hair care business at the turn of the century, during a time when women of color had few rights and little opportunity.

NEW HIRES
Banking & Finance
Miranda Gauthier
Springdale
Employer: Today’s Bank
Title: Springdale market president
Previous employer: Centennial Bank
Previous title: vice president, commercial lending

PROMOTIONS
Banking & Finance
Jackie Rogers
Fayetteville
Employer: Arvest Bank
Title: vice president; Arvest Wealth Management
Previous title: trust wealth advisor

Retail
Kennon Largent
Fayetteville
Employer: Overdrive Brands
Title: CEO
Previous title: director of business development

Tourism
Angie Albright
Springdale
Employer: Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
Title: director
Previous title: development director

APPOINTMENTS
Nonprofit
Scott Berna
Fayetteville
Employer: Berna Funeral Homes
Title: owner
Appointment: president, board of directors
Organization: Arkansas Funeral Directors Association

Robert Kaelin
Fayetteville
Employer: Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home
Title: manager
Appointment: treasurer, board of directors
Organization: Arkansas Funeral Directors Association

Brock Gearhart
Fayetteville
Employer: Greenwood Gearhart
Title: CEO
Appointment: board of directors
Organization: New Beginnings

Tyler Dees
Siloam Springs
Employer: Simmons Foods
Title: director of business development
Appointment: board of directors
Organization: Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County