Fast 15: Hannah Newkirk

Helping people plan their financial future motivates Hannah Newkirk in her work at Arvest. “The average person doesn’t know all the ins and outs and constantly changing laws and tax laws,” she said. “So people rely on me to make sure they have a plan for their future and a plan for their loved ones in the future when they pass away.”

She navigates each family’s situation using her problem-solving skills to develop a unique plan for them.

“Every family is different, and every family’s plan is different,” she said. “So it’s not necessarily going to be a cookie-cutter solution.”

After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 with a degree in health science, Newkirk took a job with Arvest in banking in Northwest Arkansas. She moved to the trust department in 2020 as a trust administrative assistant, where she completed courses with the American Bankers Association and the National Business Institute. Her boss in that job, trust officer Ginger Glen, taught her the business’s planning and administrative sides.

“She was willing to share anything and everything with me and answer all of my questions, and I learned pretty much everything I know from her,” Newkirk said.

After attending the Cannon Financial Institute Trust School and graduating with honors in 2021, Newkirk became a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor, which she considers the highlight of her career because of the time and work she put into it. Currently, she does fiduciary administration and oversees personal trusts, charitable trusts, agency accounts, investment accounts and estates. She has increased her book of business by connecting with strategic partners like CPAs and attorneys and partnering with other bank members.

Originally from Searcy, Newkirk’s first job, at age 15, was in a coffee shop there. That job taught her about people and gave her invaluable customer service skills.

Deeply committed to community service, Newkirk is actively involved with Sharing and Caring, the American Junior Golf Association, and the Northwest Arkansas Business Women’s Conference. Newkirk also spearheaded a team to prepare meals for 150 people at the 8th Street Motel in Rogers through the 8th Street Ministry.

She “happily” spends her free time with her husband and sons and enjoys gardening, working out and yoga.