Arvest Bank promotes Morbeck, Crain to executive leadership roles

Fayetteville-chartered Arvest Bank has promoted Amy Morbeck of Little Flock and Brad Crain of Bentonville to new leadership positions within the organization, effective June 10.

According to a news release Tuesday (June 4), the two executive positions are new for Arvest but effectively combine previous roles held by former executives.

“We hope to announce their replacements soon,” spokeswoman Tara Muck said. “In the meantime, Amy and Brad will work to ensure a smooth leadership transition in Benton County.”

Morbeck, currently executive vice president and sales manager for the bank’s Benton County market, is now chief product and innovation officer. According to the release, in her new role, she will provide executive oversight of the sales, service and support areas, marketing, customer experience, the product team and go-to-market execution.

With 28 years of experience in the banking industry, Morbeck has held several leadership roles during her career at Arvest, including private banking manager in Kansas City, Mo., president of Arvest Premier Solutions and director of Small Business Strategy and Innovation.

Crain, president of Arvest Benton County since 2020, will become a regional executive for enhanced banking services. According to the release, he will provide executive oversight of Arvest Wealth Management, Arvest Equipment Finance, treasury management, Waco Title Co., consumer lending and Arvest Credit Card. He will also oversee the bank’s two industry verticals: healthcare and food value chain.

Crain has been with Arvest for 18 years. He was previously bank president in Springfield, Mo., from 2014 to 2020. Prior to that, he held various leadership roles within Arvest Wealth Management, including executive vice president.

“Amy and Brad have served in several highly impactful leadership roles during their careers, especially during their time in Benton County,” said Matt Machen, Arvest president and COO. “I’m excited for the energy, leadership and collaboration they will bring as we continue to execute our strategic growth initiatives.”

Arvest is one of the state’s largest banks, with more than 830,000 retail and business customer households. It has more than 200 locations that are part of 14 locally managed banks in approximately 110 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

According to the FDIC, as of March 31, 2024, the bank’s total assets were $26.3 billion, the third-largest among Arkansas banks, and its deposits totaled $23 billion.