Women in Business: Tanya Mims

Residence: Springdale

Education: B.S.B.A., finance, University of Arkansas

Professional background: FNBNWA hired Mims as president of its Fayetteville market in November 2018. The position was created specifically for Mims with the addition of the bank’s new building in the city. Mims has nearly 25 years of banking experience in Northwest Arkansas and previously worked for Arvest Bank starting in 1997. She works closely with the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County and serves as commissioner of the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission.

What was your dream job as a kid and why? Most of my childhood I wanted to be a pediatrician or pediatric dentist. I had an amazing pediatrician and wanted to be just like him when I grew up. I also had a friend in kindergarten who was insecure about the way his teeth looked. He couldn’t afford to get them fixed, and I thought I could just fix them for him when I got bigger.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? I couldn’t possibly pick one. My parents and grandmothers were outstanding examples for me. The common denominator was their strength, attitude and work ethic.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? It is difficult for me to settle on one most fulfilling moment because there are quite a few that stand out. They all involve customer success stories that ended in happy tears shed and giant hugs received. There are no awards, accolades, recognition or title that could ever top those.

What advice would you give young women who are currently at the beginning of their careers? My dad’s advice to me early in my career was to go in early, stay late, always give more than is expected and dress for the job you want and not the one you have. I would add that plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

What’s the last good book you read? “Mortal Conspiracy” by Dr. Noel C. Scidmore. It was incredible.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? I enjoy jogging with friends, hiking, and riding bikes with my family on our amazing NWA trail system. I also love dining outdoors on a patio or in my backyard, gardening with my husband, date nights, paddleboarding and quiet mornings that include reading and coffee.

What’s your biggest passion and why? My biggest passion is helping people and feeling that I’ve contributed to improving their life in some way. There are several nonprofits in our area that I’ve enjoyed volunteering for over the years. However, I am currently serving as an Arkansas Fair Housing Commissioner, and this role seems to be the most perfect fit for me. AFHC was created to ensure accessible housing on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability and familial status. Our mission is to promote equal housing access and eliminate barriers to integrated communities within Arkansas and to provide a statewide education outreach program.