Forty Under 40: Sam Harris

Sam Harris is a heavy hitter both on and off the job for Arkansas National Bank.

A 3-handicapper in golf, Harris services a personal loan portfolio of more than $30 million in his second year with the bank. He was promoted to senior vice president of commercial lending in January, but has managed portfolios in that department since joining ANB’s staff in 1998.

Harris said the bank gives its people the necessary tools to be successful.

Before arriving in Northwest Arkansas, Harris was a loan officer for 11 years with Arkansas Bank & Trust in Hot Springs. A native of Moline, Ill., he attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia where he received a degree in banking administration management in 1993 and a master’s in business administration in 1994.

While in Hot Springs, Harris helped HSU become certified by the American Association of Collegiate Standards Bureau.

Harris, 38, is on the committee for the Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber’s Square Roots Retail Program. Harris is chairman of festival operations for the Ozark Balloon Fest, serves on the executive committee for the Arkansas Bankers Association and is an instructor with the Arkansas Institute.