Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to introduce its list of Influencers for 2024, those who inspire us all to reach higher, achieve more and improve things in our communities. Within this list, find leaders in the corporate, nonprofit and public-service spaces — people who provide jobs, feed the state’s economy and provide a hand up to those who need it.
The individuals on this list were handpicked by a blue ribbon panel, who culled hundreds of nominations down to the final listing. They represent not only the best of what they do, but the present and future leaders of our state, who work for the good of us all. As the state’s leading publication focused on the business, community and policy, AMP is proud to shine a bright spotlight on these outstanding achievers and their accomplishments.
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Dale Cole
Chairman and CEO
First Community Bank
Dale Cole is chairman and CEO of First Community Bank, which has grown from a single branch in Batesville to 30 locations in Arkansas and southern Missouri. Cole was one of the original board members and joined in August 1997. After beginning his financial career in Dallas in 1974, he helped found First Community Bank by going door to door to collect nearly $3.5 million from shareholders. First Community employs 575 professional bankers and reported assets of $2.7 billion as of Sept. 30, 2023.
