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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Russ Martin
Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer
Relyance Bank
Russ Martin is the executive vice president and chief credit officer for Relyance Bank and has been with the bank for more than nine years. He oversees multiple loan committees, directs the credit approval process, loan portfolio monitoring, loan policy and procedures, and participates in several committees involved in the management of the bank. Relyance Bank is the 17th largest bank in Arkansas, has 20 full-service branches, 24 loan officers and 170 other team members who serve their communities. Prior to joining Relyance Bank in 2014, Martin was employed at various financial institutions and was responsible for lending, credit or treasury-management-related functions. He is a Little Rock native and a 1997 graduate of Pulaski Academy in Little Rock. He became a certified commercial investment member in 2011 and earned his diploma from the graduate school of banking at Louisiana State University in 2017. Active in the local philanthropic and community activities, Martin has served or is serving as a member of the board of Junior Achievement of Central Arkansas, the Downtown Little Rock Kiwanis Club, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Business Real Estate Advisory Board, the Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, the community housing advisory board for the city of Little Rock and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, among others.
