Jimmy Anthony has been tabbed to serve as the next president of Delta Dental of Arkansas. He will take on his new duties, effective Jan. 1, 2027, replacing the retiring Kristin Merlo.
Merlo will remain in an advisory role through the first quarter of 2027, according to a press release.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Kristin for the profound impact she has had on the organization,” said Phil Cox, board chairman. “During her tenure, DDAR invested in innovative care delivery models and modernized its technology and products. She leaves the organization financially stronger, more strategically diversified and better positioned to advance its mission.”
Anthony began his career with DDAR in 2007, advancing through roles spanning underwriting, strategy, operations, customer relationships and technology transformation. Since February 2025, he has served as the founding CEO of Bravere, a DDAR subsidiary.
An Arkansas native, Anthony earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He completed his MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Feature photo: Anthony and Merlo (Photo by Karen E. Seagrave)
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