Landon Downing, vice president of commercial lending and director of community and customer engagement at Batesville-based Citizens Bank, has been awarded the Bill Holmes Leadership Award by the Arkansas Bankers Association.
The honor recognizes Downing’s commitment to servant leadership and his impact on Arkansas’ banking community.
“I’m honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Downing. “Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about showing up for your team and your community and doing the work with heart. I’m proud to be part of a team, and an industry, that shares those values and pushes each other to grow.”
Downing was celebrated at the Arkansas Bankers Association’s 2025 Ascending Leadership Conference held recently in Little Rock. His leadership extends beyond banking, with recent appointments and service including:
- Commissioner, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (appointed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders);
- President, Jamestown Crag Foundation;
- Board chair, IMPACT Independence County Foundation;
- Board member, Wood-Lawn, Downtown Foundation, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce;
- Graduate, Leadership Arkansas Class XVIII.
“Landon leads with authenticity and a deep sense of purpose,” said Micah Beard, regional president of Citizens Bank. “He’s a connector, someone who brings people together to build lasting solutions. This award reflects the trust and respect he’s earned across our organization and community.”
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