First Security Bank of Fayetteville President David Russell has officially announced his retirement, effective in March. He has held the position since 2008.
In 2002, Russell began his career with First Security as a lender and retail bank manager. At the time, there were six branches of the bank in Northwest Arkansas. He played a key role in obtaining the only bank branch on the University of Arkansas campus and in the construction of two new branches in Fayetteville. There are now 17 branches in the area, six of which he has overseen in Fayetteville and Farmington.
“After working for two large banks in Houston and Arkansas, First Security was a breath of fresh air,” Russell said. “I have spent half of my career here, which is a testament to how great a place it is to work.”
During his tenure at First Security Bank, Russell served on the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation board, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce board and Leadership Chair for Class 20, the local board and national committees for the American Diabetes Association, Fayetteville Public Library Foundation board and Washington Regional Hospital Foundation board, for which he is incoming chair.
“David has been an excellent team leader who cares deeply for his customers and community,” said Adam Rutledge, Northwest Arkansas president of First Security Bank. “He has been an integral part of First Security’s growth in Northwest Arkansas over the last 20 years. We will all miss his jovial personality and words of encouragement.”
In his retirement, Russell looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren in Bentonville and traveling more, specifically to New York City.
The public is invited to a retirement reception in his honor to be held Thursday, March 14, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Joyce Banking Center located at 1219 East Joyce Boulevard in Fayetteville.
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