First Community Bank has announced the hiring of Miguel Lopez. Lopez, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, will use his bilingual talent to serve as a liaison for the Hispanic community.
“The Hispanic population is one of the fastest growing in the state of Arkansas,” said Lopez. “And, they are also one of the most underbanked market segments. I hope to bridge that gap by providing financial education, building trust, and helping them navigate through the language barrier. I am passionate about fulfilling this role because my family relied upon me from a very early age to translate and help them maneuver through some very important cultural changes.”
Lopez was previously the director of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, the state’s largest chamber. In his role there, he worked with the economic development team to assist the needs of over 1,200 small businesses.
Prior to that he was a communications specialist with Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA). At ARORA, he traveled the state educating the Hispanic population on organ, eye and tissue donation.
“This new role allows me to do the two things that I am most passionate about; bridging the divide between both communities and helping businesses and individuals with all of their financial needs. It’s as if my two previous jobs were training me for this role as Hispanic community liaison for First Community Bank.”
Lopez is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he completed a Master of Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
“I am passionate about giving back to my community,” Lopez stated. He serves on the board of Just Communities of Arkansas – a nonprofit tackling social justice issues. He volunteers with the League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest surviving Latino civil rights organization in the U.S. Additionally, Miguel teaches Public Policy to graduate students at Webster University.
“The addition of Miguel to our team is a significant step in escalating our efforts to better serve the Hispanic market,” said Dale Cole, chairman and CEO of First Community Bank. “He is such a dynamic individual with a calling for serving others. I know he is going to do great things.”
Miguel’s home base will be in Little Rock, but he will travel throughout First Community’s branch networks in Arkansas and Southwest Missouri to assist with the bank’s initiative to be an ambassador and financial partner. You can reach Miguel by phone at (501) 319-6388.
Miguel Lopez / Image via First Community Bank
