First Community Bank has announced the promotion of Bill Oliva to senior vice president of commercial lending and diversity outreach. Oliva, an 18-year veteran of the bank, will focus on expanding access to financial services and capital in underserved communities, initially concentrating on central Arkansas.
Oliva began his banking career with the institution in 2007 as part of the Jobs for Arkansas Graduates program while attending Batesville High School. Since then, he has risen steadily through the organization and now assumes a role aimed at building connections with unbanked and underbanked individuals and businesses.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities First Community Bank has given me throughout my career,” Oliva said in a statement. “This promotion is both an honor and a responsibility. I look forward to continuing to expand access to financial services, strengthening relationships throughout our communities, and helping more individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals.”
As part of his new responsibilities, Oliva will oversee commercial lending operations while spearheading the bank’s diversity outreach initiatives across its service areas. Dwight Ford, executive vice president and chief lending officer, said Oliva’s dedication and vision make him an excellent fit for the expanded role.
“Bill’s passion for serving others and his commitment to building stronger communities make him an outstanding leader for this role,” Ford remarked. “He has consistently demonstrated a heart for people, a strong work ethic, and a vision for creating meaningful opportunities across our markets. We are excited to see the continued impact he will make for our customers, our communities, and our bank.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Oliva is active in various community organizations. He serves on the White River Health Patient and Family Advisory Council, the Avanza Arkansas board, and the AmigoFest board. Oliva studied criminal justice at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and later completed the Barrett School of Banking in Memphis.
Oliva and his wife are raising four children, aged 14, 13, 7, and 3 months. Outside of work, he enjoys biking, lake outings, and traveling with his family.
First Community Bank, headquartered in Batesville, operates 30 locations in Arkansas and Missouri. It provides a range of financial services to consumers, businesses, and underserved communities.