Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1356457
Lisa Brown Keck was born and raised in Fort Smith, AR. She attended Southside High School there and went on to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she earned her BSBA in Finan- cial Management in 2002. She attained her Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification in 2013. Today, Lisa serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for Greenwood Gearhart. In these roles, she oversees the firm's Financial Planning oper- ations, client engagement, marketing, business man- agement, and retirement plan services, in addition to compliance with regula- tory requirements. Lisa is involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors, including Down Syndrome Connection of NWA as well as serving as a member of her son's Parent Teacher Organization. Lisa's career spans more than 15 years of experience. She has a unique appre- ciation for the career and lifestyle opportunities in Fayetteville having spent some of her earlier career living in another town. "While my time away from the city was an important part of my life," Lisa began. "It also helped to deepen my appreciation for all that Fayetteville has to offer. I may be a bit biased, but think that Fayetteville is a wonderful place to start a career and grow. The efforts that both the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and other organizations in Northwest Arkansas have taken to expand our community's sights on personal and professional fulfilment, the arts and culinary culture, and overall quality of life, have greatly enhanced the city of Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas as one of the leading locations in the United States to receive an education, start a career, and raise a family." Lisa believes that in Fayetteville one is able to experience all of the career opportunities someone in New York might have, but with virtually no commute time, a reasonable cost of living and a beautiful space to raise children. "I love the diversity and richness in the community fostered by the University, regional growth and native population," she said. "While change is inevita- ble in a rapidly growing economy like Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas, the dedication of the local governments and chamber organizations to stay true to the spirit of our hospi- tality and foster a welcom- ing environment is to be greatly respected." Lisa points out that with a handful of Fortune 500 companies nearby, a leading research University, and booming local housing and urban development, Fayetteville and the North- west Arkansas region are no doubt a great place to expand one's personal and professional opportunities. The local resources offered by the area Chambers of Commerce help to connect transplanted profession- als to a network of new opportunity and profes- sional development are a great toolkit for expanding horizons and setting new goals. "A big part of my deci- sion to return Fayetteville almost 5 years ago was driven by the knowledge I gained from the Leadership Fayetteville Program," Lisa Said. "My oldest son, Fin- ley, has Down syndrome and knowing the resources available to him through the school system and community services was a major part of the decision. Not every community has such an amazing support system." Lisa Brown Keck Leadership Fayetteville Program 11 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce