Arvest Chief Financial Officer Karla Payne was recognized as Large Bank CFO of the Year at the Arkansas Business CFO of the Year luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Little Rock, Ark.
The awards are part of an annual event presented by Arkansas Business that honors lifetime achievements and chief financial officers in several categories. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges.
Payne has worked at Arvest for more than 33 years and has been CFO since 2010. In an interview with Arkansas Business prior to the luncheon, Payne recounted working for what was then McIlroy Bank while attending the University of Arkansas. Her work day started at 7 p.m., and sometimes didn't end until 7 a.m.
Payne also said the hard work that has marked her career progression has made her a better CFO, and in return, she makes herself available to new Arvest associates to help them with their career paths.