Sara Lester
Rogers,AR
Summary
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes, and fostering team collaboration. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Division Marketing Manager
Arvest Bank Group Inc.
01.2018 - Current
- Execute multi-channel data-driven marketing and customer engagement strategies for mortgage origination and servicing to increase YOY retention and loan growth
- Lead cross-departmental collaboration to continually enhance the mortgage origination and servicing customer experience through available technologies and marketing platforms
- Front-line educator and co-Administrator of mortgage's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, specializing in the creation of email, flyer and social media libraries and integrated customer journeys
- Led cross-functional teams to develop strategic initiatives enhancing operational efficiency.
- Directed high-level decision-making processes aligning organizational goals with market trends.
- Implemented performance metrics to evaluate departmental effectiveness and drive improvement.
- Mentored junior leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth within the organization.
Marketing Compliance Manager
Arvest Bank Group Inc.
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Served as liaison between Marketing and Compliance to strategically execute marketing programs for business units, local bank markets and nationwide divisions
- Managed comprehensive bank marketing compliance review program, including associate incentive programs
- Developed and owned the marketing compliance review program, including process improvement, training and data analytics
- Managed a comprehensive marketing vendor program
- Developed comprehensive account management strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
Marketing Officer
Arvest Bank, Springdale
Springdale
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Developed and implemented internal and external marketing and advertising campaigns, sales contests and training
- Managed brand, sponsorship, advertising, CRA documentation, customer and associate events and communications
- A key educator for bank associates relating to products and services, sales and customer interaction
- Assisted in the creation of leadership program
- Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns to enhance customer engagement and brand awareness.
- Analyzed market trends and customer feedback to refine promotional strategies and improve product offerings.
Education
Six Sigma Green Belt Certified - SSGBC
Arvest Bank
01.2018
Certified Financial Marketing Professional - CFMP
Arkansas Bankers Association
01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR01.2000
Skills
- Data-driven marketing
- Reporting and analytics
- Campaign management
- Community engagement
- Team development
Affiliations
- Haas Hall, Rogers, Treasurer, 2025 PFC Chair
- Equestrian Bridges, Volunteer, 2024 - present
- Teen Action Support Center (TASC) non-profit, Development Chair 2022-2024
- NWA Chapter, American Red Cross, Board of Directors, 2016-2018
- Rogers Public Education Foundation, Board of Directors, 2016 - 2017
- Arkansas Bankers Association, American Marketing Association UofA Chapter, DECA Conference, Arvest Bank Community Reinvestment Act, Large Bank (CRA) for Compliance Certification
Timeline
Vice President, Division Marketing Manager
Arvest Bank Group Inc.
01.2018 - Current
Marketing Compliance Manager
Arvest Bank Group Inc.
01.2013 - 01.2018
Marketing Officer
Arvest Bank, Springdale
01.2007 - 01.2013
Certified Financial Marketing Professional - CFMP
Arkansas Bankers Association
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Arkansas
Six Sigma Green Belt Certified - SSGBC
Arvest Bank