Ashley Eddy

age: 37 | Maternal Child Supervisor | Wadley Regional Medical Center

In her position as Maternal Child Supervisor at Wadley, nurse Ashley Eddy oversees the nursery, NICU, postpartum, gynecology, and pediatrics departments. On any given day, she can be found scheduling shifts, managing her staff, acting as a floor nurse in busy times, and even fulfilling her duties in her position as “self-proclaimed women and children’s party planner.”

Ashley’s work is her passion. “I love being a nurse,” she said. “I love helping others, educating families with a new baby or new diagnosis, or just helping them get well by making their hospital stay a positive one.” A Texarkana resident since 2010, Ashley’s previous career experience led perfectly to her current position. “I owe [my successes in my position as supervisor] to the previous positions I held, which gave me the confidence to be a supervisor,” she explained. “After working in Fort Worth as a nurse, I was a travel nurse for 4 years. I worked at some of the best children’s hospitals in the United States. Through traveling, I not only gained valuable experience in nursing but also learned a lot about myself and found my voice.” 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“LIFE ISN’T FAIR!” –RICK LINDSEY, ASHLEY’S FATHER

Regularly volunteering through the hospital, Ashley is especially proud of the NICU Reunion and Breastfeeding Celebration, two recent projects she played a part in. She also serves the community through events at Heritage Church.

Though nursing is her dream job, Ashley’s favorite roles are those of wife to Michael, and mother to Roland (4) and Reid (21 months). Along with her family, Ashley loves traveling, spending time by the pool, and supporting her children in their interests. 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am often mistaken for my sister, Jenni. We look a lot alike, both happen to be nurses, and have children the same ages. Our personalities are slightly different, however. If you see one of us and we don’t speak, it’s probably because we aren’t the sister you were thinking.”

Dustin Carlyle Earnest

age: 30 | Chief Financial Officer | Tri-State Iron and Metal Company

Dustin Earnest is a true family man. “As a father of two energetic young boys, Callaway and Carlyle, my interests and activities are limited in scope but grand in enjoyment,” he laughed. “My primary hobbies include rolling around on the playroom floor with my boys while teaching them how to do puzzles, building train tracks, and constructing obstacles for toy jeeps to climb. Activities like 4:30 a.m. workouts and Wednesday date nights allow me to spend dedicated time with my beautiful wife, Britt. We both also share a special interest in our faith. My wife and I teach our Sunday school class together, which has been a blessing for our spiritual growth and maturity.”

In addition to co-teaching at Sunday school, Dustin serves his church, Williams Memorial United Methodist, in other ways, including as a board member for the Williams School. He also volunteers with the church’s Community Cafe, a twice- monthly event that feeds hungry people in the area. Outside the church doors, Dustin is the Texas Exes Texarkana Chapter’s President-Elect. He has also been chosen as a Celebrity Artist for next year’s Women of the Arts Party with Picassos. 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW DAY. YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THIS DAY TO USE AS YOU WILL. YOU CAN WASTE IT OR USE IT FOR GOOD. WHAT YOU DO TODAY IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOU ARE EXCHANGING A DAY OF YOUR LIFE FOR IT. WHEN TOMORROW COMES, THIS DAY WILL BE GONE FOREVER; IN ITS PLACE IS SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE LEFT BEHIND... LET IT BE SOMETHING GOOD.” —COACH MACK BROWN GAVE EVERY PLAYER A LAMENTED CARD TO PUT IN THEIR WALLET WITH THIS QUOTE FROM AN UNKNOWN AUTHOR

Far from a stay-at-home parent or full-time volunteer, Dustin spends his weekdays at his job as CFO of Tri- State Iron and Metal, a career he finds deeply satisfying. “I enjoy analyzing how things work and building well designed things,” he explained. “In my role, I have the opportunity to use my expertise to analyze and refine structures or processes for the purpose of advancing the company’s goals. Understanding a company and having the ability to make positive changes is very fulfilling.”

Looking to the future, Dustin is excited to see his children grow up. “I look forward to coaching their sports teams and helping them with school projects,” he said. He dreams of family volunteer projects in the community as well as mission trips abroad. Individually, Dustin hopes to become more involved in local and state governmental bodies. And, if things ever slow down, he’d like to work on his golf game. 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I played football but am allergic to grass, and I now work in the metal industry but am allergic to nickel.”

Angela Coston

age: 34 | Executive Director | For the Sake of One

Angela Coston has been a positive influence in the lives of many hundreds of children in the Texarkana area, whether they are aware of it or not. As a former elementary teacher, she was a role model, parental figure, and life raft for her students. As former foster parents, she and her husband, Samuel, provided love and a safe haven for 11 children of varying ages. As a mom, she has three sons, Trent, Moses and Ambrose, who benefit from her care and leadership every day. And, still more, countless kids in the foster system live easier because of Angela’s hard work and devotion.

Her nonprofit, For the Sake of One (FSO), exists “to raise awareness and care for the foster care community in our area,” she said. “While teaching (in 2016), I felt that God was calling me to turn our church foster care ministry into a nonprofit that reached all across Texarkana, so I researched how to do that and did it. We help foster families, biological families, and case workers. My heart frequently breaks for the families I am helping, but I love when we are able to help keep a family together, or bring a little joy to a child who has been through more trauma in their little life than I have seen in my 34 years.” 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTAND- ING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS, AC- KNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.” —PROVERBS 3:5-6, GIVEN AS ADVICE BY ANGELA’S MOTHER, JAN GROSSMAN

In the past year, FSO has acquired a building, provided school supplies for over 250 children, provided Christmas presents for around 300 children, clothed innumerable children, encouraged case workers, put on a golf tournament and fund-raising banquet, and, most recently, been awarded the Congressional Coalition

on Adoption’s Angels in Adoption Honor. Though her full-time job is an act of service, Angela also manages to give back in other ways: she is a member of the Spring Lake Park VIPS and a volunteer in the nursery at Beech Street First Baptist Church.

The foster care system is a huge cause that would overwhelm many, but Angela often thinks back to the naming of her ministry. The name “For the Sake of One” comes from a story about an old man and a child who are walking along the beach. The man is picking up starfish and throwing them into the ocean. The child asks him why he’s doing that, and the man explains that he’s saving them. When the child retorts that there’s no way he’ll be able to save them all, the man replies, “I made a difference for that one.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“My dog’s name is Kasha which is short for Koshkanog. This is a city in Missouri that I used to drive through as a child, and I thought it was the funniest name for a city. I used to tell my mom that I was going to move to Koshkanog and be a Koshkanogian. I never did that, but do have a dog named after the city.”

Drew Chandler

age: 39 | Chief Financial Officer | Farmers Bank & Trust

Drew Chandler’s father had a huge influence on his decision to become an accountant. “I became an accountant because my dad was one. He was the Director of Finance for Wendy’s, so in college, I tried accounting, and it made sense to me, and I did well,” he explained. “My dad has always been an excellent role model and mentor to me.”

As the Chief Financial Officer for Farmers Bank & Trust, the department Drew manages is in charge of reporting and managing the balance sheet and income statement, the budget, interest rate risk, liquidity, investment accounting, pledging, wires, ACH, accounts payable, dividends, taxes, capital and other account functions.

Drew’s greatest personal accomplishments are his children, Griffin and Addison. While admitting that his wife has a lot to do with them being the people they are, he says that he sees great potential in them for the future. 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AND 90% HOW YOU REACT TO IT.” – DREW’S MENTOR, QUOTING CHARLES SWINDOLL

Included in the Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 in 2013, Drew was also CFO of the Year finalist in 2013 and 2016. His greatest professional accomplishment is being a part of Farmers Bank & Trust’s success. “When I started at Farmers Bank & Trust, seven years ago, the bank was around $600 million in assets and had a net income of $6.5 million. This year, we are over $1.4 billion in assets and will have net income of $24 million. We have increased assets by over two times and increased net income by over three times,” he acknowledged.

Drew is very active in his church, Walnut Church of Christ, and enjoys being active within the church. He also helps out at Spring Hill Elementary School, where his wife, Audrey, serves as principal. Working at Farmers allows him to be active within the community with schools, police, and other service organizations. One of his favorite projects is the Cara McCollum birthday book project which provides a free book to elementary children on their birthday to help promote literacy.

In 10 years, Drew hopes to see himself continuing to work at Farmers and helping it grow from $1.4 billion in assets to around $5 billion in assets. 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, visited the hospital and signed my baby book when I was born.”

Kevin Browning

age: 40 | Owner/General Contractor | Browning Homes

In 2008, Kevin Browning opened his own company, Browning Homes, and last year, he began working and promoting his company full- time while overseeing the building of custom homes, spec homes, and remodels. He takes pride in fulfilling his business’s motto, “If you can dream it, we can make it a reality.”

Kevin’s greatest personal accomplishment is being happily married to his wife, Christal, for 12 years. He is truly proud of being a family man and sharing special time with his children, Madison (18), Spencer (10), Garrett (7), and Avery (4).

Recently, HGTV reached out to Browning Homes because of their exceptional work building barndominiums. Kevin feels proud that his business was considered for this honor, and he enjoyed going through the interview process. “I have been in and around construction my whole life. My dad was a painter by trade so it has always been my passion to create or update the most treasured space ... your home,” he acknowledged. 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE POOR DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO BE DIRTY. LIVE CLEAN, AND YOU WILL AL- WAYS FEEL GOOD.” –SHIRLEY MOONEY, KEVIN’S MOTHER

Kevin and Christal (who recently joined the family business, too) are supporters of Hands On Texarkana and Adult Protective Services. They have also recently joined the Texarkana Area Chamber of Commerce and look forward to connecting with our community. For the last year and a half, Browning Homes has been the contractor for Cornerstone Retirement Community, and Kevin often gets to meet and work with the senior adults who are moving there.

When he is not at his office or a job site, Kevin can be found enjoying the outdoors. He loves to fish and golf, and spends a lot of time coaching youth travel baseball since his oldest son, Spencer, is on the team.

In 10 years, Kevin hopes to continue to be successful in the building industry. “My hope is that I can continue to grow this family business to higher levels,” he explained. “I’m not hot-headed, and I pay attention to details. I believe that people do business with people and that is the case today and will be the case 10 years from now.” 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I eat one thing at a time, until it’s gone. Then I move on to the next thing on my plate. For example, I eat all my fries first, then I eat my hamburger.”

Kayla Brint

age: 28 | Photographer and Educator | Kayla Brint Photography www.kaylabrint.com

Photographer Kayla Brint saw a need: creatives in the area were hungry for community. Seasoned professionals and novice creators alike were seeking opportunities for education, collaboration, and fellowship. So Kayla decided to found a local chapter of the Rising Tide Society (RTS).

“RTS is a group of creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who believe in community over competition,” Kayla explained. “Each month, free business content is given to the leaders to share with the group. I’ve been leading this group since March. It’s been so wonderful getting to know the movers and shakers of our community.” 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“ANY FOOL CAN CRITICIZE, CONDEMN AND COMPLAIN—AND MOST FOOLS DO.” —DALE CARNEGIE

Leading an RTS chapter made a lot of sense for Kayla who teaches a basic photography course at Texarkana College and is a creative entrepreneur. For a long time, she has been empowering parents to capture everyday photos of their children. “I’ve been teaching moms how to use their DSLR cameras for years,” she said. It wasn’t until recently, however, that Kayla began to understand that she could leverage her

experience as a photography educator to benefit small business owners in the community. “One day I realized that I had accidentally created a tool that can help business owners save and make money with amazing visual content,” she explained. “I’m so excited to be offering my first class for entrepreneurs thisfall.”

Kayla admits that her husband, Chase, is her greatest advocate. “I’m not easy to live with. I have crazy goals and dreams, and he’s been my #1 supporter since 2013. I am so grateful for Chase,” she said, adding that they are also very proud of their son, Worth.

Kayla is happy she gets to work both as a photographer and as a photography educator. “Just to be in business is a blessing,” she said. “To be able to make a living while doing something I love? That’s a dream come true. But every time a person sees their photos and cries, or when I get to witness the joy on someone’s face when they finally understand how to use their camera . . . those are the best accomplishments I could ask for.” 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I ran a marathon once. 26.2 miles in San Antonio. It was almost 10 years ago, and I’m still talking about it.” #neveragain

Ryan Berry

age: 40 | President and CEO | TSD Logistics, Inc

TSD Logistics, Inc. is a trucking and transportation firm with about 150 employees and five different divisions. After 10 years with the company, Ryan Berry was named President and CEO. “As CEO, I am directly responsible for all operations, sales, HR and accounting functions of the company,” he stated. “With so many moving parts, I lean hard on my team of experts. Without their help, it doesn’t go. Fortunately, 2018 has been a banner year for TSD, thanks to our amazing team, and quite honestly, the favor of God.”

Being a father to his three children, Will, Hattie Wren, and Rhodes, is Ryan’s greatest personal accomplishment. “Leaving a godly legacy for them is at the top of my list,” he explained. “At the end of the day, what else matters more? I try to keep it simple for them. Love God, love others. Everything else takes care of itself.” 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“LIFE IS SHORT AT ITS LONGEST.” —HOYT JOHNSON, RYAN’S GRANDFATHER

For fun, Ryan enjoys being in the great outdoors, usually with his kids. Once he gets home from work, he quickly changes out of his work clothes, and he and kids go outside. “We love to hunt, fish and play ball, but we have just as much fun riding bikes or catching lizards at home. If I’m not with the kids, I like to hunt, fish, or play golf with my dad, brothers and friends.”

Born and raised in this community, Texarkana is very important to Ryan. He currently serves as treasurer on the board of directors for Laces of Grace and supports Watersprings Ranch. He also coaches his oldest son’s baseball teams through TABA.

Through TSD, Ryan has developed a relationship with Texas A&M-Texarkana and was recently invited to collaborate with the staff to develop the newly-offered Supply Chain Management Major as both a bachelor’s and graduate degree program. TSD offers both internships and scholarships to business and supply chain majors, and this fall, Ryan will be partnering with TAMU-T to teach a supply chain course at Red River Army Depot. 

Name something about you that very few people know:

Name something about you that very few people know: “I always mow my front yard in two different directions to make sure it’s all even. Only the front yard, not the back. And now that I have said that out loud, I’m thinking maybe that’s not so normal.”

Ashley Barker

age: 36 | Assistant Principal at Pleasant Grove Elementary | Pleasant Grove ISD

Between her 10-year-old son, the infants she cares for on Sunday mornings at First Baptist Church, and her 500 students at Pleasant Grove Elementary, children constitute a large part of assistant principal Ashley Barker’s life.

“I love being an assistant principal at Pleasant Grove because it allows me the privilege to be a part of the lives of so many wonderful students,” Ashley said. “It is such a blessing to see students grow and succeed throughout the year.” As assistant principal, Ashley is responsible for maintaining the highest level of instruction throughout the school. She also works hard to help the principal foster a safe, supportive campus culture that serves the school community.

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“WHEN YOU CAN’T CONTROL WHAT’S HAPPENING, CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CONTROL THE WAY YOU RESPOND TO WHAT’S HAPPENING. THAT’S WHERE THE POWER IS!” – JAN WILCOX, ASHLEY’S MOTHER

Currently pursuing a doctorate in Education Administration at Texas A&M-Commerce, Ashley plans to continue along this career path for years to come. “I love going to work every day,” she said. “I want to continue my path in administration and be a strong educational leader for students, staff, and parents.”

When she’s not on campus, Ashley can likely be found either at First Baptist Church, where she and her family regularly attend and volunteer, or on the sidelines of the nearest athletic event, cheering on her son, Easton. “He has brought [my husband, Chris, and me] such joy and happiness,” Ashley gushed. “He has the kindest heart and sweetest smile.” 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“On every movie, new or old, I always, always Google the entire plot before watching it! I have to know the ending! I will not share the ending or spoil it for others but I have to know! I am not much on surprises, I guess!”

Kevin Avery

age: 30 | AVP Commercial Loan Officer| Farmers Bank & Trust

Although it took Kevin Avery some time to get his bachelor’s degree from TAMU-T because he was working full-time, he never gave up on his goal of being the first in his family to earn a college degree.

That same determination and tenacity also pushed Kevin to land his dream job where he gets to help businesses and individuals with their banking and financing needs. “My career at Farmers Bank has been a whirlwind from the beginning. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with and learn from,” he remarked. “The team I get to work with each and every day doesn’t really feel like work at all. I was fortunate to get an early opportunity to join Farmers when they opened the first branch in Texarkana on Summerhill. I can’t believe how much we have grown since that time and the opportunities that have come along with that growth.” 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“IF YOU SAY YOU’RE GOING TO DO SOMETHING, MAKE SURE YOU DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU’RE GOING TO DO." – LARRY AVERY, KEVIN’S FATHER

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather; daughter, Abigail, and son, Owen. He also has really grown to appreciate the game of golf and enjoys going to the lake and getting together with his friends. Each year, he gets to work with Laces of Grace whose mission is to provide a pair of shoes to children in need in Texarkana. He also volunteers in the kids’ ministry at Heritage Church and is a graduate of the Leadership Texarkana class of 2018. 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I grew up in a small town and went to a small school. My teacher once asked me to bring the school car around to the other side of the campus. I took that opportunity to perform two very well executed donuts in the school car. I later received a lick from the principal for each donut. Well worth it!”

Carrie Atkinson

age: 38 | Florist/Owner | Persnickety Too

Persnickety Too started out as a dream Carrie Atkinson had in 1997, after her mother’s shop, Persnickety, closed. “My mother, Sonya Haltom, taught me everything I know and love about flowers and business. When the original Persnickety closed, I vowed to start my own business, which is also Persnickety (hence the name),” said Carrie.

After her mother passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2005, Carrie’s dream became a promise to her to carry on her legacy of grace, creativity, and beauty. Through God’s providence and her husband, Jason’s encouragement, Persnickety Too opened in April 2014. 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“YOU NEED THREE THINGS TO CHOOSE A CAREER OR FULFILL A CALLING: DESIRE, AFFIRMATION, AND OPPORTUNITY.” —SEAN MAHAFFEY, CARRIE’S FRIEND

For fun, Carrie enjoys reading fiction (horror and mysteries), dining at local restaurants, watching movies, working out, and traveling with Jason; son, Wesley Neaves; daughter, Emma Daniel; and two foster daughters.

Carrie enjoys giving back to those in need through her business. “I give back daily to the community by investing in our local children that, through no fault of their own, need a safe place: a place to hope and dream and realize their full potential,” she explained. “We are able to do this as therapeutic foster parents through Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center.”

Carrie’s greatest passion is helping touch and enrich the lives of children in need. She lives by the Bible verse found in James 1:27: “Pure and faultless religion is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction and remain unstained by the world.” Carrie and Jason feel called to be foster parents. She concluded, “Nothing has been harder or more rewarding in my life than to give love and safety to a child that has known neither.” 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have an acute sense of smell. If you had raw onions in the last 24 hours, I can smell it!”

Laila Ali Al-Dubais

age: 29 | Theatre Teacher Texarkana Arkansas School District — Arkansas High School

Ask any teacher what their favorite part of their job is, and they’ll tell you: the students. It’s those interpersonal relationships that make long hours, heavy workloads, and emotional labor worth it. Laila Al-Dubais is no exception, and her passion for people transcends the classroom.

The Arkansas High theatre teacher, Laila loves her job. “Teaching high school theatre is, and has always been, the biggest dream of mine,” she said. “Through teaching, I have learned more about myself than ever before. My students encourage me to become a better person, not only for myself, but for them.”

Laila’s greatest accomplishments are the accomplishments of her students; when they succeed, she succeeds. One of these success stories is that of a student who performed in one of Laila’s productions during her first year of teaching. “After the show was over,” she recalled, “[the student’s] mother came up to me in tears telling me how, in the previous year, he had been so afraid of getting up in front of others that he took a zero on a class presentation about himself. To see this student achieve so much in so little time gave me the confidence that I was doing something right in my classroom.” 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“GOD’S PLANS FOR ME ARE NOT ALWAYS MY PLANS.” —VICKIE AL-DUBAIS, LAILA’S MOTHER

Laila’s devotion to Texarkana’s young people expresses itself not only at work but also in her free time. A member of the International Rotary Club, she is deeply involved in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camps—and has been since she herself was a student in the program. “For the past 12 years, I have dedicated my time to helping high school juniors see the potential in themselves to become better leaders in their schools and communities,” she said.

Laila is engaged to Andrew Miller, and spends a lot of time volunteering with her mother, Vickie, through Dierksen Hospice. The musical duo visits nursing homes and other facilities in the area to perform songs for senior citizens. “One of the places we volunteer has an Alzheimer’s wing,” she explained. “When I see [the residents’] eyes light up when they recognize a song from their youth, it is one of the most magical things to ever witness, and I feel blessed to be able to bring some joy to their lives.” 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Everyone asks about the heritage of my name. My father is from Saudi Arabia. When my mom was picking out names, she wanted to honor his background. Laila means ‘born at night’ in Arabic and Hebrew. Ali is my father’s first name, which is an Arabic tradition that all children carry their father’s first name as their middle name.”

Cody Adams

age: 29 | Marketing - New Clinic Specialist | HealthCARE Express

As the New Clinic Specialist for HealthCARE Express, Cody Adams moves from clinic to clinic, setting up new facilities and promoting brand awareness across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. He gets the unique opportunity to spend time in smaller communities and combat the stigma that there’s nothing to do. Creating events allows him to use his creative side while promoting a business and culture that he truly believes in.

Professionally, Cody feels fortunate to have a very fulfilling career. “It’s rare to find a job that allows a person to sustain their livelihood, but also fosters a sense of passion for personal growth and leadership,” he explained. “That’s what I have with HealthCARE Express. I have so much love and passion for this amazing company that cultivates leaders and growth from top to bottom.”

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“WORK HARD IN WHATEVER YOU DO.” – BRAD AND JUDY KLIMAZEWSKI, CODY’S GRANDPARENTS

Serving the community is part of HealthCARE Express’s mission, and Cody gets to be on the frontlineof those efforts. Whether it’s their Teddy Bear Clinics or Klondike Leadership Academy, HCE helps engage families and children in the communities they serve.

Personally, Cody admits that becoming an uncle six years ago has changed his life in more ways than he could have ever expected. “Watching this little girl grow up and being a part of her life is huge for me, and it’s something I love and value dearly,” he said. Spending time with his niece, cooking, and reading are Cody’s favorite pastimes. He also enjoys exploring interior design magazines and books. “I love finding out what can be done with limited spaces and how surrounding oneself with things that matter can truly tell an individual’s unique story,” he admitted. “I also consider myself to be a novice, but I aspire to be a great cook. Plus, cooking gives me the opportunity to spend time with my family, so it’s like a two- in-one.” 

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am pretty much an open book, but I have a really crazy addiction to sunflower seeds.”