Mortgage Bankers Association of Arkansas

I am Kortni Beene with Southern Bancorp.  I have been in the mortgage banking industry for  over 17 years and I specialize in mortgage lending in rural markets in Arkansas. 

My name is Ethan Clough, and I was raised in Tampa, Florida. For the past two years, I have been able to call Little Rock my home. As an affiliate for the MBAA, I have had the opportunity to forge many valuable connections within the mortgage industry. I look forward to continuing my professional growth and leadership experience through the Future Leaders Program. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, exploring new places, and playing golf.

I am a native of Little Rock. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Central Arkansas in 2009. I began my successful career in branch banking in 2006 then I transitioned to Mortgage 2016. I have been a consistent top producer with Regions Mortgage since inception and exceptional service is my top priority.

My name is Matt Jones.  I graduated high school from Benton, AR and college from Ouachita Baptist University. I have been married for 17 years, have three children.  My two daughters are 14 and 10, my son is 6.  I am very laid back and like to make people laugh. I am very involved with my church at Christ Community Church.  I enjoy watching and playing sports, playing board games and also hunting and fishing. 

I grew up an Army “brat” living in 3 countries and 5 states by the age of 18. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. I discovered a passion for assisting borrowers on their path to homeownership in 2004 and have worked in real estate lending ever since. In 2013 I met my husband, Joe, and became an Air Force spouse. We added another country and 3 more states to the list before making Arkansas our home.

Having moved many times, purchasing and selling several homes, I understand how overwhelming the home loan process can be and am dedicated to creating a seamless experience for my borrowers. Whether a first-time homebuyer or seasoned homeowner, I am committed to helping clients reach their homeownership goals.

My husband (Joe) and I reside in Little Rock with our two miniature schnauzers. We have one son, Blake, who is currently attending The University of Alabama. When out of the office, I enjoy antiquing, traveling or working on home improvement projects

I graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Apparel Merchandising and after years of working in the retail world, I decided it was time to pursue a career in the insurance industry. After passing the license exam last October, I began my journey with Goosehead at the Luke Collins Agency. I love being a step in the home buying process and helping clients get into their dream homes!

I am a passionate bilingual mortgage lender dedicated to helping individuals achieve their dreams of homeownership. As a first-generation homeowner, I understand the transformative power of owning a home and is committed to making this dream a reality for others in her community. With a background in finance and a heart for service, I entered the mortgage industry driven by a desire to empower underserved communities and break down barriers to homeownership. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I can effectively communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the home buying process. My journey as a first-generation homeowner has fueled my determination to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I’m deeply involved in community outreach efforts, partnering with local organizations to provide resources and education on financial literacy and homeownership readiness.
Through my work as a bilingual mortgage lender, I strive to create pathways to homeownership that are inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve the stability and pride that comes with owning a home, and she is committed to helping my clients navigate the complexities of the mortgage process with confidence and clarity, building wealth for everyone.

I was born and raised in Ft. Smith, AR and graduated from Southside High School in 2008. I then went on to receive my Bachelor of Science in Musical Theatre at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. I am a triplet and am very close to my family. I have two sweet little girls, Charlee and Shelby. My husband and I have been married for 10 years! We love living in Bentonville and connecting with our community and all of the amazing things it holds.

I am from Heber Springs, AR. I like to spend my time with my family on the lake. I currently work for Gershman Mortgage as a Mortgage loan officer. I truly want to help my clients understand the mortgage process. I am truly excited to expand my knowledge of this industry

My name is Josh Walker and I am a Mortgage Loan Originator with Centennial Bank in Conway, AR. I am 28 years old and have been in banking since I was 18. In those 10 years I have work multiple different positions on both the retail and lending sides of the bank. In lending I have worked in consumer, commercial (SBA), and mortgage. Ultimately, I found my home in the mortgage world.

My name is Vanessa Zavala and I am a Community Development Mortgage Lender with Arvest Bank.  Seventeen years ago, I started as a part time teller and gradually worked my way up through different positions until I began my current role.  I am trilingual (half Portuguese/half Mexican) and the first generation in my family born in America, something I’m very proud of.  I have been very fortunate to serve my community in this capacity and use my skills and knowledge to educate clients on the importance of responsible credit usage and the possibilities of achieving the all-American Dream – home ownership!