New hires and promotions in Northwest Arkansas

The following people were recently hired or promoted in Northwest Arkansas. To add an employee to an upcoming list of new hires and promotions, email us at [email protected]. Announcements should be limited to a few paragraphs and be accompanied by a photograph.


Natalie Bartholomew, First Community Bank

Natalie Bartholomew has been hired as community president of First Community Bank in Rogers to lead future expansion efforts in Northwest Arkansas.

In her new role, Bartholomew will be responsible for securing a dedicated banking team, building lead relationships with area businesses, operational oversight in her territory, and establishing the financial institution’s presence in the region.

With an accomplished 21 years of experience in banking, Bartholomew has previously worked in several areas of finance including, but not limited to retail, customer service, credit analysis, marketing, human resources, strategic planning, commercial/consumer/mortgage lending and executive leadership.


Jack Ervin, University of Arkansas

Jack Ervin has been named vice president of operations for Chartwells Dining at the U of A. Ervin has been the director of operations at the U of A for the last nine years.

Ervin replaces Andrew Lipson, who served in this position at the U of A for eight years and was recently selected to oversee the dining program at the University of Florida.

Since arriving at U of A, Ervin has been a part several teams and concepts, such as True Burger, Hill Coffee Co., Paper Lantern and Melt Lab. Ervin also worked to create the 1021 Food Hall concept.


Lance Johnson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas

Lance Johnson was recently introduced as the new CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas.

Johnson is a native Arkansan and has spent the majority of his life in Northwest Arkansas. He joins the BBBS team with fifteen years of experience working with children and families, formerly serving as the director of children’s services for the Economic Opportunity Agency since 2016. Johnson believes that every child has potential to do something great and is particularly excited to empower this potential through impactful mentoring.

In his free time, Johnson enjoys spending time outdoors on the Razorback Greenway or hiking around the Buffalo River.


Reagan Marienga, Washington Regional

Reagan Marienga, PA-C, recently joined the Washington Regional Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Clinic, part of the Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute, where he provides care for patients in the clinic and hospital setting.

Marienga earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rust College.

Marienga completed a PA residency at the Atlanta VA Medical Center and previously served as a health care sergeant and combat medic in the United States Army.



Maggie Mason, Washington Regional

Maggie Mason, APRN, recently joined the Washington Regional Palliative Care team where she evaluates and provides care for hospitalized patients with chronic, progressive or complex medical conditions with a focus on improving quality of life.

Mason earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Henderson State University.

Mason has more than three years’ experience as an advanced practice registered nurse and served six years as a registered nurse.


Mina Nguyen-Driver, UAMS

Mina Nguyen-Driver, Psy.D., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as a pediatric psychologist at the UAMS Schmieding Developmental Center in Springdale and as a professor in the College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics.

Nguyen-Driver’s specialty is providing evaluation and treatment for children with complex developmental and medical concerns, using a variety of modalities including comprehensive assessment and consultation, and short and long-term cognitive behavioral therapy.


Kristen Sterba, UAMS

Kristen Sterba, Ph.D., associate provost for students and administration and director for institutional research, policy and accreditation in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Academic Affairs, was recently elected president of NAGAP, The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management.

Sterba, who previously served as vice president, has begun serving as president. Her term lasts through April 2024.

NAGAP is a nonprofit, professional organization that focuses on the concerns of those working in the graduate enrollment management environment.


The above announcements are for individuals who were recently hired or promoted in Northwest Arkansas. To add an employee to an upcoming list, email us at [email protected]. Announcements should be limited to a few paragraphs and be accompanied by a photograph.