Financial FRONTRUNNERS
Do South® Magazine is pleased to present this year’s Financial Frontrunners featuring local professionals working across banking, financial planning, wealth management, and advisory services. Through their experience and dedication to serving clients in the River Valley, these individuals play a vital role in helping people navigate financial decisions and plan for the future.
Financial FRONTRUNNERS
Do South® Magazine is pleased to present this year’s Financial Frontrunners featuring local professionals working across banking, financial planning, wealth management, and advisory services. Through their experience and dedication to serving clients in the River Valley, these individuals play a vital role in helping people navigate financial decisions and plan for the future.
CHRIS BROWN, CPA
Vice President & CFO
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
As Chief Financial Officer for the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), Chris Brown oversees ACHE’s financial strategies, including budgeting, financial reporting, long-term planning, and advancement initiatives. In his role, he works closely with executive leadership to ensure the institution remains fiscally strong while advancing its mission to educate future healthcare professionals. Chris joined ACHE in 2021 after more than a decade in public accounting. A graduate of Arkansas Tech University, he began his career in 2010 as a staff accountant at Landmark CPAs in Fort Smith.
While some may assume that being a CPA makes Chris primarily a “numbers person,” those who know him understand that he is, first and foremost, a people person. For Chris, financial leadership is not just about balance sheets and budgets — it’s about stewardship, service, and supporting the people who make ACHE’s mission possible.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP?
When I started taking accounting classes, I realized it was about balance and finding pieces to a puzzle. When there was an issue on a tax return or financials, you were always looking for the missing piece. That feeling when you finish a jigsaw puzzle — it’s the same feeling.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AS CFO AT ACHE INVOLVE?
Each day is different, but there are rhythms throughout the year, including month-end close, analysis and projections, quarterly board preparation, and yearly budgeting. There are also daily operational
issues that arise. The challenge is staying balanced while managing responsibilities and building relationships and trust with the people I serve each day.
WHAT MAKES ACHE’S MISSION PERSONALLY MEANINGFUL TO YOU?
ACHE’s mission drives every decision. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers on my screen, so I try to stay intentional about relationships with our students, faculty, and staff. There are people behind the numbers, and seeing the impact of our mission is humbling.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL CHALLENGES IN HIGHER EDUCATION TODAY?
Rising costs, unknown legislation, talent retention, technology changes, and the pace. The amount of information can feel overwhelming. I try to quiet the noise and focus on the fundamentals.
WHAT LEADERSHIP LESSONS HAVE HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOU?
Leadership takes intentionality. No matter how talented you are, you’re not being a good leader if you aren’t working to improve yourself. It starts on the inside — your character. You have to
be stronger internally than what the world sees externally.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN HIGHER EDUCATION OR HEALTHCARE FINANCE?
Federal student loan caps have created challenges for students pursuing doctoral health programs. Our graduates are essential — the American Medical Association projects a shortage of 86,000 physicians by 2036. ACHE is a newer institution without a large endowment, but we are working daily to grow scholarship funding to support students and advance our mission.
WHAT MOMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?
It’s Match Day, when our DO students learn where they will begin their residencies. It’s pure joy for them, their family, and our ACHE family. Knowing I play a small part in helping them reach that moment is emotional every time.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU MOST EACH DAY?
These simple goals: love God wholeheartedly, radiate that love to others, especially my wife and daughters, be encouraging, steward well, be available, and continue growing.
7000 Chad Colley Blvd,
ARVEST MORTGAGE
Arvest Mortgage Team
At Arvest, we believe a mortgage is more than just a loan. It’s the foundation of someone’s future. Our local team of experienced mortgage lenders works closely with individuals and families to guide them through the complexities of homeownership with confidence. We combine the personalized service of a neighborhood bank with the resources of a regional institution to deliver a seamless financing experience tailored to each customer’s goals. Whether customers are first-time homebuyers, refinancing or purchasing their next home, Arvest is committed to delivering clear communication and the financial education customers need to make informed decisions.
What makes Arvest different is our focus on building long-term relationships over transactions. This commitment enables our lenders to guide clients through important milestones, such as buying a first home or funding a major renovation. By understanding each customer’s unique financial situation and offering personalized assistance, Arvest works to build a stronger, more secure future for customers and our communities.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE HOPING TO BUY A HOME IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Start with a check-up, not a shopping trip. We recommend two things: first, pull your credit report to check for any errors and start paying
down high-interest debt, as this immediately improves your financial profile. Second, save aggressively. Even a small increase in your down payment can reduce your monthly payment and improve your loan options. Most importantly, talk to a lender now so you know exactly what you can realistically afford and what steps you need to take over the next 12 months.
BEYOND INTEREST RATES WHAT OTHER FACTORS SHOULD BORROWERS PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO?
While rates matter, you should be focused on the full picture. Pay close attention to your debtto-income (DTI) ratio, which is the key measure lenders use to assess your ability to manage monthly payments. Keep your DTI as low as possible. Also, focus on the closing costs. These are the fees charged for the transaction, and they can vary significantly. We always ensure you have a clear, itemized breakdown so there are no last-minute surprises or hidden fees.
HOW DOES WORKING WITH A LOCAL BANK LIKE ARVEST BENEFIT BORROWERS COMPARED TO LARGER OR ONLINE LENDERS?
When you work with a local bank like Arvest, you get
personal investment and true decision-makers right here in your community. Unlike large, national lenders or online algorithms, we understand the local market, the appraisers, and the title companies. This localized knowledge means fewer surprises, better coordination with your real estate agent, and a much smoother, faster closing process. Last, but not least–Arvest retains the servicing of 95% of our mortgage loans for customers who fully bank with us, which makes a huge difference for our borrowers.
HOW DOES YOUR TEAM HELP CLIENTS FEEL CONFIDENT AND INFORMED THROUGHOUT THE LENDING PROCESS?
Our approach is high-touch and educational. We walk you through every stage, ensuring you understand the ‘why’ behind each document and decision, using clear language instead of confusing jargon. We also pride ourselves on being accessible—when you call or email, you talk to one of two people, the lender or the processor handling your loan, not a random representative in a call center. Confidence comes from clarity, and we prioritize giving you that clarity from application to closing.
MELANIE RADCLIFF, CPA/PFS
Owner / Founder Old Fort Wealth Management Hack Your Tax
After more than two decades in public accounting, Melanie Radcliff saw how often financial decisions were made without considering their tax consequences. That realization led her to build Old Fort Wealth Management and later launch Hack Your Tax, two ventures focused on helping individuals and business owners align financial planning with long-term tax strategy. By combining her CPA background with forward-looking planning, she helps clients move from uncertainty to confidence with clear, practical financial roadmaps.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO FINANCIAL PLANNING?
It doesn’t matter how much wealth you accumulate if you are overpaying taxes during the accumulation or distribution phases of your life. Every financial decision should be evaluated for potential tax impact, especially for high-income families and business owners with more complex financial situations.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU WHEN STRUCTURING YOUR FIRM?
After practicing as a CPA in the public accounting world, I realized the missing piece in many financial plans was coordinating tax considerations with how assets are actually used. Sometimes that means restructuring a business or repositioning a portfolio for a
more tax-efficient outcome. Over the years, I’ve seen costly tax mistakes happen and how these issues can cost millions of dollars, simply because professionals weren’t communicating or planning strategically. These mistakes can potentially be avoided with careful planning.
WHAT MAKES YOUR PERSPECTIVE DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?
I believe it’s the emphasis on coordination. Financial planning, investment decisions, and tax considerations are often handled separately, but when they’re viewed together, clients can make more thoughtful decisions about how their wealth supports their longterm goals
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CPA SHAPED YOUR ADVISORY WORK?
People often come in with uncertainty and fear when they start planning for retirement. Through the planning process, they start to develop an income strategy and gain a better understanding of what their tax situation may look like in retirement. When uncertainty fades, people have greater clarity and confidence.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU ENJOY SOLVING FOR CLIENTS, AND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY?
I enjoy helping clients navigate major financial transitions, particularly retirement or business changes, where thoughtful planning can help bring structure to complicated decisions. I want people to raise their expectations of financial professionals. Advisors and tax professionals should work together to best service their clients.
HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT COMPLEX DECISIONS?
I teach visually. We look at what they currently have, identify their goals, and map out how to achieve them so they can clearly see the path forward.
WHAT LEADERSHIP LESSONS HAVE SHAPED YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH?
Communication is everything. This is a relationship business, and meaningful, authentic conversations build the trust that good planning requires.
WHAT DO YOU WANT CLIENTS TO FEEL AFTER MEETING WITH YOU?
Honestly, I hope they wish they had met me sooner.
ENJOY WHAT YOU SAVE!
You’ve worked hard for your money and saved diligently for a secure retirement. But have you taken the most important step? Too many people faithfully build a nest egg only to give too much of their retirement savings back in taxes. At Old Fort Wealth Management, we believe clients should enjoy what they’ve saved to the fullest. Our process, THE TAX NAV SYSTEM, creates a GPS-like roadmap to position your resources to navigate a better route and potentially minimize taxes. It may provide a greater sense of security and enjoyment in retirement, plus smarter legacy planning for your future.
With many substantial changes to the tax code right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to discover the Old Fort difference. Schedule your consultation today!
• Set the standard for meaningful client-advisor connection.
• Provide tools aimed to help accumulate wealth, while potentially saving on taxes.
• Guide you as you navigate the future with confidence, both today and tomorrow.
Melanie Radcliff CPA/PFS - Financial Advisor
UNITED FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Brad Lewis, CRPC, WMCP
Brad V. Lewis AWMA ® , (k)RS™
For more than two decades, Brad Lewis and the team at United Financial Advisors have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations navigate the financial decisions that shape their future. As an independent advisory firm, their philosophy centers on comprehensive financial planning that looks beyond investment performance alone. Their work often involves coordinating multiple pieces of a client’s financial life—including investments, tax considerations, insurance planning, estate strategies, and retirement income planning.
At United Financial Advisors, education and understanding play a central role in the planning process. The team believes that when clients clearly understand their current financial situation and the options available to them, they are better equipped to make confident decisions about the future. By focusing on thoughtful planning, personal service, and long-term relationships, the firm works to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence at every stage of life.
WHAT TYPES OF CLIENTS OR LIFE SITUATIONS DOES YOUR TEAM MOST OFTEN HELP NAVIGATE?
Retirement is the biggest one, followed by a liquidity event. That could mean a business owner sells their business, a real estate investor begins exiting their holdings, or someone receives a large inheritance. These moments often involve major financial decisions, and thoughtful planning can make a big difference.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT FINANCIAL PLANNING OR WORKING WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all we do is manage investments. Investments are important, but with many of our most complex client cases, we’re handling their entire financial life. Yes, that can include investments, but it also includes insurance, tax planning, banking and lending, distribution planning—the whole nine yards. Every person’s needs are a little different. However, when we’re able to work on a real financial plan with someone,
we can often save them tens of thousands of dollars in taxes, help them leave more money to their kids, and sometimes even allow them to spend more money than they anticipated. Now that’s a bestcase scenario, but it’s more common than you would think.
HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS BALANCE SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL NEEDS WITH LONG-TERM GOALS?
We ensure clients have enough cash in the bank before taking on additional investing. For a retiree, that might mean having a buffer in case the market goes down. For a business owner, that could mean creating "liquidity buckets" to help increase yield while spreading out risk.
HOW DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS WHEN HELPING CLIENTS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE?
We help quarterback the team and coordinate with each professional, such as attorneys or accountants, to make sure everyone is working from the same plan. That could mean joint meetings, emails, calls, or some combination so that everyone stays aligned.
479.242.7466
1823 Dodson Ave. Fort Smith, Arkansas
Brad Lewis, CRPC, WMCP
Brad V. Lewis, AWMA®, (k)RS™
INDEPENDENT, COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING SINCE 2003
• Wealth Management
• Estate Planning
• Retirement
• Custom Managed Accounts
• Investments
• Annuities
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Business Retirement Plans
• Retirement Tax-Reduction
CONFIDENCE
We believe education and understanding of your current finances is vital to making prudent decisions concerning your future.
PEACE
Find peace in understanding the plan knowing you are taken care of through every stage of life.
FREEDOM
With our commitment and attentive service you can feel confident in a strategy that will allow you to retire and live with dignity.
DIGNITY
Retire with strong finances and a long-term care plan allowing you to maintain your dignity.
NELKE & CO.
Elizabeth Nelke believes financial clarity gives people the confidence to make better decisions for their businesses and their families. As founder of Nelke & Co. in Fort Smith, she works with individuals, entrepreneurs, and growing companies to navigate complex tax and financial matters with practical guidance.
Rather than viewing taxes as a once-a-year event, Elizabeth focuses on proactive, year-round planning. Her firm helps clients think strategically about business structure, growth, and longterm financial decisions so there are fewer surprises and more opportunities. For Elizabeth, the most rewarding part of the work is helping people move from uncertainty to understanding—and forward with confidence.
WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM YOUR WORK?
We work with a wide range of clients, but I especially enjoy working with entrepreneurs and growing businesses. There’s something exciting about helping someone build something from the ground up. Many clients are navigating big transitions—starting a business, expanding operations, purchasing property, or restructuring for growth. Being part of those milestones and helping them do it the right way is incredibly rewarding.
WHAT FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS MATTER MOST FOR NEW OR GROWING BUSINESSES?
Understand your numbers early and surround yourself with the right advisors. Many business owners focus on growth but don’t think about structure, tax planning, or long-term strategy until later.
Having the right foundation in place—whether entity structure, accounting systems, or financial planning—can make a huge difference in both profitability and peace of mind.
WHAT SETS NELKE
& CO. APART?
We focus on proactive planning rather than reactive tax preparation. Many people think of taxes as something you deal with once a year, but the biggest opportunities come from decisions made months before the return is filed. We work with clients year-round to look at the bigger picture—business structure, cash flow, growth plans, and long-term goals— so taxes become part of the strategy instead of a surprise.
WHAT ROLE SHOULD A CPA PLAY FOR CLIENTS?
A common misconception is that a CPA’s role is simply to file paperwork. In reality, our work is helping people understand how financial decisions today affect their future. When clients understand how entity structure, deductions, and income timing work together, they can make better decisions for their business and their family.
HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS FIND CLARITY?
Financial topics can feel overwhelming, especially for business owners managing
many responsibilities. Our approach is to break complex issues into clear, practical steps so clients understand what we’re doing and why. When people understand their numbers and their options, they feel far more confident making decisions.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT BUILDING A STRONG TEAM?
One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of strong systems and a strong team. Growth doesn’t happen by doing everything yourself—it happens when you create processes that allow your team to serve clients consistently and well. When the right systems and people are in place, it allows us to focus more on advising clients and less on administrative details.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE CLIENTS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH YOU?
Relief and confidence. Finances can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure everything out alone. Our goal is that when clients leave a conversation with us, they understand where they are, what their options are, and what steps to take next. That clarity allows them to focus on running their business or enjoying their life instead of worrying about financial decisions.
479.646.8299
1820 S. Zero Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Elizabeth Nelke, CPA
At Nelke & Co., we believe taxes and financial planning should never be an afterthought. Our experienced team works with individuals and business owners year-round to provide proactive tax guidance, accounting support, and strategic insight. From business formation and bookkeeping to individual and business tax preparation, we help clients stay organized, compliant, and prepared for what comes next. Our goal is simple: give you the clarity and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
