Headshot of Arvest Chief People Officer Aileen Wilkins

Arvest Bank hires Wilkins as Chief People Officer

Arvest Bank has hired Aileen Wilkins to the position of Chief People Officer.

Wilkins brings more than 30 years of human resource experience across various industries, including healthcare, technology and financial services. Her career includes significant leadership positions at the Government Employees Health Association (GEHA), Eli Lilly and H&R Block, where she led the HR function supporting more than 80,000 employees.

In her new role at Arvest, Wilkins will be responsible for leading the bank's enterprise-wide human resource strategy by aligning talent management, leadership development and organizational culture with the bank's long-term business goals.

“Aileen is a highly respected human resource executive with a proven track record of navigating complex transformations while staying deeply connected to the needs of associates,” said Matt Machen, president and CEO of Arvest Bank. “Her commitment to leadership development and proven ability to drive business success through effective partnerships align perfectly with our mission at Arvest.”

Wilkins, who relocated to Northwest Arkansas from Kansas City four years ago, earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and her MBA from the University of Kansas. She holds several certifications, including Associate Certified Coach from the International Coaching Federation.

“I am incredibly proud to join Arvest, a bank that has built its reputation on a culture of caring and genuine commitment to its people,” Wilkins said. “What draws me here is the opportunity to blend those deep-rooted values with our growth plans. I look forward to helping us scale our impact while ensuring our associates remain at the heart of everything we do.”