11 May 2025 501DER WOMAN 2025: Donna Townsell

As Director of Investor Relations for Centennial Bank, Donna Townsell plays a vital role in connecting the bank with shareholders, analysts and the broader financial community. Based in Conway, Townsell helps communicate the bank’s performance, vision and value to the public, while also working closely with the bank’s Chairman on strategic initiatives. Her position blends high-level financial insight with relationship-building across the country — two aspects of the job she finds especially fulfilling.

Townsell is no stranger to leadership or breaking new ground. She was the first woman to serve on both the Centennial Bank and Home BancShares Boards of Directors — an achievement that reflects both her dedication and her trailblazing spirit. She also led a critical initiative that helped Centennial Bank become one of the most efficient banks in the country, a milestone that speaks to her forward thinking and results-driven approach.

Townsell volunteered with Circle of Friends for Arkansas Children’s Hospital and served on the boards of Candlelighters of Central Arkansas and Bethlehem House in Conway for many years. The common thread in these organizations is helping children in need. 

Years ago, Townsell stepped back from volunteer organizations to care for her daughter through a short-term health condition and later embraced the path of single motherhood. The opportunities she has had in her career and being a mother are two of her proudest accomplishments. As a new chapter unfolds with her daughter now in college, she’s open to exploring new hobbies and community involvement.

Townsell’s guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: “Bloom where you’re planted.” She believes in exceeding expectations in every task, big or small, knowing that reliability and excellence lead to trust and opportunity. It’s advice she’d readily offer her younger self, along with a reminder to learn from every experience.

She finds joy in surprising others with small gifts — what she calls “little happies.” It’s a reflection of her generous spirit, which shines both in her professional role and personal life. With a strong foundation, a commitment to excellence, and a heart for others, Townsell is a true asset to Centennial Bank and the broader Arkansas community.