29 Dec 2023 Outstanding Women In Business Winner: Ashley Newman

Posted at 9:57 PMh in Business by

By Rita Halter Thomas and Stefanie Brazile

The annual Sissy’s Log Cabin Women in Business Luncheon honors individuals in the Conway area who have excelled in leadership and community service and have inspired others on both a personal and professional level. The annual awards are overseen by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Baptist Health-Conway and Insight Enterprises. The awards luncheon was hosted Dec. 12 in the auditorium of Conway Christian High School.

Ashley Newman, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Centennial Bank, says when she first learned of the award, she was taken aback. “I would have never imagined I would be recognized among this trailblazing group of women. It is a true honor!”

As a mortgage lender, Newman says she most loves the experience with each person she has the privilege of helping, whether it is increasing their credit score for a future purchase or closing on a new home.  

Newman is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Conway and president of the St. Joseph School Board, a member of the St. Joseph Parish Finance Council, and co-chair for the St. Joseph Bazaar Finance Committee. “I didn’t grow up with aspirations to work in the financial industry but feel like God put me here. I’ve always loved to help when and where I can, sharing the gifts God gave me.”

Newman is also an Advisory Board Member for Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center. “CRFC has made a huge impact not only on my physical strength but also on mental clarity and stress management, and I have made some amazing friends.”

Newman and David, her husband of 16 years, have two sons: Lincoln, 8, and Hoyt, 3. They are also expecting a baby girl in April. She grew up with three hard-working parents who instilled their work ethic in her. “I owe everything to God for blessing me with them, even if I didn’t realize it when I was younger.” 

Newman also expressed gratitude to Centennial Bank, not only for fostering an atmosphere of support and encouragement but also for sponsoring her for the Faulkner County Leadership Institute (FCLI) class of 2014 (now Conway Area Leadership Institute or CALI). Newman learned of the many needs in her community and met many amazing people working diligently to make a difference. “That is truly when my heart was pierced with the desire to serve our community.”