Credit union CEO announces bid for Arkansas-side mayor

Longtime businessman Allen L. Brown has announced his intention to run for Texarkana, Ark., mayor.

“I look forward to meeting and talking with the residents of Texarkana, Ark., during my campaign to learn about BROWN issues that

are important to them. I hope to be able to express my sincere commitment to building upon the positive aspects of our caring community while designing a plan to ensure that Texarkana, Ark., stays vibrant and prosperous not only for our current residents and businesses, but also future ones,” Brown said.

Brown is president/CEO of Mil-Way Federal Credit Union in Texarkana, Ark., where he has worked for more than 32 years. Hired as a loan officer, he was promoted to senior vice president in 1990 and became CEO in 1995. The credit union has grown from more than 800 members to almost 12,000 during his tenure, and from seven employees to 42.

The mayoral candidate has been politically active in the credit union movement for 30 years. He has served on many state and national committees, most recently as chairman of the Arkansas Credit Union Legislative Committee and as a member of the State Board of Credit Unions.

Active in the community, Brown has served as president of Texarkana Noon Kiwanis Club and as a member of the Texarkana, Ark., Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments and the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

He is a member of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council and a board member of the Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. Brown received the Opportunities Inc. David Pryor Volunteer of the Year Award and served as co-chair of the United Way of Greater Texarkana campaign with his wife, Shelby.

In 2016, Brown was recognized by the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville as one of the longest-tenured Area Razorback Club presidents, serving for more than 30 years. He founded and has served as president of the Texarkana Razorback Athletic Foundation for Texarkana, Ark., School District and is now chairman of the Agent Barry Live United Bowl.

Brown is also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Texarkana, Ark., where he chaired the building committee after the church suffered a devastating fire. He has served on the board of trustees and the finance committee and is the incoming chairman of the administrative board.

Allen is married to Shelby Nottingham Brown and they have three grown sons: Matt, who is married to Megan with a daughter, Sutton; Jared; and Peyton. All three sons and their daughter-in-law graduated from Arkansas High School and live in Texarkana, Ark. Megan teaches at College Hill Middle School, and Matt owns Southern Edge Barber Shop in Jefferson Marketplace. Jared and Peyton are self-employed with Double B Farms.