2022 AMP FIFTY OVER 50: RUSH F. HARDING III

Rush F. Harding III graduated from Clarendon High School in 1972 and received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from Sen. John McClellan.

He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas and joined T. J. Raney & Sons. In 1979, with Adron Crews and five other partners, he founded the investment banking firm known as Crews & Associates. He served Crews as EVP from 1979 to 1996, was named president in 1996 and CEO in 2000. In September of 2021, Harding accepted a position at Bank OZK as Director of Investments and Strategic Opportunities.

Harding was a long-standing member of the boards at UCA and Pulaski Academy and also has served on the boards of the Arkansas Arts Center, Philander Smith College and the Methodist Foundation of Arkansas. In 2018, Harding was granted an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Philander Smith College for his contributions of time and resources to the college and the Central Arkansas community.

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Life begins at 50, the saying goes, to which the incomparable Phyllis Diller once replied, “Maybe it’s true that life begins at 50. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out or spread out.” (The women and men included on the following pages, at least, will find that funny … not to mention, they actually know who Phyllis Diller is.)

Fifty is the new 40, or something like that, but in this Ponce de Leon age of youth worship, we at AMP thought it would be nice to recognize those business leaders in Arkansas who aren’t under 40 or in their 20s. Once one hits the milestone age of 50, life doesn’t stop, after all. For many, it speeds up. Nominated by readers, the leaders recognized in AMP’s inaugural Fifty Over 50 list haven’t slowed down — they have realized more success, achieved new goals and even launched entirely new chapters. And we salute them.

The vigor of youth is a beautiful and necessary thing. But so is the wisdom and discernment of age. Besides, like the saying goes, 50 is nothing more than the new 40, right?

The members of AMP’s inaugural Fifty Over 50 list were nominated by readers. They represent a broad spectrum of Arkansas business, industry and politics. They are former state legislators, business owners, CEOs and more who represent industries ranging from farming and construction to restaurants and retail. Some of them started on an upward trajectory early in their careers and haven’t slowed down. Others began new chapters later in their journeys and achieved success — and made profound impacts on their communities — in new ways.

We’re proud to recognize these women and men-… experienced, seasoned Arkansas leaders whose collective journey is just beginning.