Why Us? Leadership: Baker Cunningham, Chief Lending Officer
03/20/2025
Why Us? Stability, Relationships, and Dedication
Building Community Through Lending: Baker Cunningham’s Leadership at Bank of Little Rock
At Bank of Little Rock, we believe relationships are the foundation of strong communities. No one exemplifies this more than our Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Baker Cunningham. With over 30 years of experience in commercial lending, a passion for community banking, and deep Arkansas roots, Baker has helped shape our lending services and drive meaningful growth.
An Arkansas native, Baker grew up in Helena and Memphis, instilled with a love for the state and its people by his father, Ernest Cunningham. Though he had a bit of a “Rebel” streak in his younger days—earning his BBA in Marketing from the University of Mississippi—he made Little Rock his home after college, where he has built a career and a life centered on strong bonds: family, friends, and community.
Baker began his banking career as a Management Trainee at Worthen Bank, where he formed lifelong friendships, including with Bank of Little Rock Mortgage President and CEO Scott McElmurry and BLR CFO Donna Hall. But the most important relationship of all? Meeting his wife, Ashley, who now serves as BLR’s Credit Administrator.
Over the years, Baker has specialized in residential real estate lending, though he’s equally passionate about supporting small businesses. He firmly believes that community banks are the backbone of a strong local economy, providing the personalized service and tailored lending solutions that larger institutions often lack. Under Baker’s leadership, Bank of Little Rock has safely grown its lending portfolio by 75% in the last three years—a testament to his dedication to responsible, relationship-driven banking.
Beyond the bank, Baker and Ashley have built a family that shares their strong work ethic and love for finance. Their sons, Walker and Will, are following in their parents’ footsteps—Walker will graduate from the University of Texas in 2025, while Will is a proud graduate of his mother’s alma mater, the University of Arkansas.
Baker’s leadership at Bank of Little Rock is about more than numbers—it’s about people. His commitment to his customers, colleagues, and the community is why we are proud to have him leading our lending team. At BLR, we believe in Stability, Relationships, and Dedication—and Baker Cunningham embodies them all.
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