William H. Bowen: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame
William H. Bowen
(1923 - 2014)
Retired President, Chairman, CEO
First Commercial Bank and First Commercial Corporation
Little Rock, Arkansas
William H. Bowen became a partner in the law firm of Smith, Williams, Friday and Bowen in 1954. He then joined Commercial National Bank (now Regions Bank) in 1971 as president.
Under his leadership, it became the largest bank in Arkansas. After retiring in 1990, he served as Governor Bill Clinton's chief of staff. In 1993, Bowen became president and CEO of Healthsource Arkansas Ventures Inc. He served as dean of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law School from 1995-1997. His commitment to community service is legendary.