(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Chris Holtzclaw
Age: 35
Employer: Argent Financial Group, Inc.
Title: Chief Fiduciary Officer – West Region
Hometown: Arcadia, LA
Years Living in Ruston: 7
Civic Volunteer Organizations: First Baptist Church, Deacon; United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Campaign Vice Chair; Cedar Creek School Board of Directors; DART
Professional Highlights: Participating in the opening bell ringing ceremony at the NYSE with my Argent colleagues in January of 2023; awarded the peer-voted Argent Commitment to Excellence awards in 2020 and 2022.
Kyle McDonald, CEO fo Argent Financial Group, on Chris Holtzclaw:
“Chris has made significant positive impacts on Argent’s client services and our culture since he joined us. That has led Chris to increasing roles of responsibility in which he has performed extremely well.
“More importantly, he has continued to grow a great family, serve his faith through church leadership and a community men’s Bible study, and make other meaningful community and industry contributions. The staff of Argent is proud of Chris and we are his biggest cheerleader.”
Q&A with Chris Holtzclaw:
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
The people of Lincoln Parish. Lincoln Parish is supported by a network of civic, nonprofit, religious, and business organizations that work together to support and uplift the community every day. Every success of Lincoln Parish – big or small – is a “win” that is celebrated. As a product of Cedar Creek School and Louisiana Tech University, returning to the community I love was a top priority following law school. My wife, Dannah, and I were fortunate to relocate to Ruston in 2017. We have felt the love and support of this community since that time and delight in raising our four children here. The strong sense of community is what makes Lincoln Parish special and an ideal place to raise a family.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
I will continue to volunteer for causes that are making a positive difference in Lincoln Parish, support our local businesses and schools, and be a voice of positivity and encouragement for local leadership. Our community is fortunate to have so many organizations who provide support and improve the lives of our residents, businesses that deeply care about their employees and the community, and local leadership that continues to increase the quality of life for Lincoln Parish residents.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
I have been fortunate to work alongside many community-minded and accomplished individuals throughout my career. While I could certainly name a few, Kyle McDonald has played an outsized role in my professional development. As a successful entrepreneur who founded Argent over 30 years ago, Kyle exemplifies Argent’s motto of “Humble Confidence.” Approachable, genuine, and fair are the attributes that he displays each day as the leader of Argent. Additionally, Kyle’s ability to prioritize his family and community alongside his business serves as a great example of balance in life and work. I am inspired by Kyle and many others in Lincoln Parish who put family and community above business and self. As I continue to advance in my career, I am driven to emulate these leadership qualities at home, in our community, and in the workplace.
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