Kimberly Marshall
Acting State Director for Arkansas
Kimberly Marshall joined RD-Arkansas as Deputy State Director in December 2025. Ms. Marshall is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience in affordable housing, financial education, and community economic development. Passionate about empowering underserved and rural communities, She champions homeownership and financial literacy as pathways to economic stability and generational wealth. She has worked tirelessly with federal, state, and local partners to bring vital resources and transformative programs to communities that need them most.
Prior to joining USDA, Ms. Marshall served as Assistant Vice President of Community Development at Bank OZK, where she specialized in government-backed lending programs, including FHA, VA, and HUD loans. While at Bank OZK, she forged strong relationships with the Federal Home Loan Bank, municipal leaders, and government officials to ensure rural Arkansans had access to community-focused lending solutions.
Ms. Marshall started her banking career at Metropolitan National Bank where she focused on mortgage loan origination for first time and LMI homebuyers, using FHA, VA, Conventional, and USDA loan products. She also worked extensively originating and servicing in-house portfolio loans, providing tailored financing solutions for borrowers who did not qualify for other loan products.
In addition to her banking experience, Ms. Marshall has a wealth of non-profit experience, including grant making and partnerships with the SBTDC, SBA, HUD, and Rural Development to host rural economic development conferences and support small business growth through collaborative partnerships with other local nonprofits and rural stakeholders. She has also provided financial education and homeownership support to rural communities, with a focus on expanding homeownership and addressing critical housing needs.
Ms. Marshall is certified as a Financial Education Facilitator, HUD-Approved Housing and Credit Counselor, and Leadership Development Specialist. She has also held key leadership roles in staff development, team leadership, and service delivery enhancements.
With five generations hailing from Hempstead County, Ms. Marshall strongly values family and community. She enjoys gardening, reading, and DIY projects. Having lived a number of years in Kansas City, she never misses a chance to cheer on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Most importantly, she is a devoted mother to daughter, Jennifer Lynn, and remains steadfast in her mission to help underserved and under-resourced communities achieve homeownership, financial security, and self-sufficiency.