MacKenzie Shepherd
Municipal Finance Analyst, Crews & Associates, Inc.
Established in 1979, Crews & Associates, Inc., has grown to an organization of more than 200 professionals. Today, Crews & Associates specializes in quality fixed-income products, providing expertise in: municipal securities, equities, private placements, mortgage-backed securities, certificates of deposit, preferred stocks, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury and federal agency issues, and lease finance. As a municipal finance and credit analyst, I am responsible for fundamental credit analysis on municipal bonds across various sectors, including new issue and secondary market offerings evaluation, current holdings appraisal, and buy/sell recommendation.
On Power
People often underestimate the power of failure. Failure affords the opportunity to minimize future mistakes and fosters a higher level of understanding. Failure can be devastating, but is truly my strongest personal motivator.
I felt most powerful when JPMorgan accepted my application to its Investment Banking Summer Analyst program in New York City. The program distinguished my capabilities as an analyst and employee–validating years of dedicated study and personal development.
A true sign of power is when one no longer has to promote herself, and can instead use her established reputation to promote the achievements of others.
On Success
I measure my success on the positive impact my work will have on society. I am motivated by the idea of doing something meaningful that impacts my community. This idea is what led me to join the Junior League of Little Rock. Becoming an active member has afforded me the opportunity to work with intelligent and driven women to improve our community.
On Motivation
Motivation informs growth. Growth is the most important career goal to which an employee can aspire. There is never a limit to the growth of an individual. Growth does not happen overnight; diligence is one of the most important aspects of growth.
Powerful Day
One of my best work days occurred shortly after I began work at Crews & Associates. My associate and I were charged with reviewing all of our parent company’s municipal holdings for an upcoming federal regulatory review. We helped our parent company pass inspection without having to modify its positions.
The Quiz
- Favorite destination in Arkansas: Two Rivers Park. It’s perfect. I can go out there and just ride my bike for hours. The fresh air really helps to clear my mind.
- Favorite restaurant in Little Rock: Sushi Café, hands down. Their sushi is as delicious as it is beautiful. My favorite roll is The Bomb roll — a combination of spicy crawfish and cream cheese, wrapped in rice and seaweed, dipped in tempura batter and fried. They cover the roll in two fantastic sauces – one sweet and one spicy – really adding another level of depth to the dish. I highly suggest you try it if you haven’t already.
(See the full list of the 2012 Women to Watch here!)