WOMEN TO WATCH

Debi Lowtharp

CFO and Vice President of Finance
Delta Dental of Arkansas

I lead the accounting, finance, underwriting, internal audit and fraud, waste and abuse teams at Delta Dental of Arkansas. We provide dental and vision insurance directly to individuals and families and as part of the employee benefits offered by over 3,400 Arkansas businesses. We also manage dental benefits for select Medicare Advantage plans and for over 300,000 beneficiaries of the State’s Medicaid dental insurance program. I began my professional career in accounting at KPMG, then transitioned to corporate accounting in 2003, working in the commercial construction industry, followed by a large nonprofit, and I’ve been with Delta Dental since 2015. I enjoy working for a nonprofit with a strong focus on its mission. Our mission is to improve the oral health of all Arkansans.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I have loved math from an early age. Debits and credits make math a puzzle to balance in accounting. It was interesting, a great fit and provided stability in developing a career while moving around as a military spouse.

My first job and what it taught me

My first job in high school was in fast food. I learned a lot about customer service and delivering the right product. This was also my first venture in leading others.

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Junior Auxiliary of Cabot. The volunteers work hard, while having day jobs and families, to support the children in the Cabot School District.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

I love my team. I enjoy watching them excel, break through challenges and reach goals. The company cares about each of our employees and I am blessed to work for a company that encourages the personal growth of our employees.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Meditation is the most beneficial tool I use. Apps make it easy to spend as little as three minutes getting my head in the right place.

Best advice I ever received

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Accounting has so many options. In 23 years, I've done tax work, fraud investigations, audits, cost analysis, scenario forecasting and strategic planning, in addition to traditional accounting duties. And, we can have fun, too!

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Back porch time with my husband and family or plan a dinner with friends.

Biggest challenges in my career

Right now! I'm leading an operational excellence project in our company where our focus is on the customer experience.

Best career moment so far

Reaching my career goal as CFO. I still have so much to accomplish in the next 20 years of my career.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Bonifay, Florida

I can't start my day until

I shower

Hobbies

Reading, boating, walking and anything near water

Binge watch

“The Crown”

Last good read

“Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown

Favorite meal in town

Cheeseburger!

Best recent local discovery

Greers Ferry Lake

Latest splurge

Buff City Soap

Most-used app

Sanvello

Dream vacation

Warm, tropical beach

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