Remembering Mary Ann Greenwood: Founder of Greenwood Gearhart

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founder Mary Ann Greenwood. She was 82.

Mary Ann was a larger-than-life presence and guiding force of our firm for over 25 years. Those of us who have had the good fortune to know and work with her have lost an inspirational leader, mentor, and friend.

Mary Ann was way ahead of her time, not only as a woman in the south in the male-dominated financial services industry of the 1980’s, but also in the way she structured the firm. She always insisted on the highest of ethical standards and “putting the client first.” She was an early industry adopter of the fiduciary advisory model and a national leader in the economics profession.

The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Mary Ann most valued the impact she had on the many people who worked for Greenwood & Associates and later Greenwood Gearhart, especially those who interned for her and went on to successful careers in finance. She always had time to mentor young people who wanted to emulate her success.

Though a native of Pocahontas, Arkansas, Mary Ann had an insatiable love of her adopted community of Northwest Arkansas. She was an ardent supporter of the University of Arkansas and the arts and felt a deep obligation to ensure these institutions thrived in the community. She was the first to raise her hand to be involved, have a seat at the table, or attend an annual gala for numerous philanthropic endeavors. Her legacy will live on in the impact she made on these organizations, some of which owe their financial success in large part to her wise counsel.

Mary Ann and her husband Reed had the ultimate partnership marriage and together had an indelible impact on their community. Their strong network of friends and professional contacts developed over a half-century uniquely positioned them to affect change in positive and enduring ways. Northwest Arkansas has lost a true pillar of the community.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville on Monday, September 26th at 2:00.