Our Mortgage Advisors

Heather Willborg has spent the last two decades helping her customers navigate the home mortgage process and says working at First Financial Bank has been great for her – and for her customers.  “I like the fact that FFB is small enough to provide personal service, but large enough to offer lots of options for our customers”, she said.  She helps customers decide on the best loan for them, educates them about the loan process, and coordinates with title companies and realtors to be sure they close on time.  “Closing on time is what I’m known for”, she states, and you can bet that her customers appreciate it. 

She enjoys being able to help customers turn their dream of home ownership into reality.  “I love the smiles on their faces at the closing table”, says Willborg.  She strives to keep customers informed throughout the loan process, not just at the beginning.  Heather and her team keep their focus on the customer’s needs and find that good communication helps everything go more smoothly. 

Customers have recently shared their testimonials and agree that Heather and her team deliver on their promises: 

“Heather is professional, quick, and great to work with.  We would not hesitate to use her on our next mortgage because she does her best for her clients every single time”, stated a recent customer.  Another added, “She’s a fantastic loan officer who’s not afraid to dig in and help out.  She’s always there to answer questions and make sure we understand the process every step of the way”. 

When not working, she enjoys spending time with family on Greer’s Ferry Lake, fishing and boating.  They also enjoy horses and working on the farm as a family.  When asked what three words most people would use to describe her, she stated:  knowledgeable, experienced, and detail-oriented. 

Jade Beer has spent the past ten years in community banking, meeting customers' needs from all walks of life. As a Mortgage Loan Officer, she loves helping people purchase a home and seeing their pride in owning their first home. "I am here to provide support and guidance for their home purchase or refinancing, giving them answers and information throughout the entire mortgage process," she said.
Jade enjoys working with the mortgage lending staff in El Dorado and throughout Union County, AR. As a former Consumer Lender, she's comfortable answering questions about the loan process and if she doesn't know the answer, she's quick to find one. She and her team are laser-focused on providing exceptional service to every customer they serve throughout south Arkansas.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, fishing and anything outdoors. . She and her husband have three kids who keep them busy (one set of 7-year old twins!), and they love to travel as a family. If you asked those who know her best which three words they'd use to describe her, she said that they would say "dedicated, outgoing, and humble”.

John Summers has been in the banking industry for over 20 years, working in both commercial lending and mortgage lending.  “I enjoy helping clients achieve their goal of owning a home. In 2016, I helped a gentleman purchase a home, and he was the first person in his family history on either side to achieve purchasing a home. That was a special moment and one I will never forget”, stated Summers. In his free time, he loves to hunt, fish, and spend time with family and friends. When asked to use three words to describe himself, he said trustworthy, kind, and giving. 

Heather Willborg has spent the last two decades helping her customers navigate the home mortgage process and says working at First Financial Bank has been great for her – and for her customers.  “I like the fact that FFB is small enough to provide personal service, but large enough to offer lots of options for our customers”, she said.  She helps customers decide on the best loan for them, educates them about the loan process, and coordinates with title companies and realtors to be sure they close on time.  “Closing on time is what I’m known for”, she states, and you can bet that her customers appreciate it. 

She enjoys being able to help customers turn their dream of home ownership into reality.  “I love the smiles on their faces at the closing table”, says Willborg.  She strives to keep customers informed throughout the loan process, not just at the beginning.  Heather and her team keep their focus on the customer’s needs and find that good communication helps everything go more smoothly. 

Customers have recently shared their testimonials and agree that Heather and her team deliver on their promises: 

“Heather is professional, quick, and great to work with.  We would not hesitate to use her on our next mortgage because she does her best for her clients every single time”, stated a recent customer.  Another added, “She’s a fantastic loan officer who’s not afraid to dig in and help out.  She’s always there to answer questions and make sure we understand the process every step of the way”. 

When not working, she enjoys spending time with family on Greer’s Ferry Lake, fishing and boating.  They also enjoy horses and working on the farm as a family.  When asked what three words most people would use to describe her, she stated:  knowledgeable, experienced, and detail-oriented. 

For the past 30 years, Mary Merrill Tucker has learned the mortgage business from the receptionist desk to the Vice-President of Mortgage Lending in Jonesboro, Arkansas.  She was first attracted to First Financial by the people and the family atmosphere at work, and says it helps them provide the absolute best customer service to their customers.  “We have a very dedicated team that works well together.  We all know what needs to happen to help clients close on time and we meet those deadlines together”, she stated. 

Mary meets with her clients to determine their needs and what financing they are qualified for.  “There are so many options available today and we never take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.  We fit the mortgage to the buyer”, she said.  Mary also feels the greatest compliment for her team is when a customer refers them to other homebuyers, something that happens frequently. 

When not at work, Mary gives back to her community by volunteering with the Northeast Arkansas Regional Chamber of Commerce, the University Rotary Club, and Habitat for Humanity.  She’s also an active member of her church and serves on the Finance Committee and the Parish Council, along with other ministries.  She enjoys spending time with her family, especially the five grandchildren, and they all enjoy cheering on the Arkansas State University Red Wolves.

Rod Beckham grew up learning the value of hard work by helping his father in the family business.  That work ethic would serve him well in any position or industry, but when he decided he wanted to become a mortgage lender, a family friend highly recommended he apply with First Financial Bank and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Beckham was influential in helping create the Great River Annual Conference for mortgage bankers from Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Missouri and is Past President of the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association. 

As the President of FFB’s Mortgage Division, he’s had 25 years of experience helping finance homes for our customers.  During that time, he’s learned that customers want answers to their questions and someone who can give sound advice throughout the entire lending process, and Rod is able to provide both.  He understands that buying a home is the biggest single purchase most people will make in their lifetime, and wants to make it as stress-free and efficient as possible. 

In his spare time, Rod loves spending time with his family, cooking on the grill, and watching football.  He also enjoys golf and fishing.  When asked how others would most likely describe him, he stated:  Knowledgeable, Engaged, and Humorous.  He works hard to lead the FFB Mortgage Team in always delivering on their motto to always “Close On Time”.