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Banker News & Moves
The Boards of Directors of the Union Bank of Mena and Union Bankshares, Inc. announce the appointment of Kevin Williams as President of the Union Bank of Mena and Jarrod Yarnell as Chief Executive Officer of Union Bankshares, the holding company which owns the Union Bank of Mena and the First National Bank of Paris. In their new roles, Kevin and Jarrod will succeed Philip Hensley, who will continue his involvement with the organization as Senior Advisor to the Union Bank of Mena. Kevin Williams joined the Union Bank of Mena in 2003 and has held a variety of roles throughout the organization including lending, internal audit, finance, risk management and compliance. Prior to joining the Union Bank of Mena, he worked as a Bank Examiner in the Arkansas State Bank Department. He is a native of Mena and graduated from Mena High School and the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He is actively involved in the community, currently serving as Chairman of the Mena Intermountain Airport Commission, and he formerly served as President of the Mena Lions Club. As part of his new role, Kevin will also be appointed to the Boards of Directors of the Union Bank of Mena and the First National Bank of Paris.
Jarrod Yarnell has served as President of the First National Bank of Paris since 2007, shortly after its acquisition by Union Bankshares. During that time, he has overseen the growth of the Paris bank from $100 million in assets to $180 million today, and has led the recent successful opening of branches in Clarksville and Ozark. Prior to that, he served in various lending roles for Summit Bank of Arkadelphia and Superior Bank of Fort Smith, and as a Bank Examiner for the Arkansas State Bank Department. He is a native of Ozark and graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance, and from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas with a Master of Business Administration degree. He is actively involved in the Paris community, having served as President of the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce, the Paris Rotary Club and the Boys and Girls Club of Paris. Jarrod’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Union Bankshares represents an expansion of his current responsibilities as he will continue to serve as President of the First National Bank of Paris. He will also be named to the Boards of Directors of Union Bankshares and the Union Bank of Mena. In his new role, Philip Hensley will continue to serve as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Union Bank of Mena and First National Bank of Paris, and will focus on customer relationships and community relations. Philip joined the Union Bank of Mena in 2000, became President in 2002, and became Chief Executive Officer of Union Bankshares in 2002. During this time, he presided over the growth of the organization from $110 million to $260 million in total assets. Additionally, he oversaw the acquisition of the First National Bank of Paris in 2005. “We are extremely excited about the appointments of Kevin Williams and Jarrod Yarnell to their new roles with the Union Bank of Mena and Union Bankshares,” said John Stevenson, Chairman of Union Bankshares. “Over the past 15 years under Philip’s leadership, our organization has enjoyed tremendous growth and recognition as the leading bank in each of our home communities. During that time, Jarrod and Kevin have been key contributors to that success and have demonstrated that they are among the brightest and most capable young bankers in the state. We are highly confident in the ability of this team to continue to lead our organization going forward.” & Banker News Moves
Union Bank and Union Bankshares Announce New Positions
GSB Welcomes Gary Sams as SVP Commercial Lending
Grand Savings Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Gary Sams as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending at their Fayetteville location. A seventeen-year banking veteran of consumer, mortgage and commercial lending, Sams has led many diverse teams and projects. A business strategist passionate about sustainability, Sams brings a demonstrable history of delivering community-based, innovative solutions to complex challenges to GSB. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Management Accounting from John Brown University, Sams spent several years in northeastern Wisconsin before returning to the Natural State. He and wife, Kristi, along with their four daughters, live in Fayetteville where they call the Hogs and cheer on the Packers. “I expect Gary’s knowledge and leadership to become a driving force in commercial lending at GSB that will serve our customers and our community well. We are pleased he is joining our team.” said Guy Cable, Grand Savings Bank CEO. 50 The Arkansas Banker n Winter 2019
Simmons Announces New Hires and Promotions
Matt Reddin, who most recently served as Simmons Bank’s president of banking enterprise, has been named executive vice president and chief banking officer. The promotion, which places Reddin at the helm of nearly all of the bank’s revenue-generating business units, caps 18 years of industry experience and nearly five years at Simmons.
“Matt’s natural leadership and penchant for creative solutions have strongly complemented Simmons’ growth trajectory,” said Marty Casteel, Simmons Bank chairman and CEO. “We’re confident that his skills will be leveraged to even greater effect with this enhanced role.”
Stepping into a role vacated by Chris White, Simmons’ freshly promoted Arkansas regional community president, Paul Lowe has joined the bank as central Arkansas market president. In this position, Lowe will oversee Simmons’ highest-ranking market by branch locations, working with customers and associates to drive a client-focused delivery of Simmons’ full suite of banking products.
Lowe joins Simmons from Arvest Bank, where he served as executive director of corporate and commercial banking. Prior to his time at Arvest, Lowe served as Bear State Bank’s corporate banking division president.
As Simmons’ director of C&I banking, Lisa Montejo Chrzanowski will spearhead Simmons’ C&I loan banking strategy, focusing on expanding options for Simmons’ business and commercial clients.
Bringing more than 20 years of industry experience, Chrzanowski joins Simmons from Bank of America, where she most recently served as senior credit products officer and senior vice president.
Chrzanowski is a graduate of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Greater Little Rock, class XXVII. Chris White, who has seen Simmons grow from $2.4 billion in assets to its current size of $17.9 billion since joining the bank in 2004, has been promoted to Arkansas regional community president.
Prior to this promotion, White served in a variety of roles across Simmons’ home state, most recently as central Arkansas community president. In this role, he oversaw and developed Simmons’ presence in the Little Rock area. White will now lead Simmons’ 11 Arkansas community presidents as these local leaders focus on strategy, business development, and loan and deposit growth.
Lumsden Named to Stone Bank Board of Directors
Eddie Lumsden, of Bayo Meto (Arkansas County), has been named to the Stone Bank Board of Directors. He and his family are the owners of Lumsden Farms, Inc., The Schoolhouse Lodge, and DOA Guide Service.
Lumsden was named a board member of DeWitt Bank and Trust Company in 1990 and has served in that capacity for the past 30 years. He was appointed Chairman of its Board in 2018.
Lumsden is a graduate of DeWitt High School and a 1965 graduate of The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.
“We are so fortunate to add Eddie Lumsden to our board of directors,” said Kevin Compton, Chairman of the bank’s board. “His business experience, contacts and understanding of the agriculture economy of this region will be a great asset to our shareholders and customers.”
The bank has experienced extraordinary growth in recent years by developing an Agri Lending Center and a Government Guaranteed Loan Division, which provides lending insured by the Farm Services Agency, USDA and Small Business Administration nationwide.
&Banker News Moves
Citizens Bank Strengthens Operations Through Series of Recent Promotions
To reward their service and best utilize their skills, Citizens Bank is proud to announce the well-deserved promotions of Aaron Herndon to Retail Branch Manager and Consumer Loan Officer; Katherine Harris to Vice President and Market Retail Manager; Tonia Daniels to Retail Branch Manager and Consumer Loan Officer; and Sherry Rorie to Vice President and Human Resources Officer. Aaron and Katherine are based at the bank’s headquarters location in Batesville. Tonia and Sherry will continue to serve out of the Arkadelphia office.
Herndon leads the retail operations at Citizens Bank’s headquarters, guiding the professional development of his retail team to exceed customer expectations, while he also broadens his capabilities into the area of consumer lending.
Herndon joined Citizens Bank in 2006 as a Teller and Customer Service Representative, and has held several positions of increasing responsibility, including Retail Manager at the bank’s Airport Branch. In 2014, he transitioned into the Loan Processing operations, and served as Loan Assistant Supervisor and Market Loan Coordinator. Harris most recently served as Assistant Vice President and Retail Branch Manager for the Headquarters branch. She began her career with Citizens Bank seven years ago as a Teller and Customer Service Representative at the branch in Pleasant Plains. She transferred as Assistant Manager at the Eagle Mountain location, and was named its Retail Branch Manager in 2015. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in Business Management from the University of Central Arkansas. Harris and her husband, Derek, have two children, Owen Harris, 4, and Eden Harris, 20 months.
Tonia Daniels has built an outstanding banking career by working in a variety of departments over the past 10 years. Prior to her most recent promotion, she had gained a wealth of knowledge and experience as a Teller, Customer Service Representative and Executive Loan Assistant, and recently completed Consumer Lending training.
As Retail Branch Manager, Daniels is responsible for all sales and operations activities within the branch, plus development of new loan and deposit business, and building relationships to retain and grow existing business.
He earned an Associate of Applied Science Business Services degree, with a Banking and Finance focus, from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. He also graduated from the Barret Graduate School of Banking and the Citizens Bank EDGE leadership program.
Herndon, a Cave City native, is a member of the Old Independence Regional Museum and the Board of the Batesville Area Arts Council.
As Vice President and Market Retail Manager, Katherine Harris routinely travels to support the operations of all retail bank branches in North Central Arkansas, the largest market within the Citizens Bank organization.
As a longtime banking professional, Harris ensures branch compliance and consistency with all bank policies. She also serves as a mentor to individual staff members in such important areas as branch management, customer service, community involvement, and new business development. Daniels is a graduate of Leadership Clark County and has served on the Board of the local Kiwanis Club. She and her husband, Damon, have three adult children, all of whom live in Clark County.
During a 23-year banking career, Sherry Rorie has gained considerable experience in Retail Management, Accounting, Loan Operations, Maintenance and Deposit Operations. As Human Resources Officer, Rorie expands her responsibilities to include employee relations, affirmative action, benefits management, and payroll. She will continue to serve out of the Arkadelphia office.
Rorie has proudly raised her family in Clark County. Her community involvement includes her service as a Board member of CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocate programs that support abused and neglected children. She is also active with the Sunrise Rotary Club and the Arkadelphia Public School District, where she volunteers in a curriculum that provides financial education to students. She has two daughters, Riley, 23, and Reagan, 17.
First Financial Bank Announces Promotions
First Financial Bank of El Dorado recently announced the promotion of three long-time Arkansas and Mississippi banking leaders.
Craig Mobley, EVP, in El Dorado, has been named Chief Operating Officer, with responsibilities for specialty lending divisions across the United States. Additionally, he will help to refine and streamline operational processes throughout the bank. Mobley is also leading the transition team in the acquisition of First National Bank of Wynne, which will add an additional seven branches and 82 employees to First Financial Bank. Now in his sixth year with FFB, Mobley will report to Chris Hegi, CEO.
Chris Johnson, Retail Market President in Little Rock, has been named Regional Market President for the state of Arkansas. In his new role, Johnson will continue to lead the Little Rock market efforts, but have additional responsibilities across the state as well. Johnson joined FFB in 2016 and has been instrumental in their entry and growth in the Central Arkansas market. He will report to Craig Mobley, COO.
Brad Ogletree, Retail Market President in Carthage, has been named Regional Market President for the state of Mississippi. Since joining FFB in 2006. Ogletree has helped FFB become a market-share leader in Leake County. His new role will allow him to continue his local leadership in Carthage but also have additional responsibilities across Mississippi. Ogletree will report to Craig Mobley, COO.
“With the recent and future growth of the bank, these changes will better help us clearly define, meet, and measure our objectives going forward”, stated Hegi, “We’re excited about the future of FFB and these three will be part of our continued success in Arkansas, Mississippi, and across the US”.
The Arkansas State Bank Department Promotes Four Members of Staff
The Arkansas State Bank Department has promoted Lance Black and Ellliot Hartle to Junior Bank Examiners.
Lance Black has a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law and serves as a Trust Examiner in our Little Rock office.
Ellliot Hartle, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and serves as an Information Systems Examiner in our Little Rock Office.
The Department also promoted Daniel Park and Joel Futrell to Senior Examiners.
Daniel Park has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and serves as a commercial examiner in our Springdale office.
Joel Futrell has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and serves as a commercial examiner in our Little Rock office.
&Banker News Moves
Arvest Bank Names Heck Executive Director of Consumer Lending
Arvest Bank is pleased to announce Doug Heck has been named executive director of its consumer lending division.
Heck, who has more than 23 years of industry experience, has served in a variety of roles during his 13 years at Arvest. In his new role as executive director of the bank’s consumer lending division, Heck will oversee consumer loan underwriting and processing, product management, a business intelligence and analytics team, and systems/technology management.
Heck also will oversee the addition of several new staff members, including positions related to strategic marketing, technology and decision sciences.
Heck earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Eastern New Mexico University. Additionally, he completed the Sam Walton Institute for Leadership program and graduated with honors from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.
First Service Bank Expands its Conway Team
First Service Bank announced in November that Kevin Wish has been hired as Community Market President and Sr. Loan Officer in the Conway market.
“We are confident that Kevin Wish will be an asset to our team and know our customers will benefit from his 25 years of experience and depth of banking knowledge,” said Tom Grumbles, President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of First Service Bank.
Kevin Wish was raised in Clarksville, AR and is a 1994 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he majored in Financial Management. He began his banking career in 1994. Kevin and his wife Alison have called Conway, AR home since 1998. They have three children, Emily, Natalie, and Anna Claire. Kevin currently serves on the Conway Airport Advisory Committee, Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Board, is a member of Kiwanis Club of Conway, and is a 2002 graduate of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute.
Citizens Bank & Trust Announces New Staff Members
Citizens Bank & Trust Company of Van Buren is pleased to announce the addition of Evan Faries and Erica Medlock to its staff.
Evan Faries joined the bank in July as a lending officer and has several years of experience in banking. He is a graduate of Van Buren High School and University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Evan enjoys spending free time with his wife and two children. His hobbies include softball, basketball, golf, fitness, gaming and music. He is also an avid fan of Star Wars and Marvel/DC Comics.
Erica Medlock joined Citizens Bank in September as a Mortgage Loan Officer. She is a graduate of Alma High School and University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership and holds a CPE Certificate from the Arkansas Bankers Association. Erica enjoys spending free time with her husband, Brandon, and three children, Seth, Jacob and Allison. She currently serves as secretary of the Van Buren Kiwanis Club, is an Ambassador for the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, volunteers for the United Way and is a Leadership Crawford County alumni.
Anstaff Bank Announces Opening Of Newest Branch in Mountain Home
Anstaff Bank announced the opening of its newest branch at the corner of Wallace Knob Road and Highway 62/412 in Mountain Home according to Jerry Don Cunningham, Market President.
“We are excited to bring a second full-service branch to Mountain Home to better serve our customers,” said Cunningham. “We are extremely happy with how well the building process went and can’t wait to show it off to our customers.”
The new Anstaff location is a full-service branch with a drive-thru and ATM. The lobby is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The drive-thru is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as, Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Simmons Bank Named an SBA Lender of the Year for Arkansas District
In November, Simmons Bank was recognized as the Category One “Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender of the Year” at the 2019 SBA Lender Awards, hosted by the Arkansas District Office and the Arkansas Community Bankers Association. The Category One awards designation recognizes financial institutions with more than $6 billion in assets. Simmons had 22 7(a) loans in its home state of Arkansas for SBA’s fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2019, totaling $5,691,900 (amount excludes 504 loans).
“We’re thankful to our customers whose trust and loyalty have made Simmons a leading small business lender in Arkansas,” said Mark Wilson, Simmons Bank’s director of small business lending. “There’s no greater achievement for a bank than putting someone in business, and Simmons’ dedicated team of professionals works daily to enrich lending experiences for our small business customers.”
The award follows recent steps by Simmons to bolster its small business leadership. In May 2019, Simmons announced its hire of Little Rock-based Itzel Meador to serve as SBA regional manager of sales and business development for the bank’s eight-state footprint.
For First Arkansas Bank & Trust (FAB&T), November marked 70 years of service to the people and communities of Central and North Central Arkansas. What started with one location in Jacksonville, Arkansas, has grown into a network of 22 branch locations, a full-service mortgage department, trust and wealth management services, a credit card division located in Kennesaw, Georgia, a 24/7 Customer Call Center located in Jacksonville. and customers worldwide.
“When my father, Kenneth Pat Wilson, helped bring banking services to Jacksonville in 1949, I’m certain there was no way that he could have ever envisioned what our bank family has become. Times and technology have definitely changed, but the one constant that we can look to is that this is a business devoted to serving the customer. For 70 years, we have proudly provided financial services to tens of thousands of people across not only this area, but around the country and world. That is not a responsibility that I, or the bank, take lightly” said Larry T. Wilson, Chairman, President, and CEO of FAB&T. Wilson went on to state that the culture of FAB&T is what sets it apart. “We have a mission statement and core values that we live by, just as many successful organizations, but what motivates me every day is that one of those core values is ‘Make It Fun.’ We have fun at work. We have fun with each other. We have been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Arkansas Business Publishing Group numerous times, and we were recently named a Best-In-State Bank by Forbes. We must be doing something right to be recognized by Forbes; but, to be named a Best Place to Work is an employee-driven process. That tells me that who we are matters to our team, and that is very special. As long as I am still having fun, I will continue to come to work. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”
Citizens Bank and Trust @CitizensBankVB Citizens Bank and Trust had a great time serving pizza to the 8th graders at Leadership Safari! #thatsmybank
because #BankersGiveBack!
Union Bank of Mena October 25 at 8:27 PM Union Bank of Mena is proud to partner with an anonymous donor and the Mena Band Boosters to purchase a new drumline for the Bearcat Band this year. Grand Savings Bank
527 likes Grand Savings Bank Siloam team had a GRAND time at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siloam Bowl for Kids’ Sake event! #LifeisGrand
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