Member News

Anstaff Bank Gives $250,000 to Care Close To Home: The Campaign for Arkansas Children’s Northwest This corporate gift will provide care close to home for 200,000 children in the region

Anstaff Bank, a locally owned and operated bank in Green Forest, is making a $250,000 commitment to support the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest. “Anstaff Bank is thrilled to partner with Arkansas Children’s to transform health for the kids in our communities,” said Steve Stafford, Anstaff Bank’s Chairman and CEO. “Anstaff Bank has worked with individuals and businesses in Northwest Arkansas for 85 years to ensure their success and, today, we are proud to help bring a local children’s hospital to the region.” When it opens in January 2018, Arkansas Children’s Northwest will be the region’s first and only comprehensive pediatric healthcare center and will include: ƒ 24 inpatient beds to care for children requiring overnight stays ƒ 24-hour pediatric Emergency Department ƒ Pediatric surgery unit with 5 operating rooms ƒ An outpatient clinic with 30 exam rooms supporting more than 20 sub-specialty areas and a general pediatric clinic ƒ A full range of ancillary and diagnostic services, child-life and pastoral care ƒ Outdoor gardens, nature trails, and interactive features designed for children ƒ A helipad and refueling station supporting Angel One, one of the nation’s leading pediatric intensive care transport services with more than 2,000 transports annually. “We deeply appreciate Anstaff Bank’s commitment to championing children in Northwest Arkansas,” said Fred Scarborough, chief development officer for Arkansas Children’s. “Generous support from corporate leaders like Anstaff Bank will allow more than 200,000 children to receive care close to home and give them the promise of a healthier tomorrow.” In August 2016, Arkansas Children’s announced a public campaign to raise funds for Arkansas Children’s Northwest. To date, the campaign has celebrated publicly $57,250,000 million in pledges. Arkansas Children’s Northwest is being built on 37 acres of land donated by Robin and Gary George, Cathy and David Evans and their families—a gift valued at $7.5 million. The campus is centrally located on I-49 between Don Tyson Parkway and Highway 412, across from Arvest Ballpark. The project is expected to cost $427.7 million in construction, technology, equipment, and operating expenses over the next five years, and will create 250 new jobs. Arkansas Children’s Northwest is being designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects of Fayetteville and Little Rock, Ark., and FKP Architects of Houston, Texas. Nabholz Construction is overseeing construction. The campus is an integral part of Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s plan to transform the health of children in Arkansas by expanding access to pediatric services across the region.

Simmons Bank recently hosted its second annual Simmons Agri Summit. More than 250 farmers, producers and farm-related business owners gathered at the Pine Bluff Convention Center in Pine Bluff, Ark. to network and participate in sessions focused on the current economic landscape, the future of commodity pricing and scientific developments impacting the agriculture industry. “Simmons has deep roots in the Delta. We understand the impact agriculture has on our local and regional economies, and we’ve been supporting farmers for more than 100 years,” said Freddie Black, Arkansas regional chairman for Simmons Bank. “Our farmers have had some difficult growing seasons these past few years, so now more than ever, we want to be able to support them—not only with our financial expertise, but also by bringing in industry experts to help them best prepare for a successful year.” Simmons Bank Hosts Simmons Agri Summit 2017 The free conference included featured speakers Richard Brock, owner and president of Brock Associates; Jay Mahaffey, manager of Monsanto’s Scott Learning Center and Bryan Bomar, southern integration manager of Archer Daniels Midland Company. The program also included a financial panel. Agricultural financial consultant Wayne Beaty of 4B Company, CPA Mary Ellen Greenway of McQueen & Company Ltd and associates from Simmons Bank took questions from the crowd ranging from “How often should I have my equipment appraised?” to “Are there certain retirement plans farmers should be using?” and more. “We hope farmers find our conference helpful, and judging from the returning faces from last year’s event, we take that as a good sign,” said Black. “Our associates are here for this important population not just today but every day. We always welcome a call and the chance to share financial counsel.”

Fidelity National Bank Celebrates 50 Years Fidelity National Bank of West Memphis recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house for all of its customers. Founded in 1966, Fidelity has kept the same name for all these years, and even has a founding director, William Carlson, who has been with Fidelity for all of the 50 years. To honor his service to the Bank, Mr. Carlson was presented a brass plaque that is now hung in the lobby. The Fidelity staff was dressed in red for their celebration, which 500 people attended.

Mr. William Carlson was presented with a brass plaque to honor his 50 years of service with Fidelity National Bank.

Simmons First National Corporation Announces Agreement To Acquire First Texas BHC, Inc.

Simmons First National Corporation has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger with First Texas BHC, Inc.. According to the terms of the agreement, Simmons will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of First Texas in a transaction valued at approximately $462 million (based on the Company’s common stock closing price as of January 20, 2017). First Texas is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and is the parent company of Southwest Bank. “We are thrilled to welcome the customers and associates of Southwest Bank to the Simmons family,” said George A. Makris, Jr., Simmons’ Chairman and CEO. “Late last year, Simmons announced its introduction into the Texas markets with our proposed acquisition of Bank SNB. We now have the opportunity to substantially grow our presence in the Fort Worth metropolitan area by joining with one of the best run, most respected financial organizations in Texas. Vernon Bryant and his leadership team are exemplary bankers who understand the industry and get the importance of excellent customer service. Their success, both for their customers and for their organization, makes me confident that we have teamed with another great banking partner. The Southwest Bank brand itself is very well known and respected, and represents a legacy of quality banking service. Because of that legacy, we will retain the Southwest Bank brand.” First Texas’s Financial Highlights (as of September 30, 2016): ƒ Assets: $2.0 billion ƒ Loans: $1.8 billion ƒ Deposits: $1.5 billion ƒ Branches: 16 “We at First Texas are excited about the strategic partnership with Simmons,” said Vernon Bryant, First Texas’s Chairman and CEO. “Simmons is a top-notch, fast-growing regional bank. With that comes additional products and services, as well as a larger balance sheet, that can only result in substantial benefits for our customers. Since First Texas began, our focus has always been on the customer, and I know that as part of the Simmons team we will continue that legacy.” Under the terms of the Agreement, First Texas’s shareholders and other equity rights holders will receive, in the aggregate, 6,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and $70 million in cash, all subject to certain conditions and potential adjustments. Completion of the transaction is expected during the third quarter of 2017 and is subject to certain closing conditions, including approval by the shareholders of both First Texas and the Company, as well as customary regulatory approvals. After closing, Southwest is expected to continue operations as a separate bank subsidiary of Simmons for an interim period until it is merged into Simmons Bank. Stephens Inc. served as financial advisor to First Texas, and Fenimore, Kay, Harrison & Ford, LLP served as First Texas’s legal advisor. Mercer Capital Management, Inc. served as financial advisor to Simmons, and Covington & Burling LLP served as Simmons’ legal advisor.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK PROMOTIONS AND ADDITIONS Gene Crawford, President and CFO of the First National Bank of Crossett announced the promotion of Joyce Cummins to Assistant Vice President - Credit Administration Officer and Christy Martin to Retail Lending Officer following the January board meeting. “Joyce and Christy represent the tenacity and work ethic that has made this institution great, and we are very excited about their promotion and their continued contribution to the Bank. They represent a new generation of bankers at FNBC—strong customer service skills and efficient application of technology in a community bank,” said Crawford.

Joyce Cummins has been promoted to Assistant Vice President - Credit Administration Officer. Mrs. Cummins began her career with First National Bank in August 1991, when she and her family relocated to Arkansas. She was hired as a Mortgage Loan Processor in our Mortgage Loan Department. In January 1996, she obtained the position of Mortgage Loan Officer, until her family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked for NationsBank (Bank of America) in their Mortgage Loan Processing Center. In 1997 Joyce and her family returned to Crossett where she worked in the community in Accounting and Finance. In January 2014, Joyce Cummins was asked to rejoin First National Bank as a Mortgage Loan Processor in the Mortgage Loan Department. In September 2014 she was promoted to Credit Administrator. Mrs. Cummins is a 1980 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and attended South Central

Career College in Little Rock, where she studied Accounting. Joyce has also completed several Arkansas Institute of Banking certifications, as well as FHA/HUD certifications. She has been a part of various civic organizations including Beta Sigma Phi, Chamber of Commerce Committee for ACE (Arkansas Community of Excellence), board member of the Crossett Education Alliance, and is also a volunteer for many of the Bank’s community activities. She is a member of Crossett First Baptist Church. Mrs. Cummins is married to Charlie Cummins and they have 2 daughters, Brittany and Casey and a granddaughter, Chloe.

Christy Martin has been promoted to Retail Lending Officer. Mrs. Martin began her career with First National Bank of Crossett in July 2015 as a Hamburg Assistant Branch Manager and was quickly promoted to Branch Manager in October 2015. Christy, a Crossett native, is a graduate of Crossett High School. Mrs. Martin is a 2016 graduate of the Arkansas Bankers Association Consumer Lending School. Christy was the 2016 Employee of the Year at First National Bank. She is an active member of Grace Christian Fellowship in Crossett, AR. She currently serves on the board of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. Christy is very active in bank and community activities. Mrs. Martin and her husband, Brian, reside in Hamburg.

Johnathan Canley has also joined the bank as Retail Lending Officer. Mr. Canley brings with him 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. Johnathan

24 The Arkansas Banker | February 2017 comes to First National Bank from Timberline Federal Credit Union where he served as Consumer Loan Officer. Johnathan is a 2002 graduate of Crossett High School. He attended Cisco Junior College and the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He and his wife, Kelsey reside in Crossett with their son, Jade. Johnathan and Kelsey are expecting another baby boy in May, 2017.

Deborah “Dee Dee” Smith has joined First National Bank of Crossett as Assistant Vice President, Deposit Services Manager, according to an announcement from Gene Crawford, President and CEO. Crawford stated, “We are excited about Dee Dee joining our bank family. Our community will benefit from her banking experience and skills, which we feel will be a great asset to FNBC.” Dee Dee came to First National Bank from City Hall in Hamburg where she was Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and City Clerk/Treasurer. Her banking background includes working for First National Bank in Ashdown, Arkansas. She began her banking career as a teller/loan teller, then worked as the President’s secretary, and was then promoted to Operations Officer over four branches. Smith has served on numerous committees including: Board of Trustees, Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer, Children’s Church Director, Board of Christian Education, and Prime Timer’s Coordinator, all for the First Church of God of Crossett. She has also assisted with two of Hamburg High School’s Project Graduation events, as well as many baseball and prom functions. She and her husband, Eric, reside in Crossett. They have a son, Hunter, and daughter-inlaw, Brianna who live in Crossett. They also have a son, Lance, who lives in Monticello while attending college at UAM.

CARA LANK PROMOTED TO SR. VP AND CREDIT OFFICER AT STONE BANK Cara Lank has been promoted to senior vice president and credit officer at Stone Bank according to Nick Roach, president and chief lending officer. “Cara will provide invaluable leadership to the bank’s Risk Management team. We are fortunate to have someone with her extensive training and experience as a bank examiner.” Lank, a native of Newport, has a BS in Public Administration from Harding University and completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. She has served the Arkansas State Bank Department as a Certified Senior Bank Examiner and Financial Analyst and was a vice president and credit officer for First National Bankers Bank of Little Rock. As part of her training as a bank examiner, Lank attended schools on Financial Institution Analysis, Loan Analysis, real estate lending, cash flow analysis and management skills.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH AR PROMOTES DOUG CARR

Doug Carr, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, has been named President of First National Bank of North Arkansas (formally First National Bank of Berryville). Mr. Carr becomes the 9th President of the 128-year-old bank. His banking career began at the bank in 1983. He has attended the Arkansas Bankers Association Basic and Intermediate Lending

Schools, the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. “Doug’s dedication to the bank and its customers has been a driving force in our continued success. Under his leadership the bank is well positioned to continue its 128-year run,” said Chief Executive Officer Bill Hudspeth.

FARMERS BANK & TRUST ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT CHANGE The Farmers Bank & Trust Board of Directors are pleased to announce that, at its regularly scheduled meeting January 16, 2017, the Board of Directors voted to name Chris Gosnell President and Chief Executive Officer. Chris has been with Farmers Bank & Trust for over 6 years, and brought with him 6 years of banking experience from Northwest Arkansas when he joined the Bank in 2010. His new responsibilities as CEO are effective immediately. Chris previously served as President and Chief Banking Officer for the Bank.

Chris Gosnell received his Bachelor of Arts in Administrative Management from the University of Arkansas in 2003, as well as his Master of Science in Operations Management in 2005. He graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and serves on the Arkansas Bankers Association Board of Directors. In addition, Gosnell was named in Arkansas Business’s 40 Under 40 list for 2015.

CITIZENS BANK PROMOTES KAREN SHAW AND PAMELA JONES Phil Baldwin, President and CEO of Citizens Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Karen E. Shaw to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “Karen is a thoughtful and dedicated leader with a deep understanding of banking and finance,” Mr. Baldwin said. “Karen has been instrumental in the bank’s statewide expansion and in Citizens Bank becoming the 14th largest bank in Arkansas.” Karen Shaw is responsible for all aspects of financial management at Citizens Bank – overseeing the bank’s Investment Committee, Policy Committee, as well as its financial planning and budgeting processes. Prior to joining Citizens Bank in 2003, Ms. Shaw spent eight years with the public accounting firm of Ernst & Young, managing a diverse range of clients including both public and nonpublic banking institutions. Ms. Shaw is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas where she also serves on the Arkansas Heroes Planning and Philanthropy Committees. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Arkansas State Society of CPAs, and the North Heights Church of Christ. She is a previous board member, vice president, and treasurer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas and a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. Ms. Shaw began her service to the organization as a “big sister” volunteering her time as a community mentor. Ms. Shaw and her husband, Edward Shaw, have two children, Kayla and Collin.

February 2017 | The Arkansas Banker 25 She is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration Degree with Highest Honors in Accounting. Phil Baldwin is also pleased to announce the promotion of Pamela J. Jones to the position of Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Operations Officer. Mr. Baldwin said, “Pam is a unique talent – a skilled manager and highly professional banker with strong technical abilities and a sincere interest in people.”

Pamela Jones is responsible for all aspects of Citizens Bank’s state-of-the-art loan operations center, serving the bank’s statewide banking system. She serves on the Citizens Bank Policy Committee, Information Technologies Steering Committee and manages the regulatory compliance functions. Prior to joining Citizens Bank, Ms. Jones served as Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Operations Officer at Southern Bancorp, a $1.2 billion banking organization and the nation’s largest rural development bank. She began her distinguished 28-year banking career at Community Bank of Mississippi. In 2016, Ms. Jones was selected by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce to represent North Central Arkansas in the Leadership Arkansas Program. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of North Central Arkansas and has served in numerous leadership positions with the Business Women’s Professional Association, 4-H and Farm Bureau. She and her husband, Mike Jones, have four children: Amber, Grayson, Gretchen and Sean, as well as six grandchildren: Aidyn, Avery, Jacob, Mary Addison, Mackenzie and Spencer. FORREST CITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND FORREST CITY BANK, N.A. ACQUIRED BY BIG CREEK BANCSHARES, INC. It has been announced that Big Creek Bancshares, Inc. acquired Forrest City Financial Corporation, the parent company of Forrest City Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). The transaction became effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016, and the Bank is now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Big Creek Bancshares, Inc. In connection with the acquisition, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved new owners, Mark Waldrip, to serve as Chairman and CEO of the Bank, and Nathan Waldrip, to serve as a Director of the Bank. Dwight Rutland will maintain his current position at the Bank as President and serve as a Director. Other directors for the bank include Brad Beavers, Steve Edwards, and Drew Higginbothom. Subsequent to the acquisition, Big Creek will change the name of the Bank from “Forrest City Bank, N.A.” to “Armor Bank, N.A.” The Bank will officially rebrand to Armor Bank, N.A. in mid to late February. Customers of the Bank should continue to conduct business as usual and can expect that no changes will be made to their banking accounts, checks, debit cards, and online banking services at this time. Deposits will continue to be insured up to the maximum allowed by law by the FDIC. If customers have questions, they should contact the Bank. “We are very pleased to be a part of this community,” stated Mark Waldrip, Chairman of Big Creek Bancshares, Inc. “The future holds great potential for the Bank and East Arkansas. I look forward to working with the Board, the Officers and employees, and the community to make sure we take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

RELYANCE BANK PROMOTES EIGHT Chuck Morgan, President and CEO of Relyance Bank, N.A., is pleased to announce the following promotions: Carol Cook, Senior Vice President; Katherine Polczynski, Vice President; Dana Arledge, Assistant Vice President; Carrie Hall, Assistant Vice President; Karen Hall, Assistant Vice President; Alicia Nixon, Assistant Vice President; Jamie Jones, Audit Officer; and Michelle Ponder, Assistant Compliance Officer.

Carol Cook, promoted to Senior Vice President has been a career banker for nearly 30 years. Eleven of those years, she has been a part of the Relyance Bank family. Mrs. Cook serves as Director of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Board, Hot Springs Village Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and the Cedar Mountain Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board. She is also highly dedicated to volunteering to various local community organizations.

Katherine Polczynski, promoted to Vice President of Mortgage Lending in Hot Springs, graduated from Arkadelphia High School and attended Ouachita Baptist University. Her banking career started in 1996 and since then has completed Mortgage Lending School and Intermediate Real Estate Lending training. Mrs. Polczynski also devotes her time as a Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and serves as a member of the Hot Springs Board of Realtor Image Committee.

Dana Arledge, promoted to Assistant Vice President serves as the Branch Manager of the Oak Park Branch in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Mrs. Arledge, with 34 years of banking experience, has been a part of the Relyance Bank family for 16 years. During her tenure, she has completed several bank related courses. She is a member of the Humphrey United Methodist Church and a current member of the 2017 Pine Bluff Leadership Class.

Carrie Hall, promoted to Assistant Vice President of Loan Production, is a Rison High School graduate. With over 20 years of banking experience, Mrs. Hall has a strong background in the lending production and operation areas. During her tenure with Relyance Bank, she has completed several courses and extensive training in regards to loan platform and documentation management. Her community service includes involvement in the Rison Lions Club where she has served as Secretary and Treasurer. She also volunteers in local youth sports programs and is active in her church, Hebron Methodist. Karen Hall, promoted to Assistant Vice President of Operations, started her banking career over 12 years ago as a teller with Relyance Bank. Mrs. Hall, a Watson Chapel graduate, attended the Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff. She is a volunteer with the Pine Bluff Festival Association, CASA Half Marathon, Neighbor-toNeighbor as well as other local organizations.

26 The Arkansas Banker | February 2017 Alicia Nixon, promoted to Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, is a Woodlawn High School graduate. Ms. Nixon attended Henderson State University and the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management. She has 12 years of banking experience and currently serves on the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation Board, Pine Bluff Festival Association Board, Pine Bluff Rotary Board and the Pine Bluff Positive Youth Development Board. A Leadership Pine Bluff graduate, Ms. Nixon is also a member of the Jefferson County Young Professionals and the Rison United Methodist Church.

Jamie Jones, a University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduate, has been with Relyance Bank since 2011 and promoted to Audit Officer. During her tenure with Relyance Bank, Mrs. Jones furthered her education by receiving a Certificate in Accounting, Master of Human Resource Management with Distinction and Master of Financial Management with a specialization in CPA, all with the Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a current member of the Sigma Beta DeltaInternational Honor Society for Business, Management and Administration, the National Association of Professional Women and Jefferson County Young Professionals.

Michelle Ponder, promoted to Assistant Compliance Officer, is a White Hall native. Ms. Ponder has been with Relyance Bank for 11 years. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Bank Compliance School and received her Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer designation from the ICBA Compliance Institute. She is currently pursuing a Finance degree with the Southeast Arkansas College. Ms. Ponder is an active volunteer at the White Hall School District and a member of the Jefferson County Young Professionals.

GENERATIONS BANK PROMOTES JESSICA ODOM IN VAN BUREN MARKET Jon Harrell, Chairman of Generations Bank, has announced that Jessica Odom has been promoted to the position of Branch Manager for Generations Bank in Van Buren. In this position, Odom oversees the administration and daily operation of the full-service branch, as well as the coordination of staff and resources.

Jessica Odom has most recently served as Customer Service Representative. She has over twenty years of banking experience and has been an employee of Generations Bank since 2003. “Jessica has been an important part of our market’s success for many years,” stated Terry Carson, Van Buren Market President. “Her commitment to serve in a professional and personal manner has earned her great trust and respect among her customers. We are very proud of Jessica and her recent promotion.”