On July 6, Pine Bluffs, Arkansas-based Simmons Bank announced changes to its leadership team. The bank operates 56 branches in Texas.
Chad Rawls has taken on the newly created role of chief commercial banking officer. He previously served as chief credit officer overseeing all credit activity, including underwriting, approval and collections across Simmons Bank’s six-state footprint. Prior to that, he served as chief metro banking officer and president of corporate banking, with oversight of the bank’s metro market activity, treasury management, equipment financing, institutional banking, small-business banking and C&I banking groups. Rawls will report directly to Jay Brogdon, president and chief financial officer.
Earlier this year, Chris White was named chief community banking officer. A 19-year veteran of Simmons Bank, he has served in multiple leadership roles with increased responsibilities, including Arkansas community division president.
Veteran credit officers Josh Herron and Steve Wade have been tapped to lead Simmons Bank’s credit function. Herron will serve as interim chief credit officer and Wade will provide support during this transition as deputy chief credit officer. A 22-year banking veteran, Herron served as corporate credit officer since joining Simmons Bank in 2020. Wade, a seasoned veteran with 40 years of industry experience, most recently served as assistant general counsel, having previously served as the bank’s chief credit officer for almost six years. Herron and Wade will report directly to Bob Fehlman, chief executive officer.
“The restructuring of our banking division aligns with our ‘Better Bank Initiative’ by positioning us to capitalize on the opportunity to grow and diversify commercial and corporate banking, while further emphasizing our community and retail franchise,” Brogdon says. “Recent industry events reinforce the value of traditional community banking, for which Simmons has a respected 120-year legacy. This foundation, coupled with the scale we have achieved throughout our footprint, provides significant opportunities to further enhance our future growth, particularly in the commercial arena.”
Established in 1903, Simmons Bank operates 231 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
