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2012 Men of the Year Honoree: Mike Williamson

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Mike Williamson moved to Springfield 32 years ago to help shore up a teetering bank.

“The bank had a history of instability of management and ownership and was operating under a distressed condition in a very difficult economy,” Williamson says of his appointment in 1980 as president and CEO of Empire Bank in Springfield.

He arrived armed with an MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business, U.S. Army experience and a decade of work in the financial sector.

“With the support of dedicated, capable associates and an ownership that was financially strong and who believed in the importance of community banking, the bank was stabilized and has been an active contributor to the local community and economy,” Williamson adds.

Today, Empire Bank is the third-largest bank in the Springfield metropolitan statistical area holding roughly 12 percent of the market’s deposits – less than a percentage point behind the market leaders. The movement under Williamson has been gradual yet steady. In the mid-1990s through 2007 – when Williamson transitioned to his current role of board chairman – Empire hovered between 7 percent and 10 percent of the market, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data. Officials positioned the bank to make a run at the top spot via a 2010 acquisition of struggling Citizens National Bank.

In leadership at Empire Bank, Williamson has emphasized growth and development of associates through education and training. Strong evidence is current bank President Russ Marquart, who followed in Williamson’s footsteps.

“My successor joined the bank as a college intern and was encouraged to develop to the point where he was able to assume the responsibility of president and CEO at my retirement,” Williamson notes.

Williamson’s leadership extends beyond Empire Bank, illustrated by past board president/chairman roles with Ozarks Council Boy Scouts, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Business Development Corp., Mercy, United Way of the Ozarks and Springfield Southeast Rotary Club. On the national and state levels, he’s served the Boy Scouts of America, Missouri Council on Economic Education, Missouri Department of Revenue, State Small Business Development Council and Missouri Bankers Association.

“In my career as a community bank president and CEO, I felt it was important to support organizations that benefit the community,” says Williamson.

Click here for full coverage of the 2012 Men of the Year.


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