Compensation rises for Great Southern executives

Joe Turner earns the highest compensation at Great Southern.

Great Southern Bancorp Inc.’s (Nasdaq: GSBC) top three officers earned higher compensation in 2017, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

President and CEO Joe Turner, board Chairman William Turner and Chief Financial Officer Rex Copeland all posted gains. Kevin Baker, chief credit officer, and John Bugh, chief lending officer, marked their first years as named officers — those who earn the most at the company — after they took over former executive Steve Mitchem’s duties.

Great Southern’s named officers, by 2017 total compensation and percentage increase, are:
    •    Joe Turner, $1.25 million, up 27 percent;
    •    William Turner, $618,469, up 14 percent;
    •    Copeland, $539,933, up 32 percent;
    •    Baker, $456,366, N/A; and
    •    Bugh, $410,958, N/A.

Joe Turner also had the largest base salary of $414,739, a 17 percent jump from 2016, according to the proxy filing with the SEC.

During 2017, Great Southern recorded net income of $51.6 million, a 14 percent increase from the prior year.

GSBC shares were trading at $49.10 as of 8:45 a.m., compared with a 52-week range of $47.25 to $58.45.