40 Under 40 Alumni Spotlight: Casey Pyle, 2016

Heather Cochran

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Then: Executive vice president and senior lender, Bancorp South
Now: Market executive and senior vice president, Phelps County Bank

When Rolla-based Phelps County Bank announced plans in 2023 to come to the Queen City, which included purchase of the downtown YMCA building, Casey Pyle says he was the first local market hire.

“I was not seeking it out,” he says, noting he worked the previous three years as community president at Simmons Bank. “When they came, I was very intrigued. I had been aware of their move to acquire the YMCA. When I started speaking to them, it clicked all of my interests.”

Pyle, 47, says he’s since hired 16 Springfield bankers with several more to begin work in the next few weeks, adding the company recently purchased the former BluCurrent Credit Union building at 1770 W. Sunset St. That’s in addition to its temporary downtown location at 334 E. Walnut St. A summer 2026 opening is targeted for its permanent branch in the former YMCA space.

Beyond banking, Pyle’s civic work includes serving on the Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Board of Directors and Sunrise Rotary.

Advice to young professionals? Be hungry and eager but also be patient, listen and accept guidance.