Branson Bank appoints new president

provided by Branson Bank

Eric Simkins has been promoted to president at Branson Bank.

Branson Bank is growing its top-level leadership ranks with a new president.

Eric Simkins has been appointed as president, effective March 20. Bill Jones remains CEO and board chair, according to a news release issued this morning.

"As we look to the future, it’s important that we continue to evolve our leadership structure," Jones said in the release. "Eric embodies the values, experience and local insight that will carry our mission forward."

Jones founded Branson Bank with Wes Strange in 2000. Strange retired in 2007 and died last year, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. 

Simkins was promoted from senior vice president and community lender, according to Branson Bank's website.

"I am honored to step into this role and continue serving my community," Simkins said in the release. "As a graduate of Blue Eye High School and as a College of the Ozarks alum, I love this area and will continue to invest in the Stone and Taney County communities."

After graduating from College of the Ozarks, Simkins joined Branson Bank and served three years as a consumer lender. In 2005, he took on ownership of an American Family Insurance office in Branson West, which he operated for more than 16 years, according to the release. He returned to Branson Bank in 2022.

In the news release, Branson Bank officials noted that Simkins' appointment is part of a succession plan that is "designed to ensure the bank remains strong, community-focused and well-positioned well into the future."

Branson Bank has $408 million in assets, according to the release. It has three branches in Branson and one each in Forsyth and Branson West.