Freedom Bank appoints new president

provided by Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri

Taylor Robertson is being promoted to president.

Cassville-based Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri is undergoing a leadership transition.

President and CEO Stan Kelley is relinquishing the president title to Taylor Robertson, effective Jan. 1, 2025, according to a news release. A Freedom Bank employee of 25 years who is one of its original founders, Kelley will remain CEO through the transition.

“We are grateful for Stan Kelley’s outstanding contributions as both CEO and president,” said Mike Carr, Freedom Bank board chair, in the release. “This transition will allow Stan, as CEO, to focus on making bank-wide decisions about policy and strategy for the long term, work closely with the board of directors and the shareholders, and evaluate the success of the company in reaching its goals."

With more than 10 years of experience at Freedom Bank, Robertson has served as a lender and community president of the company's Willard branch. As president of the company, he'll oversee bank operations such as strategic planning, customer relations and community engagement.

“I look forward to working with our talented team to continue providing outstanding service to our customers and making a positive impact in our community. I am grateful that Stan and I will be working closely together to have a smooth transition into 2025," Robertson said in the release.

Freedom Bank additionally announced the selection of Kelly Mills, senior vice president and senior lender, as president of its Cassville branch.

Freedom Bank has $703 million in assets and $637 million in deposits, said Director of Marketing and Communications Whitney Burrell, noting the company employs 105 and operates seven branches.

In 2020, the company purchased Monett-based Community National Bank, according to past reporting.