Guaranty picks successor for retiring chief

Guaranty Federal Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq: GFED) hired a successor for its retiring chief lending officer.

Charley Puls will succeed Michael Mattson, who’s scheduled to step down June 30 after 10 years in the position, according to a news release.

Puls comes to Guaranty Bank from Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE: RF), where he worked the last nine years as senior vice president and southeast Missouri market president. He also has past experience in the St. Louis market.

“Charley has an extensive background in community bank management and commercial lending and will be an excellent addition to our executive team,” Guaranty President and CEO Shaun Burke said in the release.

Guaranty also announced two promotions: Eric Leonard to senior vice president and senior relationship manager of specialty finance and Micah Scott to senior vice president and small-business banking manager.

As of March 31, Guaranty held assets of $656 million and deposits of $519 million. It operates six branches in Springfield, two in Nixa and one in Ozark, as well as loan offices in Marshfield and Joplin.

GFED shares closed yesterday at $15.80, compared to a 52-week range of $14.15 to $16.25.