Local Commerce Bank exec accepts job with Mercy

The chairman of the Springfield region for Kansas City-based Commerce Bank has accepted a position with Mercy.

Fred Osborn, a 16-year employee of Commerce, is scheduled to start April 15 as regional vice president for philanthropy of Mercy's Joplin operations, according to a news release.

“We applaud Fred’s commitment to southwest Missouri. Commerce is dedicated to the communities in which we do business, including the Joplin area,” Commerce Bancshares Inc. Vice Chairman Seth Leadbeater said in the release. “All of us wish him and Mercy the best.”

Bob Hammerschmidt, president of Commerce's Springfield region, has committed to serve as interim chairman.

“Springfield remains a very important market for Commerce, so we are going about choosing a new leader in a thoughtful way to ensure that we hire the best candidate for this position," Leadbeater added via email.

A former board member of Mercy Hospital Joplin, Osborn is tasked with the development of programs and the enhancement of Mercy's philanthropic goals and direction in the area.

“Fred will be a true asset to our team. His leadership and stature in the Joplin community and beyond will help elevate our philanthropic efforts, and his enthusiasm for Mercy’s mission of service will serve us well," said Patricia Arnold, Mercy vice president of philanthropy, in the release.

Osborn, a 28-year veteran of the banking industry, was promoted to chairman of Commerce's Springfield region in 2012, after serving as president of the company's Joplin region.