McFatridge leaves Regions for OakStar

Mark McFatridge stepped into the position Monday at the community bank, which was organized by local investors in late 2005. OakStar has nearly $100 million in assets and a loan portfolio totaling about $80 million, said CEO Jim Bracht.

McFatridge was the area executive for Alabama-based Regions Bank’s Central/Southern Missouri Group, which comprises 50 branches in Missouri and western Kentucky. He submitted his resignation July 1, and July 16 was his last day at Regions.

McFatridge moved to Springfield in September 2006 after nearly five years with Regions in Indianapolis, but during a recent assessment of his internal advancement options – executive positions in St. Louis and Indianapolis – McFatridge realized he wanted to stay in the Ozarks.

“We have fallen in love with southwest Missouri,” he said. “The quality of life is fantastic.”

McFatridge will focus heavily on business development as the new public face of OakStar, which seeks to bring in customers by growing its commercial client base.

Bracht said McFatridge is living up to his reputation as a quick study.

“Mark is one of these individuals who jumped right on board, and – beginning the first day – started one-on-one meetings with every associate in the bank,” Bracht said. “That gives him a tremendous insight and tremendous rapport with each of the associates.”

It’s unknown whether Regions is actively searching for a new area executive. Regions spokeswoman Shannon Rust declined to comment on McFatridge’s departure or the bank’s hiring strategy.

Read SBJ’s Aug. 4 issue for more about McFatridge’s move and other banking news.

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