Metropolitan National recruits veteran banker Huff

Huff’s first day at Metropolitan National was March 31.

“I think with his qualifications and his experience, that’s the reason that we wanted to bring him on board,” said Metropolitan President Dave Tooley.

Huff has been in the banking industry for 20 years. He’s spent the last two years as a senior vice president at Empire Bank, with previous stints at Great Southern and Commerce banks.

He said Metropolitan National’s growth plan and opportunity for employee stock ownership influenced him to switch employers.

Huff declined to comment on specifics of his incentive package. “There’s always those kind of things thrown into the mix at this level,” he said.

Job duties

Huff’s job at Metropolitan National is similar to his duties at Empire, though he doesn’t work as directly with client accounts.

He is developing the staffing and business connections for the $2 million, 4,000-square-foot East Battlefield branch, which sits just east of Lone Pine. Construction is poised to begin and the branch is slated to open in late fall.

Once open, Huff said he might remain at the bank’s headquarters, 600 S. Glenstone Ave., or move to the new location.

Metropolitan National currently has 11 branches, two of which are in Springfield.

Bank assets grew from $290 million in 2003 to more than $500 million in 2005, primarily due to mergers with Bank of Kimberling City and First National Bank of Lamar.

All three banks are owned by Bill Magers under the holding company Marshfield Investment Co.

Tooley said Metropolitan National is eyeing expansion opportunities in southwest Springfield, Ozark and Republic. No plans are set.