Ozarks Profile

Chairman and chief executive officer, Jack Henry & Associates Inc., Monett. Jack Henry & Associates provides integrated computer systems for banks and credit unions nationwide. The company was founded by Henry's father, Jack Henry, and Jerry Hall in 1976. In 1985, Jack Henry & Associates became a public company and trades under the symbol JKHY on the NASDAQ. With 1,000 employees in 15 locations, Jack Henry & Associates now serves more than 1,800 customers nationwide and has its headquarters in Monett. Henry joined the company as a programmer and installer in 1979 and became chairman and CEO in 1994.

Age: 38

No. of years in Springfield/area: Henry has lived most of his life in Monett.

Education: "Following high school, I came to work full-time at JHA and never attended college. We were too busy."

Early career: Henry started his career working part-time for Jack Henry & Associates in high school. After high school he joined the company full-time, and in 1983, became manager of research and development. He has served on the board of directors since 1985 and became chairman and CEO in 1994.

Current projects: "I continue to help with the day-to-day operation of the company, although most of that falls to our president and chief operating officer, Mike Wallace. My main area of focus is the future direction of the company. I am responsible for all acquisition opportunities and most of our affiliations with other companies."

Management philosophy: "Most of our philosophies initiated with our founders. They are: do whatever it takes, do the right thing, take care of the customers, take care of the employees, have fun, make money."

Spare-time pursuits: "Spare time? People have spare time? Most of it is geared toward my family. I also play golf, but I'm not very good ... yet."

Family data: Henry and his wife, Cynthia, have been married four years. Henry also has a son, Reese, 16, and two daughters, Reagan, 14, and Winsley, 7.

[[In-content Ad]]