Peebles joins Central Trust & Investment Co.

Central Trust & Investment Co. has brought on Jami Peebles to take its Springfield branch to the next level.

Peebles - a player in Ozarks banking for more than 20 years - resigned last month from her position as vice president of wealth management at U.S. Bank. She started as senior vice president at Central Trust & Investment on Monday.

The asset management company is an affiliate of Central Bancompany, which also owns Empire Bank. It was formed two years ago by combining the trust divisions of four banks - Empire, First National Bank of St. Louis, Boone County National Bank and Central Bank. With $2.4 billion in client assets, Central Trust & Investment has offices in Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City and St. Louis, in addition to the Springfield branch at 3333 S. National Ave.

Central Trust & Investment President and CEO Bob Jones said the company is looking to refocus on the Springfield market, where he says they've been more reactive than proactive in the past.

"I think there are a number of people in the market that could benefit from what we do, and I don't know if we've been proactive in going out and telling our story," Jones said.

That's where Peebles comes in, Empire Bank President and CEO Russ Marquart said. Her ability to form strong client relationships is what drew him to approach her about the position.

"It was a very difficult decision for me, but I'm really excited," Peebles said. "The opportunity for me to work in a community bank where my decisions are going to matter - that's huge to me."

Central Trust & Investment employs four others at its Springfield branch, and Jones said there are plans to hire additional employees as the need arises. Two positions - a senior trust administrator and a senior portfolio manager - are open now.

"In this banking environment, I just think it's great that somebody is stepping up to the plate and saying 'Wait, we want to grow our business, and we're strong enough that we can,'" Peebles said.