Peebles joins Empire Bank investment affiliate

Jefferson City-based Central Trust & Investment Co. is looking to form a stronger bond with Springfield-area clients, and they've recruited an Ozarks banking veteran to do the job.

Jami Peebles joined the asset management company on March 2 as senior vice president, heading up its Springfield office, 3333. S. National Ave., inside Empire Bank. Central Trust & Investment Co. and Empire Bank are owned by Central Bancompany in Jefferson City.

Peebles previously was vice president of wealth management at U.S. Bank and left her post there in February, following months of discussions with longtime friend Russ Marquart, Empire Bank's president and CEO.

Marquart said Peebles' ability to form relationships led him to approach Peebles late last year about the newly created position.

"It was a very difficult decision for me, but I'm really excited," Peebles said of the move.

"The opportunity for me to work in a community bank where my decisions are going to matter - that's huge to me."

John Wilson, president of U.S. Bank in Springfield, wished Peebles well.

"Jami Peebles is a very good person - she was a very good, productive employee," Wilson said. "We wish her the very best of luck."

Central Trust & Investment Co. was formed two years ago by combining the trust divisions of four banks - Empire Bank, 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.

The company is looking to refocus on the Springfield market, where President and CEO Bob Jones said 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.

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. "I'm thrilled."

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