News
Dan Broyles to Retire from Chambers Bank
posted November 18, 2024
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank has announced that Senior Vice President and Loan Officer Dan Broyles will retire from the bank on December 31, 2024.
“It’s been my honor to work for the Chambers family for the past 24 years,” Broyles said. “I have so much respect for the way that we treat customers with integrity, and I have proudly represented the bank and the Chambers family to the best of my ability throughout my time here.”
Broyles began working for Chambers Bank on October 1, 2000, as a business development officer. He was promoted to SVP/Loan Officer in 2002, a position he’s held for over 22 years.
“It’s been a privilege to work with Dan,” John Ed Chambers, III, CEO and Chairman of the Board, said. “He has been instrumental in our growth in the northwest Arkansas market and is well respected by his customers and in the community. The Chambers family and the Broyles family have enjoyed a close relationship for many years, and Dan will continue to be special to all of us, even after his retirement from the bank.”
In 2025, Broyles plans to spend a few weeks traveling throughout the country to visit with family and friends before returning to northwest Arkansas to pursue his passion of helping children through his charity work. A former president of the Springdale Rotary Club, Broyles also volunteers for the Children’s Safety Center. “I love smiling and meeting new people,” he said. “I’m excited to spend even more time helping kids in the future.”
Broyles collects thank-you notes. You can send your best wishes to him c/o Chambers Bank, 1685 East Joyce Boulevard, Fayetteville AR 72703.
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 23 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Jared Gabriele Named Regional President for Chambers Bank
posted October 2, 2024
ROGERS, ARKANSAS – Jared Gabriele has joined Chambers Bank as its Regional President and Chief Lending Officer for Northwest Arkansas. Gabriele will oversee the bank’s lending teams in Elkins, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale.
“We are excited to have Jared join the Chambers Bank family,” Greg Rotter, Corporate Chief Lending Officer, said. “As a lifelong resident of northwest Arkansas, his leadership and energy will help Chambers Bank reach our continued growth goals in the NWA market.”
Gabriele has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, serving as a branch manager, mortgage closer and commercial loan officer before becoming market president for a community bank.
“I’m excited to join Chambers Bank and lead an incredible team in our mission to serve our community,” Gabriele said. “By building strong relationships with our customers, we will help them drive success while making a lasting difference and creating growth and opportunity for everyone.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 23 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Erica Preston Named Chief Banking Officer for Chambers Bank
posted July 2, 2024
ROGERS, ARKANSAS – Erica Preston has rejoined Chambers Bank as its Chief Banking Officer. This newly created position will supervise the retail banking, marketing and communications, learning and development, digital banking, and business banking teams in addition to overseeing the bank’s strategic planning process.
“We are excited to have Erica back to provide guidance, vision and support for the areas that she will lead,” President Mike Donnell said. “Erica and her team will play a vital role in our future growth, and I look forward to seeing them help us move forward and achieve the strategic goals of Chambers Bank.”
Preston has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, starting as a part-time teller during college and working her way up through the retail banking ranks before serving as Chambers’ Chief Operating Officer from 2015 until 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.
An Arkansas native, Preston has made northwest Arkansas her home for nearly 30 years, where she gives of her time to improve the region’s quality of life. She currently serves on the boards for the Sunshine School and Development Center and Junior Achievement of Arkansas. She has been named to the NWA Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” and “C Suite” lists.
"I am honored to return to Chambers Bank, where we are dedicated to serving our customers with passion and integrity," Preston said. "Chambers has an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in our communities, and I am proud to be part of such an amazing team."
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 23 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Alisa Kelly Promoted to Senior Vice President/Director of Audit at Chambers Bank
posted October 3, 2023
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank has announced the promotion of Alisa Kelly to Senior Vice President/Director of Audit, a role that reports directly to the Board of Directors’ audit committee. The Director of Audit serves as a liaison between the Bank’s senior management, external auditors, and federal and state regulators.
In the past three years, Chambers Bank has surpassed $1 billion in assets, which created the need for this new role. The Director of Audit leads all corporate audit initiatives, assessing the company’s strategies, business segments, technology, operations, risk framework and financial management in support of Chambers Bank’s focus on responsible growth.
“Throughout her time at Chambers Bank, Alisa has continually demonstrated a commitment to risk management and responsible financial growth,” President Mike Donnell said. “With her significant experience in community banking, she is uniquely qualified to help lead us in this new role.”
Kelly has served as Controller of Chambers Bank since 2013. She has over 22 years of bank accounting experience and recently graduated from the Texas Tech School of Banking.
“Stepping into this position allows me to create a new perspective on internal auditing throughout our organization,” Kelly said. “As banks continue to navigate through a volatile economic landscape, it is exciting to bring new views on risk management and assurance, and I look forward to helping Chambers Bank continue to grow in the most efficient and sustainable way.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 23 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Michael Ferguson Promoted to Senior Vice President at Chambers Bank
posted July 10, 2023
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank has announced the promotion of Michael Ferguson to Senior Vice President/Loan Officer.
Ferguson has been at Chambers Bank since 2019, serving as Vice President and Loan Officer in the Fayetteville and Elkins markets. He has over 22 years of previous lending experience and is a graduate of the Commercial Lending School for the American Bankers Association.
“Michael is a true community banker, and he’s done a great job for our Chambers Bank team,” Regional President and Chief Lending Officer Loren Shackelford said. “He has been instrumental in our success in northwest Arkansas and our Elkins market in particular. Michael has a passion for the Elkins community, and I am excited to watch him grow our presence and impact there”.
Ferguson earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 2001 and serves his local community as a youth baseball coach and an officer of the Fayetteville Youth Baseball Board. He is also the former chairman of the Fayetteville Civil Service Commission.
“Chambers Bank is a community-oriented bank that really cares about local people, farmers, schools and businesses,” Ferguson said. “I feel blessed to be able to work for a company that encourages my volunteerism and community involvement, and with my new role, I am looking forward to providing more leadership to our team and promoting Chambers Bank more in my community.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Curtis Spatz Named Chief Strategy Officer for Chambers Bank
posted April 20, 2023
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank has announced the promotion of Curtis Spatz as its Chief Strategy Officer, a newly-created position that will manage the bank’s strategic growth initiatives and help to maximize operational efficiencies. Spatz will now serve on the bank’s executive committee as a member of senior management.
Spatz has been at Chambers Bank since 2015, serving as a regional retail manager and SVP/director of digital banking prior to his recent promotion. He has 23 years of banking experience, focusing on retail banking, treasury management, and most recently, business and digital banking.
“Throughout his time at Chambers Bank, Curtis has shown great initiative and strategic vision,” President Mike Donnell said. “He is forward thinking and is always looking for ways to position our bank for a successful future. But more importantly, he truly cares about our customer experience and understands the mission of community banking.”
Spatz holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and ethics from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and recently earned his CTP (certified treasury professional) certification. He and his wife Casey are the parents of three daughters. When not banking, Spatz is involved in his local church, leading mission trips to Haiti and Guatemala. He also enjoys volunteering with Odyssey of the Mind and Junior Achievement.
“Having spent time at a larger, regional bank, I love that we are a family-owned bank with a long history of serving the people, businesses and communities within our footprint,” Spatz said. “I am excited to take on the role of chief strategy officer to build on the success of Chambers Bank and to continue to look for opportunities to position the bank well for years to come through our customer experience, digital transformation journey, growth and efficiency initiatives.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Robert Halliburton Named Regional President for Chambers Bank
posted March 17, 2023
Chambers Bank has announced the promotion of Robert Halliburton to Regional President. Halliburton will oversee the bank’s five locations in western Arkansas, which includes Fort Smith, Van Buren, Mansfield, Waldron and Mena.
Halliburton has been at Chambers Bank since 2017, serving as Regional Chief Lending Officer prior to his recent promotion. He has previous experience at both Arvest Bank and Centennial Bank as a Senior Commercial Lender.
“Robert has done a tremendous job since joining the Chambers Bank family,” Corporate Chief Lending Officer Greg Rotter said. “He is dedicated to his customers and to his teammates, and we are confident that he will continue the growth and success of the west region in the future.”
Halliburton earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. He’s also a graduate of the Southwestern School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
“We have a great team in western Arkansas,” Halliburton said. “They are all committed to maintaining strong relationships with their customers and each other, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to grow and provide great service to our customers.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Renee Walters Named Chief Retail Officer for Chambers Bank
posted March 6, 2023
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank has announced the promotion of Renee Walters as its Chief Retail Officer, a newly-created position that will oversee the retail banking operations of the bank’s 24 branches. Walters will now serve on the bank’s executive committee as a member of senior management.
Walters has been at Chambers Bank since 2004, serving as a loan assistant, executive assistant, regional retail manager and SVP/director of retail banking prior to her recent promotion.
“Renee has long been an important member of our management team,” President Mike Donnell said. “She is an exemplary leader, and her dedication to maximizing our team to provide the best customer service is unmatched. I know that she will continue to serve Chambers Bank and our customers well in her new role.”
A lifelong resident of Dardanelle, Walters appreciates the opportunity to serve at a company with a long history of community development in Yell County.
“I have loved working at a community bank where I have always been treated like family,” Walters said. “Chambers Bank truly cares about the people of Yell County and I am proud to be part of a company that gives back in such a significant way. I look forward to continuing to lead this team and help them grow in their professionalism."
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Robert Mitchell Appointed to Chambers Bank Board of Directors
posted February 24, 2023
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS –CEO and Chairman of the Board John Ed Chambers, III, has announced the appointment of Robert Mitchell of Danville to the Chambers Bank Board of Directors.
“Robert will be a great addition to our Board of Directors,” Chambers said. “Not only does he have a broad range of professional experience, but he is also a third-generation small business owner who understands the important role of community banking in economic development.”
A Danville native, Mitchell graduated from Danville High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University. During his time at ATU, Mitchell played baseball and majored in agri-business.
Mitchell spent several years in northwest Arkansas working in transportation and logistics before returning to Danville to work on the family farm. He now serves as administrator of Mitchell Nursing Home, the family business his grandparents started in 1962 with a small business loan from Danville State Bank (now Chambers Bank).
“Our family has done business with Chambers for over 60 years,” Mitchell said. “They have always invested in the growth of our business, and I am grateful for the chance to give back by providing opportunities for other small businesses to grow and expand in the same way that we have.”
Mitchell and his wife Katie are the parents of three children, Emma, Drexel and Riley.
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Greg Rotter Named Corporate Chief Lending Officer for Chambers Bank
posted November 14, 2022
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS –Chambers Bank has announced the promotion of Greg Rotter as its Corporate Chief Lending Officer, a newly-created position that will oversee the lending operations of the bank’s 24 branches.
Rotter has been an executive officer at Chambers Bank since August 2017, serving as regional president for the western region, which includes branches in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Mansfield, Waldron and Mena. He has more than 25 years’ experience in banking, having served as a market president and commercial loan officer at two other Arkansas banks prior to joining the Chambers team.
“We are excited to have Greg in this position,” president Mike Donnell said. “Throughout his time at Chambers, he has continually demonstrated exemplary leadership and the ability to work with multiple departments to achieve our strategic goals. His significant experience in lending and bank management will serve our lenders and our customers well.”
In addition to his role at the bank, Rotter gives his time to the River Valley community, volunteering for the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce board of directors and his neighborhood POA in Van Buren. He holds a BBA in management from Henderson State University and is a graduate of the LSU Graduate School of Banking in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“I am honored to take on the role of Corporate Chief Lending Officer for Chambers Bank,” Rotter said. “It is because of the hard work, dedication and success of the team around me that I have been afforded this opportunity. I am beyond grateful to work with such an outstanding group of people and I look forward to playing a small part in the continued success and growth of Chambers Bank.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Ashley Wiser Named Chief Operating Officer for Chambers Bank
posted June 8, 2022
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank has announced the promotion of Ashley Wiser as its Chief Operating Officer, a position that oversees the bank’s retail, deposit, and branch operations, as well as quality assurance, business development, treasury management, and operations support services departments.
Wiser has been working for Chambers Bank for more than 14 years, most recently serving as a Senior Vice President and Director of Deposit Operations and Quality Assurance. She is currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, a leadership development program for senior executives of community banks throughout the country.
“We are thrilled to add Ashley to our Chambers Bank executive team,” president Mike Donnell said. “Her breadth of experience in retail operations makes her uniquely qualified to serve in this role, and her significant understanding of community banking will help us continue to grow and reach new customers.”
In addition to her role at the bank, Wiser gives her time to the Danville community, serving on the city’s Chamber of Commerce board of directors. In 2019, she was named Danville’s Volunteer of the Year.
“I am excited to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer,” Wiser said. “We have an extraordinary team here at Chambers Bank, and we will continue to build the strong relationships with our customers that set us apart and ensure a bright future for our bank.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Tommy Papasan Appointed to Chambers Bank Board of Directors
posted August 25, 2021
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – CEO and Chairman of the Board John Ed Chambers, III, has announced the appointment of Tommy Papasan of Danville to the Chambers Bank Board of Directors.
“We are proud to add Tommy to our Board of Directors,” Chambers said. “Not only does he have a breadth of experience in banking and small business ownership, he is also a leader who understands our mission as a community bank.”
A native of Waldron, Papasan began his career in sales before transitioning into a loan officer role for Farm Credit Services in Danville. He later served as a loan officer for Chambers Bank, deepening his knowledge of community banking and establishing business relationships throughout the Arkansas River Valley.
Papasan’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of multiple small business ventures, including River Valley Appraisal Services, TPAP Consulting and TPAP Insurance Agency. He currently owns Pappy’s Outdoors in Russellville and is a partner in P&L Homebuilders.
Papasan has been married to his wife Christy (Maughn) Papasan for 40 years. They have three sons and five grandchildren, with the sixth grandchild set to join the family in December.
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Promotions at Chambers Bank
posted February 4, 2021
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – CEO John Ed Chambers, III recently announced the following promotions at Chambers Bank:
- Debbie Gipson (Van Buren) has been promoted to Senior Vice President. As BSA Officer, Gipson ensures that Chambers Bank meets the legal and regulatory requirements for the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA Patriot Act. She also manages the Bank’s training program and deposit advertising compliance.
- Kayo Gonzalez (Fayetteville) has been promoted to Senior Vice President. In her role as CRA Officer, Gonzalez monitors the Bank’s participation in the Community Reinvestment Act. Additionally, she serves as an internal specialist in lending compliance.
- Greg Heller (Johnson) has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer. He has extensive experience in commercial lending, portfolio management and credit analysis and will assist customers in the northwest Arkansas region with commercial loans.
- Matthew Hodges (Danville) has been promoted to Vice President. As IT Manager, Hodges is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Bank’s information technology department, including the management of hardware, software, and online security.
“These individuals have served Chambers Bank with distinction,” President Mike Donnell said. “Their promotions not only recognize their previous good work, but the leadership they will continue to provide to our team well into the future.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 26 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Leadership Promotions at Chambers Bank
posted December 11, 2020
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – CEO John Ed Chambers, III recently announced the following promotions at Chambers Bank:
- Philip Alexander (Danville) has been promoted to Chief Risk Officer. Alexander has been a member of the Chambers Bank team for more than 30 years, having most recently served as Regional President/Chief Lending Officer for the south region. His banking experience also includes previous roles in retail and lending. As Chief Risk Officer, Alexander will manage the bank’s compliance and risk management team.
- Ben Tiner (Conway-Oak) has been promoted to Regional Chief Lending Officer for the central region, which includes branches in Atkins, Conway, Danville, Dardanelle, Dover, Havana and Russellville. Tiner joined the Chambers team in April after spending eight years as the North Arkansas Market President at Bank OZK.
- Lori Walker (Rogers) has been promoted to Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. Walker has been leading the bank’s marketing and communications efforts for the past three years. Prior to that time, she worked in marketing and enrollment management for more than 20 years at four Arkansas universities. Walker will continue to manage advertising, donations, public relations and product marketing as well as internal and external communications efforts for Chambers Bank.
- David Wooldridge (Hot Springs) has been promoted to Regional President/Chief Lending Officer for the south region, which includes branches in Amity, Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village. Before joining the Chambers team to lead our revitalized Hot Springs market, Wooldridge served as Market President at Citizens Bank for five years. He also has experience as a stockbroker.
“As Chambers Bank surpasses $1 billion in asset size, it is vital that we have an executive team that will help us meet our strategic goals,” President Mike Donnell said. “These four individuals have the experience and vision to help lead Chambers Bank now and in the future.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 26 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Chambers Bank to Open Branch in Hot Springs
posted July 10, 2020
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank will open its newest branch at 3505 Central Avenue in Hot Springs on Wednesday, August 12. This will be Chambers’ first location in the Spa City.
The new branch will house traditional banking amenities like an ATM, teller services, lending and drive-through banking, but will also feature updated technology and design to provide a concierge banking experience.
“As an Arkansas bank, expansion into Hot Springs has been in our strategic plan for many years,” Mike Donnell, President of Chambers Bank, said. “We believe Hot Springs is a vibrant community that will continue to grow for many years to come, and we want to be part of that growth.”
In addition to the new Hot Springs branch, Chambers Bank has nearby locations in Hot Springs Village and Amity, with a total network of 28 branches in Arkansas.
“As a lifelong resident of the Hot Springs area, I am excited to be opening the newest branch of Chambers Bank here,” David Wooldridge, Chief Lending Officer for Hot Springs, said. “Chambers is a family-owned community bank, and its values are a great fit for the Hot Springs community.”
A Grand Opening celebration will be scheduled at a later date. Due to the pandemic, access to Chambers Bank lobbies is currently restricted, with customers being routed to drive-thru and online banking options.
Chambers Bank is a family-owned, community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 28 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Chad Stanley Promoted to Regional Chief Lending Officer, Central Arkansas
posted January 10, 2020
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – John Ed Chambers III, CEO of Chambers Bank, has announced the promotion of Chad Stanley to Regional Chief Lending Officer for Central Arkansas. Prior to this promotion, Stanley served as Senior Vice President and Loan Officer, a role he’s held since 2001.
Stanley has been at Chambers Bank since May 2000, when he was hired as a Loan Assistant. During his 19-year tenure with Chambers, he has been instrumental in growing the Bank’s loan portfolio in north Texas and south Arkansas.
“We are thrilled to have Chad as our Chief Lending Officer of our Central Region,” Mike Donnell, President of Chambers Bank, said. “Chad brings lending experience in both large and small markets which will benefit our customers in Pope and Faulkner Counties. He has been with our company for almost 20 years and has been a vital part in the growth of the commercial and consumer markets that he has served.”
In his new role, Stanley will oversee the lending team in Chambers Bank’s newest markets–Russellville, Conway, Dover and Atkins. “I am excited for this new role with Chambers,” Stanley said. “I love working for a community bank that focuses on taking care of our customers and communities.”
Stanley also appreciates the opportunity to continue to work closely with the Chambers family. “Chambers is a family-owned bank that values its employees and customers,” Stanley said. “I have appreciated the support that the family has shown me during my time here and look forward to helping them reach even more customers and communities in the coming years.”
Stanley is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 28 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Chambers Bancshares Acquires River Town Bank
posted July 12, 2019
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bancshares, Inc. completed its acquisition of Bank of Dardanelle Bankshares, Inc. and its subsidiary River Town Bank, yesterday. The completion of the acquisition follows full regulatory approval and consent of the shareholders of Bank of Dardanelle Bankshares, Inc.
“We are excited to welcome River Town team members and customers to the Chambers family,” John E. Chambers, III, Chairman of Chambers Bancshares, said. “This acquisition merges two strong companies with rich histories and exceptional personnel, and we know that the customers of both banks will benefit.”
River Town Bank will continue to operate as a separate bank until late 2019, when its banking systems will be converted, and its branches rebranded as Chambers Bank.
With an asset size of $134 million as of March 31, River Town Bank operates branches in Atkins, Conway, Danville, Dardanelle, Dover and Russellville. The merger will bring Chambers Bank’s total asset size to more than $975 million and add four Arkansas communities to its branch footprint.
River Town Bank customers will receive notifications this fall from Chambers Bank regarding the acquisition and new opportunities for banking and customer support services. In the meantime, both Chambers Bank and River Town Bank customers should continue to use their respective bank branches and online banking options.
Chambers Bancshares, Inc. is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas and is the parent company of Chambers Bank and River Town Bank.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Groundbreaking Scheduled for Chambers Bank in Fort Smith
posted July 1, 2019
FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new full-service branch in Fort Smith on Tuesday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m.
Located at the corner of Massard Road and Phoenix Avenue, the new branch will house traditional banking amenities like an ATM, teller services, and drive-through banking, but will also feature updated technology and design to provide a concierge banking experience.
“Chambers Bank believes in the future of Fort Smith and the River Valley, and we are committed to expanding our footprint here,” Greg Rotter, president of the western region of Chambers Bank, said. “We have been part of the Fort Smith community since 2001, and we are excited to serve even more customers at our new location.”
The 5,320 square-foot facility was designed by DBSI of Chandler, AZ. Salter Construction Inc. of Conway will be the general contractor.
When completed, the new location will replace the current branch located at 8400 Rogers Avenue. Chambers Bank has branches throughout Arkansas, including an additional Fort Smith location at 4418 Towson Avenue and a new branch under construction on Highway 59 North in Van Buren.
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 18 branches throughout Arkansas.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Chambers Bancshares to Acquire River Town Bank
posted April 24, 2019
DANVILLE, ARKANSAS – John E. Chambers III, Chairman of Chambers Bancshares, Inc., and Blake Tarpley, President and CEO of River Town Bank, announced today that their respective Boards of Directors have entered into a definitive agreement for Chambers Bancshares to acquire Bank of Dardanelle Bankshares, Inc., the parent company of River Town Bank, pending standard regulatory approvals. The acquisition will merge the two remaining banks chartered in Yell County.
The transaction is expected to close mid-summer 2019. At that time, River Town Bank will become a subsidiary of Chambers Bancshares, Inc., and will continue to operate as a separate bank until the banking systems are converted and the banks are merged under the Chambers Bank name, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2019.
“Chambers Bank is a respected and financially-sound community bank,” Tarpley said. “We believe that the commitment the organization has shown to its employees, customers and the communities it serves in Arkansas will be positive for River Town employees and our customers. We look forward to working with the team at Chambers to make this a successful and seamless transition for everyone involved.”
With an asset size of $132 million at the end of 2018, River Town Bank operates branches in Atkins, Conway, Danville, Dardanelle, Dover and Russellville. The purchase will bring Chambers Bank’s total asset size to more than $950 million and add four Arkansas communities to its branch locations.
“Of course we’re excited to expand our footprint in Arkansas through the acquisition of River Town Bank, but this purchase was about much more than that,” Chambers said. “Both banks were founded in the 1930s in Yell County and have shared values of exceptional customer service, community support and–most importantly–trust. River Town Bank customers can be assured that we will continue to offer the hometown service and hometown values to which they’ve grown accustomed, but with even more locations and financial products.”
Customers of both banks should continue to conduct banking as usual at their respective branches until the banking systems are converted and the banks are merged. River Town Bank customers will receive notifications from Chambers Bank in advance regarding the acquisition and new opportunities for banking and customer support services. In the meantime, River Town Bank customers should contact their local RTB branch office with questions.
Media Contact:
Lori Walker
479-393-0112 (cell)
[email protected]
Groundbreaking Scheduled for Chambers Bank in Van Buren
posted January 31, 2019
VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS – Chambers Bank will break ground on a full-service branch in Van Buren on Tuesday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Located at the corner of Highway 59 North and Northridge Drive, the Van Buren branch will house traditional banking amenities like an ATM, teller services, and drive-through banking, but will also feature updated technology and design to provide a concierge banking experience.
“Van Buren is a vibrant, thriving community, and we’re excited to expand our footprint in Crawford County,” Greg Rotter, president of the western division of Chambers Bank, said. In 2017, Chambers Bank opened a Loan Processing Office (LPO) in Van Buren.
The 4,500 square-foot facility was designed by DBSI of Chandler, AZ. Salter Construction Inc. of Conway will be the general contractor.
The new Van Buren location will become Chambers Bank’s 19th branch and the first full-service facility in Crawford County.
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 18 branches throughout Arkansas.
Matt Hicks Named Chief Credit Officer for Chambers Bank
posted January 2, 2019
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – Matt Hicks has joined Chambers Bank as its Chief Credit Officer. Hicks has more than 14 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently having served as a commercial lender and Fayetteville market leader at First National Bank NWA.
After graduating from Arkansas State University in 2004, Hicks began his banking career at Liberty Bank in retail operations. He later led the loan administration department at Liberty and served as Benton County market president for Centennial Bank. Hicks also served as commercial loan market manager for northwest Arkansas for Great Southern Bank.
“We are thrilled to add Matt to our Chambers Bank executive team,” executive vice president J.R. Meeks said. “Matt’s breadth of experience in banking makes him uniquely qualified to lead our credit administration department.”
A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Hicks has made northwest Arkansas his home since 2006, where he gives of his time to improve the region’s quality of life. He currently serves on board for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas and was recognized as the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Volunteer of the Month in March. He’s a past board member for the Children’s Safety Center, Students in Free Enterprise (now Enactus) at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders.
“Northwest Arkansas continues to be an important part of our growth strategy for Chambers Bank,” president Mike Donnell said. “Not only does Matt possess the knowledge and skills to develop and manage our overall credit strategy to help grow the bank, his passion for helping others will help us to grow our Arkansas communities, as well.”
A graduate of Leadership Fayetteville, Hicks also holds an MBA from Harding University.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Chambers Bank team as chief credit officer,” Hicks said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the seasoned group of quality bankers leading the company and am thrilled to be a part of what promises to be a bright future.”
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 18 branches throughout Arkansas.
Loren Shackelford Promoted to Market President in NWA
posted November 1, 2018
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – John Ed Chambers III, CEO of Chambers Bank, has announced the promotion of Loren Shackelford to Market President/Chief Lending Officer of the Northern Division. Shackelford joined Chambers Bank in 2014 as its Chief Lending Officer for the Northern Division, a role he will retain.
Shackelford has more than 26 years’ experience in banking–all in northwest Arkansas. After beginning his career with the Bank of Fayetteville in 1992, he held senior leadership roles at Arvest Bank, Signature Bank and First Security Bank.
In this expanded role, Shackelford will work alongside Chambers Bank Executive Vice President J.R. Meeks to oversee the Bank’s growth strategy for the northwest Arkansas region. “We are excited to have Loren leading our Northern Division,” president Mike Donnell said. “During his tenure as Chief Lending Officer for that division, the Bank’s assets have grown over 20%, and Loren played a key role in that growth.”
Shackelford holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Arkansas and is a 2003 graduate of the Southern Methodist University Graduate School of Banking.
Chambers Bank is a community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 18 branches throughout Arkansas.