Simmons Bank donated a total of $75,000 to St. Peter Catholic Church in Pine Bluff, Hope’s Path faith-based non-profit in Texas and the bank’s foundation in honor of former board members.
ST. PETER’S
Simmons announced Thursday a $25,000 donation to St. Peter’s church in honor of former board member W. Scott McGeorge. The gift will support the repair and remodel of St. Raphael Church in Pine Bluff, which was established in 1932, according to a news release.
“For many years we’ve been privileged to have Scott as an influential director on our board,” said George Makris Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the board of Simmons Bank. “He has provided valuable insight and contributions as we geographically diversified our franchise and I’m extremely grateful for the leadership he has brought to Simmons over the years. On behalf of the entire board of directors, I extend our gratitude and appreciation for his nearly two decades of dedicated and thoughtful service.”
McGeorge joined Simmons board of directors in 2005 and also served as a member of the board of the directors of Simmons First National Corp., where he most recently served as a member of both the Audit and Compensation Committees.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas and former officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, McGeorge is the senior member of a group of McGeorge and McGeorge-Dickinson family-owned companies that include Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co., McGeorge Contracting Co. Inc. and Cornerstone Farm and Gin Co. where he serves as chairman, chairman, and vice president, respectively.
HOPE’S PATH
Simmons Bank announced a $25,000 donation to Hope’s Path nonprofit in honor of former board member Dean Bass.
Hope’s Path, based in Spring, Texas, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses a faith-based community approach to direct former foster youth or homeless youth toward confident sustainable independence, according to the news release.
“On behalf of Simmons board of directors, I would like to thank Dean for his unwavering commitment and leadership to Simmons,” said Makris. “His vision, thoughtful counsel and dedication have been instrumental in shaping how we navigate change and uphold our position as a strong community partner.”
Bass joined Simmons and Simmons First National Corporation’s board of directors in 2022 following Simmons’ acquisition of Spirit of Texas Bancshares Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary bank, Spirit of Texas Bank SSB (collectively Spirit).
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Bass served as chairman and chief executive officer of Spirit since its inception in 2008. Prior to joining Spirit, he founded and served as president and chief executive officer of Royal Oaks Bank SSB.
SIMMONS FIRST FOUNDATION
Simmons Bank announced a $25,000 donation to the Simmons First Foundation in honor of former board member Jay Burchfield.
“Jay’s extensive knowledge of the financial industry and insight have been invaluable to us,” said Makris. “We have all benefited from his track record of strategic thinking and focus on execution. Jay’s leadership and collaboration on the board will be greatly missed, and we are deeply grateful for the significant contributions he has made to our company during his tenure.”
Burchfield joined Simmons board of directors in 2015 and also served as a member of the board of directors of Simmons First National Corp., where he most recently served as a member of both the Audit and Compensation Committees.
A graduate of Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri) and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Burchfield is the retired chairman of Ozark Trust and Investment Corp. and its subsidiary company, Trust Company of the Ozarks. His career spanned more than 40 years, primarily in the banking and financial services industry.
The Simmons First Foundation was established in 2014 to help give back to the communities that have been so vital to the company’s continuing growth and success.
Former Simmons CEO Tommy May leads the foundation and stewards its mission to improve the lives of children through programs that enhance education and health care. Additionally, the foundation has established an endowment to support environmental and conservation efforts.
Simmons Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Simmons First National Corp., a Mid-South-based financial holding company that has paid cash dividends for 115 consecutive years. Simmons Bank operates 233 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Details: simmonsbank.com.
W. Scott McGeorge