New CEO and New President Announced for Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. and Hawthorn Bank
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWBK) and its subsidiary Hawthorn Bank announced that Brent Giles was named CEO of both entities effective May 1, 2023. Also for both entities, Gregg Bexten, currently Regional President of the bank’s Central Region, will assume the role of President while current Chairman, President and CEO David Turner will remain on as Executive Chairman.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Brent Giles to the Hawthorn Bank leadership team. Brent’s extensive experience and proven leadership will be an incredible asset to shareholders, customers and employees,” said Turner. Giles brings 34 years of banking experience, most recently as President and CEO of Bank of Blue Valley, a $1.4 billion bank based in Overland Park, Kansas.
Giles served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Bancorp, Inc. and BankLiberty from 2003 until its sale in 2019. During that time, Giles took the company public, growing the bank through a mix of acquisitions and organic growth to become one of the nation’s top-performing community banks.
“Hawthorn Bank has a long, storied history of supporting its customers and communities through true relationship banking,” said Giles. “I’m honored to step into the CEO role and very excited to work with the talented leadership team at Hawthorn Bank. Mr. Turner and his team have built a tremendous foundation and franchise that is primed for continued growth and expansion.”
“We also look forward to Gregg Bexten’s expanded leadership as we continue building on our many solid relationships with local businesses and individuals in the communities we serve,” Turner added.
Bexten has been with Hawthorn Bank since 1998 and brings over 30 years of commercial banking experience to his new role.
Giles and Bexten will both join the Hawthorn Bancshares and Hawthorn Bank Boards of Directors.
MRV Banks Promotes Heather Jokerst to Senior Compliance Officer
MRV Banks has announced that Heather Jokerst has been promoted to Senior Compliance Officer.
“Heather has shown an incredible work ethic and is very deserving of this promotion,” said Chief Lending Officer Rob Lawrence. “She has proven herself to be a knowledgeable team player for the bank. I know she will do a great job as Senior Compliance Officer.”
Jokerst started with MRV Banks in 2019 as a Loan Processor. In July 2020, she moved to a position in Compliance. As MRV Bank’s Senior Compliance Officer, Jokerst will help ensure that the bank’s practices align with state and federal regulations.
“I have witnessed the professional growth of Heather at MRV Banks and I believe she will continue to excel in her new role,” said Chief Technology Officer Dan Wyatt.
“The most rewarding part of my job is doing my part in contributing to the overall success of the bank,” said Jokerst. “The bank has had exponential growth in recent years. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”
Jokerst received her bachelor’s in business administration from Maryville University in 2007. She became a Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer in 2021.
She has been married to her husband for seven years and they have three daughters. Jokerst said she is passionate about her family and her career.
MRV Banks Promotes Pam Hopkins to Senior Vice President and Senior Administrative Officer
MRV Banks is proud to announce it has promoted Pam Hopkins to Senior Vice President and Senior Administrative Officer.
“Pam has been with MRV Banks for over 16 years and has played an integral role in our growth and success over that time,” said MRV Banks President and CEO Doug Watson. “This promotion is well deserved, and we’re excited to see her continued growth in the future.”
Hopkins has more than 42 years of experience in the banking industry and started her first position with MRV Banks in 2007 as Banking Center Manager. She then took on the role of BSA Officer and Director of Marketing and PR. Along with her current role, she is also the MRV Board Secretary, MRV Financial Corporation Secretary and the Starz 50+ Club Coordinator.
“It’s been so rewarding to see how MRV Banks has grown since I started 16 years ago,” said Hopkins. “I love helping and being with people and I’ve enjoyed keeping precise records for our bank, Financial Corporation and our Shareholders. It is rewarding to be a part of our Starz 50+ program where we enjoy travel, day trips and many other activities.”
Hopkins and her husband Doug have three daughters and one son. She also has a grandson, Lukas, who just turned two years old. Her family will also be celebrating two weddings this upcoming year. In her free time, Hopkins enjoys spending time with family, traveling, animals, seeing the world and helping others do the same.
