Simmons Bank appointed Chad Rawls to the newly created role of chief commercial banking officer. The bank also named Chris White chief community banking officer and tapped Josh Herron and Steve Wade to lead its credit function, with Herron serving as interim chief credit officer and Wade providing support as deputy chief credit officer.

“The restructuring of our banking division aligns with our better bank initiative by positioning us to capitalize on the opportunity to grow and diversify commercial and corporate banking while further emphasizing our community and retail franchise,” Jay Brogdon, president and CFO of Simmons Bank, said. “Recent industry events reinforce the value of traditional community banking, for which Simmons has a respected 120-year legacy. This foundation, coupled with the scale we have achieved throughout our footprint, provides significant opportunities to further enhance our future growth, particularly in the commercial arena.”

Rawls previously served as chief credit officer overseeing all credit activity, including underwriting, approval and collections across Simmons Bank’s six-state footprint. Prior to that position, he served as chief metro banking officer and president of corporate banking, with oversight of Simmons Bank’s metro market activity, treasury management, equipment finance, institutional banking, small business banking and C&I banking groups. Rawls will report directly to Brogdon.

A 19-year veteran of Simmons Bank, White has served in multiple leadership roles with increased responsibilities, including Arkansas community division president.

A 22-year banking veteran, Herron has served as corporate credit officer since joining Simmons Bank  in 2020. Wade, a banking veteran with 40 years of industry experience, most recently served as assistant general counsel, having previously served as Simmons Bank’s chief credit officer for almost six years. Herron and Wade will report directly to Bob Fehlman, CEO of Simmons Bank.