Management changes on tap at First Federal Bank

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas Inc. recently named Christopher M. Wewers as president of both the holding company and bank. This management move is effective upon regulator approval, according to an filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nov. 28.

Wewers served as executive vice president and chief operating officer since May 2011 and will continue to do so until the effectiveness of his appointment as president.

W. Dabbs Cavin, serving in multiple position with the bank — including president — will continue to serve as CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors.

The Harrison-based financial institutional also recently hired John T. Suskie Jr. as executive vice president and chief lending officer for the bank.

Suskie most recently spent six years as an executive vice president and regional credit officer with Summit Bank. At First Federal Suskie is responsible for guiding the commercial lending function for the central Arkansas regions of the bank.

Prior to joining Summit Bank, Suskie was employed by Bank of America. (and predecessors, NationsBank, Boatmen's Bank and Worthen National Bank) for more than 16 years where he oversaw various commercial lending related functions primarily in the central and northwest Arkansas markets. None of the organizations where Suskie previously served are parents, subsidiaries, or other affiliates of the First Federal Bank.

He was also a bank examiner with the Arkansas State Bank Department for three years prior to joining Worthen Bank.