Rep. Hodges Joining Southern Bancorp Bank

Freshman State Rep. Monte Hodges (D-Osceola) is following the footsteps of State Rep. Darrin Williams (D-Little Rock).

Hodges was named Vice President of Commercial Lending for Southern Bancorp Bank’s North Region on Monday (June 3).

A native of Mississippi County, Hodges joins Southern with two decades of lending experience. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University and an Associate degree in Arts from Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville. Additionally, Hodges attended the Lending School within the Arkansas Banking School at ASU.

“We are delighted to welcome Monte to Southern Bancorp in Blytheville, and are confident he will make a significant contribution to our bank,” said Gary Griffin, President and CEO of Southern Bancorp’s North Region.

Prior to joining Southern, Hodges was the Assistant Vice President of Lending for Farmers Bank and Trust Company in Blytheville. He previously served a four-year term as a Blytheville City Councilman.

During the 89th General Assembly, Hodges served as a founding member and co-chair of the Steel Caucus, which supported the Big River Steel superproject coming to Mississippi County.

“I am both excited and honored to have been given the opportunity to become a part of the Southern Bancorp team. I’m confident that I’ll be able to perform my legislative duties while simultaneously helping support businesses and individuals in Mississippi County,” Hodges said. “As Vice President of Commercial Lending, I will be able to continue to build strong local community relationships. I look forward to partnering with local businesses and residents to provide them with the financial support, services, and products they need to succeed.”

Hodges lives in Blytheville with his wife Rhonda and son Jeremiah.

Rep. Williams was named CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. in January.