Rex Nelson Joins Simmons First As Director Of Corporate Communications

Rex Nelson has joined Pine Bluff-based Simmons First National Corp. as director of corporate communications, the financial institution announced on Monday.

“Simmons is a vital and growing company and with that growth comes an added challenge and responsibility to communicate well to our customers, associates, communities, and investors. Rex’s experiences in government, journalism, and public affairs give him a unique skill set that will create a great foundation for taking our communications to the next level,” said Simmons First chairman and CEO George Makris.

Nelson has previously served as president of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities (AICU). He is also a former communications director for then-Gov. Mike Huckabee and he is a former political editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Nelson also serves as president of the Political Animals Club of Central Arkansas.

“We are extremely excited to announce the addition of Rex Nelson to our Simmons family,” Makris said. “Rex is a perfect fit for this leadership role.”

In his new role with Simmons, Nelson will lead external communications, corporate communications, public relations, and employee and executive communications.

Nelson will also serve as the company’s liaison with the Simmons First Foundation, whose purpose is to identify and financially support tax-exempt, non-profit entities within Simmons Bank’s geographic footprint that are developing or expanding initiatives benefiting youth in the areas of education or healthcare.

Nelson is a summa cum laude graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, where he has served as the radio voice for the Ouachita football team for three decades. Nelson and his wife, Melissa, are the parents of two sons.