Centennial Bank hires Chris Thyer to lead trust department

Chris Thyer, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, has been hired by Conway-based Centennial Bank as senior vice president in the trust department.

According to a news release, Thyer will eventually replace Steve Baker as manager of the department. The two men will work together over the next year as Baker prepares for retirement.

“We are very fortunate for the tremendous leadership that Steve has provided our trust department, which currently manages nearly $500 million in assets,” said Centennial Bank regional president Davy Carter, who is also chair of the bank’s trust committee. “We will miss him dearly. We are equally blessed to have Steve and Chris working closely together over the coming year to effectuate a smooth transition. We look forward to the continuing growth and success of the trust department under Thyer’s leadership.”

Thyer was among 46 U.S. attorneys appointed by President Obama who was asked to resign in March by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Thyer was nominated by President Obama on Dec. 1, 2010, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 22. He previously was a partner at Stanley & Thyer P.A., a Jonesboro law firm.

Thyer graduated from Arkansas State University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He earned a law degree from the University of Arkansas in 1995.

He also served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009.

Thyer and his wife, Second District Circuit Judge Cindy Thyer, have two children and live in Jonesboro.