Signature Bank of Arkansas names Ward new president

FinanceNorthwest Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) April 10, 2023 11:29 am 1,959 views 

Fayetteville-based Signature Bank of Arkansas has a new president and several leadership changes.

Brant Ward, previously the chief operating officer, has assumed the new role. Gary Head remains chairman and CEO.

Ward has worked for the bank since August 2005, first as a banker trainee, then loan coordinator and commercial loan officer. The bank promoted him to funding officer in October 2008, in charge of managing the bank’s liquidity, bond portfolio, internet deposits, and forecasting models and reports.

The company named him chief administrative officer and treasurer in October 2016. He’s been COO and treasurer since early 2021.

Ward’s recent promotion is one of several involving the bank’s leadership team. They include:

  • Crandall Streett has been promoted from EVP Loan Manager (Fayetteville) to Chief Administrative Officer.
  • Alexandria Gladden been promoted from president of the Springdale market to Chief Operating Officer.
  • Ryan Dagley has been promoted from EVP Loan Manager (Bentonville) to president of the Rogers market.
  • Russ Greenlee has been promoted from SVP Loan Officer to SVP Loan Manager (Springdale).
  • Clinton Ryan has been promoted from SVP Loan Manager to EVP Loan Manager (Rogers).
  • Knight Weis is transitioning from Rogers Market President to Springdale Market President.
  • Jason Orlicek has been promoted from SVP Loan Manager (Springdale) as SVP Loan Manager (Bentonville).

“2022 was a year of tremendous growth for our bank,” Gary Head said in a statement. “We have not only expanded to new markets, we have also grown our holding company team to support our customer-facing staff. The individuals promoted this month have been long-time bankers in our organization and will continue the spirit of Community Banking at its Best as our bank continues to grow.”

The bank has locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, Brinkley, Rogers and Harrison. As of Dec. 31, the bank had $982.4 million in assets, a 15.3% year-over-year increase.

Signature Bank of Arkansas has also signed a lease for a second location for its bilingual division, Banco Sí. The company will open an office later this year at 103 Emma Ave. in downtown Springdale.

The first location opened this past fall in downtown Rogers.