Casey Cullipher named CEO of RiverWind Bank

RiverWind Bank announced Tuesday (Oct. 31) the promotion of Casey Cullipher to Chief Executive Officer and President.

Cullipher joined the RiverWind Bank team in June 2016 as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel. By January 2017, he was promoted to President and General Counsel.

“We are very excited to announce Casey Cullipher as the new CEO,” said Charlie Eldridge, RiverWind Bank Board Chairman. “Casey has been with us for seven years and has continually proven himself to be everything we knew he could be as a community banker. We are excited to have him leading us in all of the communities in which we are represented.”

Cullipher has played a pivotal role in the bank’s growth and success over the last seven years. During the pandemic, he led the bank’s efforts to keep small businesses running through many PPP loans.

The bank ventured into its first new market in 10 years in 2022 by opening a branch in Beebe. A press release from the company said RiverWind has grown 50% over the last seven years in loans, assets, and deposits.

“I am very proud and pleased to have Casey as the President and CEO of our bank,” Patton said. “Casey is very capable, and I am excited for the bank, associates, stockholders, and our customers to have capable hands in the leadership of our bank. I will work as an active board member and assist Casey where needed,” said CEO Bill Patton.

Prior to joining RiverWind Bank, Cullipher practiced law in a Searcy law firm and later served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for another Arkansas financial institution. He graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 2021, UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in 2006, and Arkansas State University in 2001.

“The steadfast support of the board, and specifically that of Bill Patton, over the last few years has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and I am humbled that they have placed their trust in me to serve in the role of President & CEO,” Cullipher said. “I look forward to continuing RiverWind Bank’s legacy and tradition of exceptional customer service that can only be provided by smaller community banks, like RiverWind Bank. My cell number is published for a reason – call me if we can do something for you.”