YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

L-R: John F Hedgpeth II, John Hedgpeth, R. Scott Harris
L-R: John F Hedgpeth II, John Hedgpeth, R. Scott Harris

A Proud Heritage. A Promising Future.

Posted online

In June of 2020, Ozark Bank announced John Hedgpeth as chief financial officer and executive vice president, making him the fourth generation of the Hedgpeth family to serve in a leadership role at the bank. John’s great grandfather, Dr. D F Hedgpeth, was one of the original founders of the bank when it opened its doors on the Ozark square back in 1906. Additionally, his grandparents, John Frederick and Chlorene, both served as president and chief executive officer during their careers at the bank and his father, John Frederick II, is a past president and current chief executive officer.

Born and raised in Ozark, Hedgpeth attended the University of Missouri, graduating with a B.S.B.A. in finance and banking with a minor in real estate. Upon graduation from Mizzou, John worked as a bank examiner for the Missouri Division of Finance for five years, ultimately becoming a commissioned bank examiner. Currently, he is working to obtain his Graduate School of Banking diploma at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

In 2016, John began his career at Ozark Bank as a Commercial Loan Officer. “I’m honored to carry on the tradition for the bank that my family has worked so hard for,” says Hedgpeth. “This is our 114th year in business and I look forward to serving the Ozarks for many years to come.”

“We take pride in the communities we serve and we’re very optimistic about the future,” says Hedgpeth. “Knowing our customers and providing them with tailored solutions to fit their needs and help them realize their financial goals is our priority.”

In the recent past, there has been a lot of talk of community banks being driven out of competition by larger financial institutions in the form of mergers and acquisitions. However Hedgpeth believes there will always be a need for a true community bank, citing the recent Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), approved by Congress as part of the CARES Act in the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as an example of the key role that community banks play in our economy.

“The Small Business Administration put their trust and confidence in community banks at a time when small businesses needed it the most. Community banks were able to disburse the PPP funds in a very efficient and effective manner and these bankers across the nation need to give themselves a pat on the back.”

“It’s our mission to give back to the communities we serve. That’s pivotal to us,” says Hedgpeth. “We’ve come a long way over our century of service, and we remain committed to doing things right – and doing the right things.”

Ozark Bank was established in 1906 as Ozark Savings Bank by 15 local investors, five directors, four employees, and $10,000 in stock. Today, Ozark Bank has crossed the $275 million asset size mark with a staff of just over 60 employees. “The methods and technology have changed, but the values remain the same,” says Hedgpeth.

Ozark Bank

Street Address: 106 N 2nd Ave.,
Ozark, MO 65721
Phone: 417-581-2321
Web Address: ozarkbank.com
Top Executives: John F Hedgpeth II,  Chairman of the Board;
R. Scott Harris, President; and John R Hedgpeth, CFO
Year Founded: 1906
Number of Employees: 64
Product or Service: Banking

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
From the Ground Up: Republic Intermediate School

The Republic School District is on track to open its Intermediate School for fifth- and sixth-grade students for the 2025-26 academic year.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences