M&P Community Bancshares, the holding company for Merchants and Planters Bank and M&P Insurance Services, recently announced the promotion of five staff members.
Eva Henriksen has been promoted to Vice President-Loan Officer of the Merchants and Planters Bank Newark market. Henriksen has over 37 years of experience in numerous facets of the financial industry and a combined four years with Merchants and Planters Bank. In addition to managing the team at Newark, Henriksen is a lender of agricultural, business, and personal loans in Independence County. Henriksen also volunteers as a Chamber Ambassador and is passionate about working with the Special Olympics. “Her natural aptitude for helping others makes her a trusted lender and team leader,” the bank said in a release announcing the promotions.
Monica Goings has been promoted to Head Teller in the Newark market of Merchants and Planters Bank. Goings has worked as a teller with Merchants and Planters Bank for more than four years. Goings holds an associates degree from the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville. When she’s not working, Goings enjoys spending time with her seven babies – five cats, one dog, and one horse. “Her exemplary customer service skills and attention to details make her a key member of the Newark team,” the bank said.
Calli Johnson has been promoted to Vice President of M&P Insurance Services. Johnson began her insurance career nineteen years ago and joined the M&P team in 2015, right after moving to Newport. Johnson and her husband Brad have a four-year old daughter, Johnson, who keeps her entertained when she’s not working, but she occasionally finds time to read a good murder mystery. She also enjoys volunteer work and has served her community through the Newport Rotary Club, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, New Vision Newport, Junior Auxiliary, and the Delta Art Show Committee. “Her wealth of experience coupled with her certification in both property and casualty as well as life and health insurance lines makes her a trusted agent to her customers and a reliable mentor to her team,” the bank said in the release.
Danny Worthington has been promoted to Senior Accounts Manager of Benefit Lines at M&P Insurance Services. Worthington began his career with M & P Insurance in 2019 and has worked in the insurance industry for over eighteen years. He also enjoys traveling with his family and reading books about accountability, discipline, and leadership. “His favorite part of the job is making sure his customers understand their options and know their benefits,” the bank said. “He’s community-focused and spends time working with the Jackson County School District and volunteering throughout Jackson County.
Samantha Thompson has been promoted to Head Teller in the Newport market of Merchants and Planters Bank. Thompson joined the M&P team in 2022, after working with the Jackson County elections. Thompson moved to Newport from Little Rock and notes that another perk of the job is getting to know so many new people. When Thompson isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling and going on adventures with her four-year old son, Remington. “She quickly realized that banking was a great fit, giving her the opportunity to learn new things in a hands-on, fast-paced environment,” the release noted.
Hayley Thomas has been promoted to Teller Coordinator in the Des Arc market of Merchants and Planters Bank. Thomas has worked as a teller in both White and Prairie counties for five years. She made the switch to the banking industry after earning her certification as a dental assistant. Her favorite part of the job is visiting with her customers and laughing with her co-workers. Thomas and her husband have two young boys, and they love to hunt and fish together. She also loves to read and finished 74 books last year. “She is bright, enthusiastic, and a true asset to the Des Arc team,” the bank said.
“I’m proud to recognize the accomplishments and professional potential of each of these team members,” said Jim S. Gowen Jr., president and CEO of Merchants and Planters. “They represent our organization with integrity and are invested in the success of our bank and our community. I’m always pleased to promote from within the organization because it opens the door for others to excel and allows us to add new members to our M&P family.”
Images provided by M&P Community Bancshares
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