Arvest announced that Rodney Shepard has been promoted to regional executive where he’ll be responsible for overseeing Arvest’s banking operations in Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. He replaces Brad Krieger who retired after 28 years with the bank.

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Shepard has been with Arvest for 30 years and previously served as chief customer experience officer. Prior to that, he served as president for the Springfield, Mo., and Fort Smith, Ark., bank markets.

“As chief customer experience officer, Rodney has played a pivotal role in shaping our overall strategic vision while ensuring the customer is at the heart of every business decision we make,” said Arvest Bank Chairman and CEO Kevin Sabin. “I know his experience, leadership capabilities and deep knowledge will continue to have a significant impact as we grow and evolve. In his new role, Rodney’s extensive experience working within and leading our banks in Fort Smith and Springfield will be very beneficial to our local banks and executives with whom he will be working.”

He is a distinguished alumnus of Carl Albert Junior College in Poteau, Okla. and holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.; an MBA from Webster University and is an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. and the Mid-South School of Banking in Memphis, Tenn.

Krieger, whose banking career spanned more than 50 years, joined Arvest as regional executive in 1996. During his career, he’s served on numerous industry boards including the Oklahoma State Banking Board since 2007.

“Brad has long been a champion and advocate for the banking industry. He’s a visionary and an innovative leader, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps,” Shepard said. “I’m excited about what the future holds for Arvest and look forward to working and collaborating with my peers as we provide customer-focused financial solutions in the communities we serve.”