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Board of Directors

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George A. Makris, Jr.

Year First Elected to Board: 1997
Tenure: 26 years
Age: 67

 

Professional Experience

Mr. Makris currently serves as executive chairman and chairman of the board of Simmons First National Corporation, as well as the executive chairman and chairman of the board of the Company’s lead subsidiary, Simmons Bank. Mr.Makris previously served as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, as well as the chairman and chief executive officer of Simmons Bank until December 31, 2022. Prior to his employment by the Company on January 2, 2013, Mr. Makris had been employed by M. K. Distributors, Inc. since 1980 and had served as its President since 1985. Mr.Makris previously served as a member of the board of directors of Worthen National Bank — Pine Bluff and its successors from 1985 to 1996 and served as Chairman of the Board from 1994 to 1996.

  • Bachelor of Arts (Business Administration), Rhodes College
  • Master of Business Administration, University of Arkansas

Experience and Qualifications

  • Jefferson Regional Medical Center (member of board of trustees)
  • Eighth Federal Reserve District on the Federal Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Board (representative)
  • The Economic Development Corporation of Jefferson County (former Chairman)
  • Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (former Chairman of the board of trustees)
  • Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County (former Chairman)
  • Greater Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce (former Chairman)
  • King Cotton Classic Basketball Tournament (former Chairman)
  • Trinity Episcopal School (former Chairman of the board of trustees)
  • Wholesale Beer Distributors of Arkansas (former director)
  • National Beer Wholesalers Association (former director)
  • CHI St. Vincent (former director)
  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (former member of board of visitors)
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine (former member of board of visitors)

Biographical information regarding directors is based on, and also as of, Simmons First National Corporation’s latest proxy statement filed on March 20, 2024.