JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Cass Johnson, Loan Officer, and Amanda Hamilton, Houston Branch Manager, with West Plains Bank and Trust Company, based in West Plains, Mo., graduated from the Missouri Bankers Association’s Banking Leadership Missouri program during the organization’s 135th Annual Convention held June 10-12 at the Chateau on the Lake Resort in Branson.
Johnson and Hamilton were among 21 bankers from throughout Missouri who completed MBA’s 12-month leadership development program designed to actively enhance the leadership, organizational and performance skills of highly motivated mid- to upper-level bankers. Courses focused on emerging bank issues, government relations, ethics, leadership styles, workplace culture and communications.
Banking Leadership Missouri establishes a network of future bank leaders who can respond to local and national issues affecting the banking industry and their communities. “Through Banking Leadership Missouri, Cass and Amanda developed a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the banking industry,” said MBA President and CEO Jackson Hataway. “Cass and Amanda are leaders in their communities and are among the next leaders in their bank and our association.” Johnson joined West Plains Bank and Trust Company in 2021, working first in retail banking and later moving into her current role as loan officer. She is a native of West Plains, Mo., and was honored with the Filbert 5 Award by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023 for her accomplishments on the basketball court. Hamilton was hired in 2021 to manage the newly established West Plains Bank and Trust Company Houston Branch in Houston, Mo. She has successfully led the team in acquiring new business in a completely new market for the bank, and is actively involved in the community, serving on local boards and volunteering around town.
West Plains Bank and Trust Company President/CEO David M. Gohn expressed his appreciation for the contributions Hamilton and Johnson have and will make to the banking industry. “Amanda and Cass are valuable members of the West Plains Bank and Trust Company team,” he said. “They are emerging leaders within the organization and have bright futures. I am thrilled and proud of them both for completing the MBA’s Banking Leadership Program curriculum. This is a remarkable milestone in their banking careers.”
The Missouri Bankers Association is a statewide trade and professional organization in Jefferson City that represents the interests of nearly 220 banks, savings and loans and trust companies in Missouri.
