From the Missouri Bankers Association:
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — S. David Gohn, chairman of the board of West Plains Bank and Trust Company, was honored with the Missouri Bankers Association Chairman’s Award on Wednesday, June 11, during MBA’s 135th Annual Convention at the Chateau on the Lake Resort in Branson.
The MBA Chairman’s Award is the highest honor from the association. Outgoing MBA Chairman David M. Gohn, CEO/president of West Plains Bank and Trust Company, presented the award to his father.
“My Dad has committed his career to ensuring growth for community banking because communities across Missouri and the nation thrive when their community banks thrive,” David M. Gohn said. “If there was a regulation that stifled growth for communities and the banks that serve them, my Dad spoke out, expressing how it would threaten individuals’ livelihoods.”
“It is an honor to be recognized with the MBA Chairman’s Award,” S. David Gohn said. “I have many fond memories of the friendships established through MBA and bankers coming together to support MBA’s programs and advocacy endeavors. I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved for the Missouri banking industry.”
David Gohn began his banking career in 1964 with Union National Bank in Springfield. Two years later, he joined West Plains Bank and Trust Company, which had $5 million in assets. Under his leadership, the bank has enjoyed unparalleled growth and has flourished to a $700 million community bank.
In his banking career spanning 61 years, S. David Gohn has served the banking industry at both the state and national levels. He served as MBA chairman from 1999-2000, was a regional board director and chaired MBA’s Government Relations Council for two years. At the national level, S. David Gohn chaired the American Bankers Association’s Community Bankers Council and served ABA’s Executive Board of Directors and Government Relations Council.
“My Dad has been recognized in the community, in our industry and our state for his contributions to various causes and volunteer service,” David M. Gohn said. “However, I believe his greatest career achievements are with the men and women who have been impacted by him. He has mentored many bankers, guiding them as they embarked on successful careers. His belief in them let them know he was their biggest champion, cheering them on in their endeavors.”
David Gohn was inducted MBA’s 50 Year Club in June 2014. He has been honored for his commitment to the West Plains community with various honors, including the Missouri State University-West Plains Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award in May 2014, the West Plains Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2014 and the West Plains Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
The Missouri Bankers Association is a statewide trade and professional organization in Jefferson City that represents the interests of 220 banks, savings and loans and trust companies in Missouri. MBA serves as the principal advocate for the Missouri banking community and provides educational opportunities, products and services that assist bankers with enhancing their banking operations. For more information, visit mobankers.com or follow MBA on X @mobankers.
