Simmons First National Corporation plans to shut down 26 Simmons Bank branches across six U.S. states, effective December 4. The closure will impact 100 associates, with the company expecting pre-tax expenses of $20 million to $23 million.

The restructuring initiative aims to optimize the branch network while retaining a significant portion of the affected workforce. According to the filing, 70% of the impacted associates will be retained within the organization.

Financial Impact

The bank anticipates specific cost implications associated with the branch closures:

The severance and termination expenses represent a small fraction of the total pre-tax costs, suggesting that the majority of the financial impact stems from other operational restructuring charges rather than direct employee separation costs.

Workforce Retention

While the closures affect 100 associates, the company has indicated that most will remain employed. The retention of 70% of the staff suggests a strategy focused on redeploying talent rather than mass layoffs, although the specific roles for these retained employees were not detailed in the disclosure.

Lisa Hunter, executive vice president and chief data officer at Simmons Bank, announced her retirement following a 30-year tenure. The Pine Bluff, Arkansas-based institution confirmed the departure on Aug. 20, 2026.

Hunter’s career spanned significant technological shifts for the Mid-South financial holding company. She oversaw the implementation of Simmons’ first corporate website and introduced core digital services, including online banking, treasury management, and e-statements.

Leadership in Data Governance

In 2021, Hunter assumed the role of Simmons’ first Chief Data Officer. Her responsibilities included establishing the bank’s Data Office, strengthening data governance frameworks, and promoting data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Jay Brogdon, president and CEO of Simmons Bank, highlighted her impact on operational efficiency. "Many of the things our customers take for granted today – from online and digital banking to an automated teller line – are innovations Lisa helped bring to life," Brogdon said.

Operational Standardization

As Simmons expanded its footprint across six states—Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas—Hunter played a central role in standardizing operations. She contributed to creating a centralized call center and held leadership positions overseeing both technology and operations during periods of growth.

Hunter remains active in community service, having served on the boards of the Pine Bluff Community Foundation and United Way. In 2022, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed her to a seven-year term on the Arkansas State Board of Education.

Simmons Bank operates 220 branches and is a subsidiary of Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC). The company has paid cash dividends for 117 consecutive years.