RiverWind Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Casey Cullipher to Chief Executive Officer and President. Cullipher’s advancement reflects his leadership, dedication, and extensive contributions to RiverWind’s success over his tenure.

Cullipher joined the RiverWind Bank team in June 2016 as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel. By January 2017 he was promoted to President and General Counsel. Cullipher consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment to RiverWind’s employees, customers, and communities. He has served as President of the United Way of White County and currently serves as Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Searcy Chamber of Commerce. Cullipher also serves on the Arkansas Community Bankers Association Board, the Stewardship Committee of the Unity Health Foundation, and is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and Downtown Church of Christ.

RiverWind Bank is ready for the future with Cullipher leading the way. “We are very excited to announce Casey Cullipher as the new CEO,” said Charlie Eldridge, RiverWind Bank Board Chairman. “Casey has been with us for seven years and has continually proven himself to be everything we knew he could be as a community banker. We are excited to have him leading us in all of the communities in which we are represented.”

Cullipher has played a pivotal role in the bank’s growth and success over the last seven years. During the pandemic, he and the team at RiverWind learned how to serve customers in different ways and helped to keep small businesses running through many PPP loans. The bank ventured into its first new market in ten years in 2022 by opening a branch in Beebe. Cullipher’s pursuit of excellence and strategic vision has also led to RiverWind’s growth of 50% over the last seven years in loans, assets, and deposits.

The current CEO, Bill Patton, is happy to pass the baton to Cullipher. “I am very proud and pleased to have Casey as the President and CEO of our bank,” Patton said. “Casey is very capable, and I am excited for the bank, associates, stockholders, and our customers to have capable hands in the leadership of our bank. I will work as an active board member and assist Casey where needed.”

Cullipher is prepared to assume his new role and looking forward to what the future holds for him and RiverWind Bank. “The steadfast support of the Board, and specifically that of Bill Patton, over the last few years has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and I am humbled that they have placed their trust in me to serve in the role of President & CEO,” Cullipher said. “I look forward to continuing RiverWind Bank’s legacy and tradition of exceptional customer service that can only be provided by smaller community banks, like RiverWind Bank. My cell number is published for a reason – call me if we can do something for you.”

Previous to joining RiverWind Bank, Cullipher practiced law in a Searcy law firm and later served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for another Arkansas financial institution. He graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 2021, UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in 2006, and Arkansas State University in 2001. Cullipher is married to Michal, and they have three daughters; Chandler, Avery, and Dylan.

Please join the RiverWind Bank Board of Directors in congratulating Casey Cullipher on his well-deserved promotion. His leadership will continue to guide and inspire RiverWind Bank toward a brighter and more prosperous future.