John Carter Rejoins Bank OZK as Chief Credit Officer

Citizens Bank board member John Carter

Bank OZK of Little Rock announced that John Carter has rejoined the bank as chief credit officer. 

Carter spent the past two-and-a-half years with construction and property management firm Huffman & Co. of Little Rock, including the past eight months as CEO. Before then, he spent 11 years at Bank OZK in positions of leadership, including chief credit officer.

In returning to his former role, he’ll be responsible for oversight of the bank’s credit, loan operations, special assets and mortgage lending functions. He’ll also participate in the development of corporate strategy for lending practices and policies.

“He has a proven record, having risen through our ranks during his previous tenure with the bank where John was instrumental in the expansion of our community banking footprint throughout the southeast,” George Gleason, board chair of Bank OZK, said in a news release. “Given his deep understanding of our business and corporate culture, I know John will hit the ground running to deliver value to our team and clients.”

Carter received his undergraduate degree in economics and finance from Arkansas Tech University, and his master’s in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

He has served on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas since 2013. Carter is a member of the 2014 class of Arkansas Business 40 Under 40.

“I am thrilled to return to Bank OZK as Chief Credit Officer where I spent the formative years of my banking career,” Carter said in the release. “During my previous 11-year tenure, I witnessed firsthand the drive, discipline and commitment to excellence that resulted in Bank OZK’s strong asset quality, impressive growth and its repeated recognition as one of the top banks in the country.

“I look forward to collaborating with the bank’s dynamic leadership team and helping our clients achieve their financial goals.”