Jay Neathery has taken over for Chris McCreary, who stepped down as president of the institution but is staying on as executive vice president.
The company would also gain a branch near Dallas with the proposed acquisition.
The $282 million-asset institution's new name is intended to build on its work with underserved communities around St. Louis.
The Missouri company 's deal for Clifford Bancshares is set to close later this year.
The company will pay $24 million in cash for Central Federal Bancshares.
Academy Bank in Kansas City, Mo., which shuttered nearly a quarter of its branches between 2015 and 2018, is now in expansion mode. Its CEO explains his renewed affinity for brick and mortar.
The Arkansas company will pay $434 million for Landrum Co., which has branches in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
The Wisconsin regional agreed to buy the parent of First National Bank in Staunton for $76 million in cash.
The city, among the Midwest's most vibrant C&I markets, is luring community banks, as well as giants like PNC and JPMorgan Chase.
Shelley Seifert had been the bank's chief operating officer.
