About Us

Founded on June 9, 1903, in Montgomery, Louisiana, Bank of Montgomery was established by local businessmen who recognized the need for a strong, dependable financial institution to serve the people and businesses of Grant Parish. Opening its doors with just $15,000 in capital, the bank was built on the principles of community, service, and trust—values that continue to guide us today.

For more than a century, BOM Bank has grown from a small hometown bank into a thriving community institution serving customers across Louisiana and Texas. What began as a single location has expanded to 27 branches across Grant, Natchitoches, Sabine, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, and Rapides parishes in Louisiana, as well as Angelina, Montgomery, Sabine, Shelby, and Tyler counties in Texas. Today, BOM Bank proudly serves more than 43,000 customers, employs over 245 team members, and has grown to more than $1.5 billion in assets.

A major milestone in our growth came in 1996 with our expansion into Natchitoches Parish through the opening of our Derry branch. In 2006, we broadened our services with the launch of BOM Financial Services, providing insurance and investment solutions to better serve our customers and communities.

Our growth continued across the region as we expanded our footprint and strengthened our community banking presence. In 2013, we opened our first location in Many, entering Sabine Parish. In 2015, we acquired Bank of Ringgold, adding locations in Castor and Ringgold in Bienville Parish, as well as Benton in Bossier Parish. In 2016, we acquired Tri State Bank, expanding into Shreveport and Haughton, while BOM Financial Services also acquired the historic Traber Insurance Agency in Natchitoches.

In 2017, BOM Bank entered Rapides Parish with the opening of our first Alexandria location and further expanded by acquiring two locations from MidSouth Bank. In 2018, Bank of Montgomery officially became BOM Bank, reflecting both our rich heritage and our forward-looking vision. Growth continued in 2019 with the opening of an additional Shreveport location and the acquisition of First State Bank in Hemphill, Texas—marking our expansion into Texas.

In 2024, BOM Bank continued its strategic growth through the acquisition of American State Bank, adding locations in Center, Chester, Conroe, Haslam, Huntington, Lufkin, and Timpson, further strengthening our presence across East Texas.

BOM Bank is a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), committed to promoting economic growth and financial inclusion within the communities we serve—particularly those that are financially underserved or at risk of limited access to traditional banking services. Our mission is to provide accessible financial products and services to individuals and businesses within these target markets, while also offering development resources that support long-term financial stability and success.

In partnership with organizations such as the Central Louisiana Community Foundation in Alexandria, United Nonprofits Inc. in Shreveport, the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance, and the Junior Achievement of Angelina County BOM Bank actively invests in community education and empowerment. We conduct financial literacy programs designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions, including education on small-dollar lending options like our Credit Builder program.

Additionally, we extend our outreach through Banzai! Online Financial Literacy, allowing us to connect with students in local schools across our markets and promote strong financial habits at an early age.

As a true community bank, our mission goes beyond banking. We take pride in promoting and revitalizing the communities we serve through volunteerism, financial literacy initiatives, and meaningful local investment. We believe strong communities build strong banks—and strong banks help build strong communities.

That commitment has been sustained through generations of leadership. Current President & CEO Ken Hale, a direct descendant of the Wardlow family, represents the fifth generation of family leadership and serves as the sixth President and CEO in BOM Bank’s history. Under his leadership, BOM Bank continues to honor its legacy while embracing innovation and growth for the future.

Supported by a dedicated Board of Directors and generations of community-minded leadership, BOM Bank remains committed to delivering exceptional products, personalized service, and trusted financial guidance.

For more than 120 years, BOM Bank has remained rooted in relationships, guided by integrity, and committed to helping our customers, communities, and employees thrive. While much has changed since 1903, our purpose remains the same: to serve with excellence and build lasting relationships.

Our current Board of Directors include President & CEO-Ken Hale, Ronald Roy, Henry Rachal, Kay Wardlow Foshee, Tyler Murchison, Dr. Greg Brian, James Snyder, John Brittain, Roger Cunningham, Dr. Simeon Wall Jr., Leanne Wardlow Foreman, and Kyle Martinez.