Transforming a Family Legacy into Regional Banking Excellence

Executive Summary

Ken Hale, President and CEO of BOM Bank, exemplifies the evolution of community banking through strategic vision and generational leadership. As the 5th generation of the Wardlow family to run the bank, Hale has transformed what began as a small-town institution into a regional powerhouse. Under his leadership spanning three decades, BOM Bank has grown from a single location with $18 million in assets when he joined in 1995 to twenty-seven branches and $1.5 billion in assets today, achieving an average return on assets of 1.5 percent over the past fifteen years.

Celebrating his 30th anniversary with BOM Bank in 2025, Hale’s leadership extends beyond banking to the national stage, where he serves as Chairman of the Safety and Soundness Committee for the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), positioning him as a thought leader in community banking policy and regulation.

From Inheritance to Innovation

Ken Hale’s journey began in 1994 when he inherited a third of his grandfather’s 55 percent stake in the Bank of Montgomery, Louisiana, serving the town of Montgomery (population 600) on a bend in the Red River. A Northwestern State University graduate, he joined straight out of college and demonstrated the business acumen that would drive unprecedented growth. Today, Ken owns 40 percent of the renamed BOM Bank, having significantly increased his ownership stake through strategic expansion.

Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions

Hale’s growth strategy has centered on thoughtful acquisitions that strengthen BOM Bank’s market position while maintaining community banking values.

2016 – Bank of Ringgold, Traber Agency & TriState Bank: BOM acquired the Bank of Ringgold and TriState Bank in Haughton, Louisiana, growing to nine branches across Louisiana, while BOM Financial Services acquired The Traber Agency, a local 100-year-old independent insurance agency.

2017 – MidSouth Bank Branches: BOM completed acquisition of two MidSouth Bank branches in Alexandria, expanding its Rapides Parish presence with approximately $385 million in assets.

2018 – Strategic Rebranding: The bank changed its name from Bank of Montgomery to BOM Bank, reflecting expansion to 14 branches with assets of $400 million.

2019 – First State Bank of Hemphill: BOM’s first full-service entrance into Texas, acquiring the Hemphill branch and reaching approximately $500 million in total assets.

2024-2025 – American State Bank: BOM completed acquisition of nine American State Bank locations across Texas, including branches in Haslam, Timpson, Center, Lufkin, Huntington, Chester, and Conroe.

Expanding Services: BOM Financial Services

In 2006, Hale launched BOM Financial Services as a full-service independent insurance agency and investment consultant firm to offer comprehensive insurance and investment opportunities beyond traditional banking. This wholly owned subsidiary acquired The Traber Agency in 2016 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, having grown to serve over 3,500 customers, demonstrating Hale’s vision for comprehensive financial services.

Community Investment and Service

Under Hale’s leadership, BOM Bank has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development, donating over $1.2 million back to the communities they serve in 2024 alone. Beyond financial contributions, BOM employees have donated over 5,000 hours of community service, reflecting the bank’s philosophy that successful community banking requires active participation in the economic and social development of the communities it serves.

Business Excellence and Leadership Philosophy

Hale’s success stems from balancing aggressive expansion with relationship-focused service. The bank’s asset growth from $18 million to $1.5 billion represents exceptional performance that few community banks achieve while maintaining profitability through various economic cycles. Under his leadership, BOM Bank combines personal service with cutting-edge technology, positioning it to compete effectively with larger institutions across twenty-seven branches.

National Leadership and Community Commitment

Hale’s influence extends well beyond BOM Bank. He was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board in 2021 and appointed Chairman of the Safety and Soundness Committee in March 2025. His extensive community involvement includes:

• Northwestern State University Foundation (Past Chairman)
• Louisiana Bankers Association (Board Member, Treasurer, Chairman, Past Chairman)
• Community Development Bankers Association (Board Member)
• Natchitoches Parish Hospital Foundation (Board Member)
• Central Louisiana Community Foundation (Board Member, Executive Committee)
• Boys and Girls Club, Women’s Resource Center, Holy Cross Catholic Church
• Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and Historic Foundation
• Northwestern State Business Round Table Member

Upon his ICBA election, Hale stated: “I am honored to represent our industry and help share the positive story of community banking with policymakers. Community banks are trusted, relationship-based lenders that deliver personalized service and invaluable financial expertise to local consumers and entrepreneurs.”

Conclusion

Ken Hale represents the best of modern community banking leadership, combining generational wisdom with innovative thinking and local commitment with regional ambition. His transformation of BOM Bank from an $18 million single-branch institution to a $1.5 billion regional powerhouse with comprehensive financial services demonstrates exceptional business acumen while maintaining community banking values.

However, Hale is quick to credit BOM Bank’s success to its people. “Without our wonderful employees, supportive Board, and loyal customers, BOM wouldn’t be what it is today,” Hale emphasizes. This collaborative approach to leadership recognizes that sustainable growth requires the dedication of every team member, the guidance of experienced board members, and the trust of customers who have made BOM their banking partner for generations.

As BOM Bank continues expansion and Hale’s national influence grows through his ICBA leadership role, his story exemplifies how traditional institutions can evolve and thrive in the modern financial landscape while staying true to their foundational mission of serving communities and building lasting relationships.

BOM Bank, headquartered in Natchitoches, Louisiana, operates 27 branches across Louisiana and Texas under President and CEO Ken Hale’s leadership.

---