Farmers Bank & Trust Announces Robert T. Smith as New Board Member

Magnolia, Ark. (June 3, 2025) – The Farmers Bank & Trust Board of Directors and Shareholders recently announced the appointment of Robert T. Smith to the Board of Directors. His term begins in June 2025. Smith also serves on the Magnolia Banking Corporation Board of Directors.

“We are honored to welcome Robert T. Smith to our Board of Directors. His deep legal experience and proven leadership in the banking sector bring invaluable perspective to our organization as we navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. Robert’s guidance will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth and commitment to sound governance,” said Farmers Bank & Trust Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Chris Gosnell.

Smith is a Partner at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP, law firm in Little Rock, Arkansas. He heads the Finance and Commercial Transactions Practice Group and serves on the firm’s Management Committee. His diverse corporate practice focuses on representing companies and financial institutions in general business, transactional, securities, and regulatory matters. He has handled transactions in various areas, including the banking, healthcare, real estate, and technology industries.

In the banking area, Smith advises clients on regulatory compliance, merger and acquisition transactions, lending, and capital raising activities. He assists clients in private equity and corporate finance matters, the offering of debt and equity securities, and counseling directors and executive officers regarding fiduciary duties and corporate governance issues. Robert also regularly represents professionals and professional firms in the formation, expansion, merger, and division of professional practices.

Smith earned an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida College of Law and a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, with honors, from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Additionally, he is a graduate of Leadership Arkansas and is affiliated with numerous Arkansas organizations.

Smith expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Board, stating, “It is an honor to join the Board of Directors at Farmers Bank & Trust, an institution with more than a century of trusted service in Arkansas. This bank represents the values that have guided my career, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and lasting impact across the region.”

About Farmers Bank & Trust: Founded in 1906, Farmers Bank & Trust is a community bank owned by the privately held holding company Magnolia Banking Corporation, headquartered in Magnolia, Arkansas. Farmers Bank & Trust now has over 30 Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma locations and approximately $3 billion in assets. Farmers offers a full range of deposit services, trust and investment management services, as well as business, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential, and consumer loans. To learn more, visit their website at MyFarmers.Bank.