Merchants & Planters CEO tapped for national community banking leadership role

Jim Gowen Jr.

An Arkansas community bank executive has been nominated for a second term on the board of the Independent Community Bankers of America, a national trade group representing thousands of locally owned banks.

Jim Gowen Jr., president and chief executive officer of Merchants & Planters Bank in Newport, was nominated to continue serving as chair of ICBA’s Rural America and Agriculture Committee, the organization said in a news release. The current ICBA board is scheduled to vote on the nominations March 6-9 during ICBA LIVE 2026 in San Diego, California.

Gowen has served on multiple ICBA committees and previously served as a director and president of the Arkansas Community Bankers Association. His duties include helping shape national policy positions and serving as a liaison between Arkansas community bankers and ICBA leadership in Washington, D.C.

“I am honored to be nominated to this position and hope to continue to represent my home state of Arkansas,” Gowen said. “It gives me a chance to advocate for community banks here and across the country that practice trusted, relationship-based lending to local consumers, small businesses, and the farmers and ag families whose work sustains our communities.”

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said the nominees reflect the breadth of the community banking industry.

“This year’s nominees represent the strength and diversity of our industry, and the passionate and dedicated individuals that power local communities,” Romero Rainey said. “We’re honored by their commitment, and ICBA is eager to put their expertise to work in advancing the vital role of community banks, ensuring prosperity for neighborhoods across America while safeguarding a vibrant, resilient financial sector.”

The Independent Community Bankers of America represents community banks nationwide and advocates for policies affecting local financial institutions and their customers.