Simensen Appointed CEO Of First Community Bank

First Community Bank announced that its board of directors have appointed Kris Simensen as chief executive officer. Simensen, currently chief operating officer and chief financial officer, assumed the new role Sept. 1.

“I am excited to take the reins of this great community bank and grateful for the board's confidence in me,” Simensen said. “I am particularly fortunate to be surrounded by such a talented team as we take the bank into the future. We have strategic plans to grow our business and brand with the goals of improving our culture and placing increased focus on the customer. FCB is a special place with an important purpose, and it's my privilege to work to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Simensen succeeds Samuel Waters who will step down from his position as CEO but remain on as bank president for the near future, handing over the day-to-day management to Simensen starting Sept. 1.

“The board of directors and I are excited about this transition and know that Kris will do a great job in leading the bank into the future,” Waters said. “In his new role as executive vice president and chief executive officer, Kris will assume the overall management of the bank. He has great ideas that will not only move the bank forward but offer new opportunities for the bank’s employees.”

Simensen comes to First Community Bank with over 30 years of industry experience. He started his career as a bank examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Prior to his roles at First Community Bank, Simensen was branch president of Independence Bank in Glasgow. Before joining Independence Bank, he served as vice president with Stockman Bank and Pinnacle Bank in commercial and ag lending.

Simensen grew up in Montana and holds a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University. As an active member of his community, he is a supporter of local youth and has served as a board member of many local organizations.