AARON PANTON A BACKGROUND ON MIBA recently interviewed Aaron Panton about his life, career and work perspectives. Aaron Panton is a first-generation banker, but he said, “I am hopefully setting the stage for there to be many more generations in the Panton family’s future.” Aaron was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, in the southern part of the state near the Massachusetts border. However, he grew up in the far north of the state, in Littleton, near Mount Washington. His interests and hobbies include his family, coaching, travel and woodworking. “I try to build a few wood projects each year,” he said. The path toward banking was indirect. Aaron attended Johnson &Wales University, and while there, he focused on culinary arts and hotel restaurant management. He changed direction shortly afterward and landed in financial services. He has since earned a degree fromThe Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking in Memphis. Aaron said, “I became a banker because I really enjoy getting to know people, and helping them reach their business and personal financial goals is rewarding. As my career has progressed, I have seen that our impact as community bankers is significant in the communities we serve.” Aaron has approximately 17 years of banking experience. He started in banking in 2005 when he worked for Regions Bank as a mortgage loan officer, then spent eight years with Wells Fargo as an area sales manager. He was responsible for all mortgage operations in Arkansas, rural Missouri, southern Illinois and western Kentucky. He spent a year at Ozarks Federal as their chief lending officer and has been at The Bank of Missouri for the past seven years. Currently, Aaron is responsible for six branches in three Missouri communities: Scott City, Cape Girardeau and Jackson. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a regional president,” he said. “I have an amazing team. The people who are part of it are focused on the customers and the communities we serve.” Several nonprofits also benefit from Aaron’s involvement. He currently serves on the Cape Area Chamber of Commerce as the past chair, and on the Codefi Foundation board. “Codefi is a very cool organization that brings skills and opportunities to entrepreneurs and students across the southern part of Missouri,” Aaron said. “I encourage you to check out all their work.” (Codefi focuses on rural innovation and economic development; the website address is https://www.codefiworks.com). And finally, Aaron serves on the Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Foundation board. He has a strong interest in continual learning. “Continual learning is the process of acquiring new skills and knowledge over time. This process helps me develop both personally and professionally. I equate learning with growing, and if you’re not growing, you’re dying. To be successful in today’s world with the speed at which things change, you must be intentional about learning. Take it into your own hands. I believe 12 | The Show-Me Banker Magazine
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