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Written By Regent Bank

Regent Bank Strengthens Executive Leadership to Support Next Phase of Growth

Skip Mefford Named Tulsa Market President; Bruce Adkins to Direct Private and Specialized Banking Initiatives

Tulsa, OK – Regent Bank, one of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing financial institutions, today announced a strategic expansion of its executive leadership team as the bank continues its disciplined growth across the region. With over $2 billion in assets and approximately 290 employees, Regent is strengthening its leadership structure to support its next phase of expansion while reinforcing its long-term commitment to Tulsa.

Skip Mefford joined Regent Bank on February 23, 2026, as Tulsa Market President. A seasoned banking leader with nearly 30 years of experience, Mefford began his career in 1997 and has held roles ranging from teller and lender to Market President across multiple Oklahoma and Kansas markets. He most recently served as Market President in Owasso for 13 years, following leadership roles in Broken Arrow and Arkansas City, Kansas.

“Over the last 17 years, we’ve been blessed with remarkable organic growth from $72 million to over $2 billion in total assets,” said Sean Kouplen, Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank. “That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because we are intentional about people, culture, and leadership. Bringing in a market leader of Skip’s caliber shows that Regent is building for the next chapter — not just managing what we’ve built, but expanding it.”

Tulsa holds a special place in Regent’s history as its first expansion market and the largest Regent Bank client base. Mefford’s deep roots in the greater Tulsa area and long-standing community involvement position him to lead the market forward. He has served as past Chairman of the Owasso Chamber of Commerce, currently serves as Chairman of the Owasso Economic Development Authority, and was a founding board member of Legacy Family Network, a nonprofit supporting foster and adoptive families.

What excites me most is the opportunity to work alongside an outstanding team in a vibrant and diverse market,” said Mefford. “Every bank offers comparable products, but it’s the relationship that makes the difference. When honesty builds trust, and trust builds lasting partnerships, that’s when real relationship banking happens. I’m excited to continue Regent’s legacy in Tulsa while helping businesses and families achieve their financial goals.”

In conjunction with Mefford’s appointment, longtime Regent leader Bruce Adkins, EVP, will now direct the bank’s Private Banking and specialized division initiatives. As Regent continues to expand, the bank is formalizing its Private Banking offering — a high-touch, relationship-intensive service model designed to provide tailored financial solutions for business owners, nonprofit organizations, and clients with complex banking needs.

“As Regent grows, specialization matters more,” Kouplen added. “By allowing Bruce to focus on Private Banking and our specialized verticals, we are building intentional depth in areas that strengthen relationships, expand deposits, and diversify our revenue streams. This is about evolving our structure while preserving the heart of community banking.”

Darin Kent, Oklahoma Region President, noted that the leadership evolution enhances Regent’s ability to serve clients across the state.

“These exciting changes better position Regent to continue growing our products and deepening personal relationships with our clients and the communities we serve,” Kent said. “Having leaders like Skip and Bruce in place at the same time creates an incredible opportunity to elevate our service in ways unmatched in the market.”

Regent Bank has grown from $72 million in assets at its founding to nearly $2 billion today, expanding into multiple Oklahoma markets as well as Missouri and Texas. The bank’s leadership emphasizes disciplined growth, community engagement, and a relationship-driven approach to serving business owners and families.

With strengthened leadership in Tulsa and expanded focus on Private Banking and specialized services, Regent continues to invest in infrastructure designed to support sustainable, long-term growth.