Branson Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Joseph Cherek, Jr. to Portfolio Officer & Government Loan Specialist. Cherek will manage the day-to-day operations of the Credit Department ensuring efficient loan underwriting, portfolio management, and serving as the point person for guaranteed loan processing. He is responsible for performing loan reviews, underwriting, maintaining regulatory compliance, and managing credit risk.

Cherek received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with concentrations in Business Finance, Banking and Financial Systems, and Investment Portfolio Management. Since graduation, he has accumulated over 11 years in various banking roles to include Teller, Lead Teller, and Universal Banker before joining the credit team at Branson Bank in 2019 as Portfolio Risk Manager.

Cherek recently attended the Lakes Area Leadership Academy, a program the Branson Chamber of Commerce and CVB facilitates to teach area leaders about Branson and the surrounding community. Cherek enjoys spending time with his family, going on walks, boating, fishing, and collecting coins and vintage video games. He is married to Samantha, and together, they have a daughter, Joelle, and dog, Kody.