BELLE CHASSE, La. — Mississippi River Bank, a member of the Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. Family of Brands, announced a planned leadership transition as part of its long-term succession strategy. After more than 44 years of dedicated service, Chief Executive Officer Mike Bush will transition to the role of Executive Advisor. Lisa Works, previously President & Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Mississippi River Bank.
Bush has played an instrumental role in shaping Mississippi River Bank into one of the region’s most respected community banking institutions. Since joining the organization in 1982, he has guided the bank through decades of growth, change, and opportunity while maintaining a steadfast commitment to serving clients, supporting local communities, and investing in team members.
“Mike’s leadership, vision, and dedication have left an enduring impact on Mississippi River Bank,” said Clayton Legear, Chairman & CEO of Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. “His contributions have helped build a strong foundation for the bank’s continued success, and we are grateful that he will continue to share his expertise and guidance as Executive Advisor.”
Bush’s transition reflects a carefully planned succession process designed to ensure continuity of leadership and preserve the values that have defined Mississippi River Bank throughout its history.
Succeeding Bush is Lisa Works, a respected banking leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to the institution and the communities it serves. Works began her career with Mississippi River Bank as a teller and has advanced through a variety of leadership roles over the years. Most recently, as President & Chief Operating Officer, she has helped oversee the bank’s operations, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development initiatives.
“Lisa’s journey is a remarkable example of dedication, leadership, and service,” said Legear. “Her extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and commitment to our clients, communities, and employees make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead Mississippi River Bank into its next chapter.”
Throughout her career, Works has contributed to nearly every aspect of the bank’s operations and growth, earning the trust and respect of colleagues, customers, and community partners alike. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing key strategic initiatives while maintaining the bank’s longstanding focus on relationship-based community banking.
“I am honored to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mississippi River Bank,” said Works. “This organization has been my professional home for many years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong legacy established by Mike and the generations of leaders who have come before us. I look forward to working alongside our talented team as we continue serving our clients and strengthening the communities we call home.”
As Executive Advisor, Bush will continue to support the organization by providing strategic counsel and assisting with leadership transition efforts.
Mississippi River Bank remains committed to delivering exceptional service, fostering strong community relationships, and creating opportunities for continued growth and success throughout the region.
About Mississippi River Bank
Mississippi River Bank has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to service and a community-centric approach for over 45 years. Founded in 1980, the bank set out to rejuvenate the banking sector that was departing from Plaquemines Parish. Its foundation was established on the principles of fostering business growth and delivering outstanding customer service, a commitment that continues to be at the heart of its mission today.
About Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc.
Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: MNMB) is the parent company of Merchants & Marine Bank, a Mississippi chartered community bank serving the Gulf South region. Originally founded in 1899, Merchants & Marine Bank was reborn in 1932 during the middle of the worst economic disaster in the history of the United States: The Great Depression. More than eight decades later, Merchants & Marine Bank has grown into a “Family of Community Banking Brands” operating throughout the Gulf South. The company offers banking services to customers in Southern Mississippi, and Coastal Alabama under its legacy Merchants & Marine Bank brand, and in Louisiana through its Mississippi River Bank and FM Bank division. It offers mortgage financing through its Canvas Mortgage division, medical cannabis banking through its CannaFirst Financial division, and access to government-guaranteed credit through its Voyager Lending division. The company provides bank operational, risk, and support services through its Community of Resources bank services division. For more information on Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. and its “Family of Brands” visit https://mandmbank.com/investor-relations.