Today, BOM Bank has grown into a full-service community bank with 26 locations across Louisiana and Texas, more than $1.5 billion in assets and $151 million in capital. This growth reflects a reputation built on trust and a deep commitment to the people it serves.
That legacy is more than historical; it’s personal. BOM Bank President and CEO Ken Hale is a direct descendant of J.M. Wardlow, BOM’s first president.
“Ken is the fifth generation of his family to lead the bank,” said Carrie Hough, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “He also serves as our sixth president.”
A community bank
At BOM Bank, being a community bank means being deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve. Their staff lives in the same communities, which helps us understand our customers' needs and offer tailored financial solutions. There is a phrase often associated with BOM Bank: “A face you know, a bank you can trust.” It’s simple, but it reflects the bank’s deep-rooted connection to the communities it serves.
“We are the people in your communities. We go to church with our customers. Our kids play on the same sports teams. We’re part of the same community,” Hough said. “We believe wholeheartedly in giving back to our communities and making where we live better."
That familiarity and personalized approach are key reasons why BOM Bank’s customers stay loyal, and why staff members from newly acquired institutions have remained on board.
“In 2024, BOM Bank purchased several American State Bank branches, and nearly all of their staff chose to stay,” Hough said. “We know their customers and communities in East Texas love them, and we will remain true to the tradition of banking and trust.”
Services
BOM Bank offers a wide range of banking services designed to meet the diverse needs of both individuals and businesses in the communities it serves.
Services include:
- Online and mobile banking
- Personal and mortgage loans
- Personal, business and rewards checking accounts
- Certificates of deposit
- Individual retirement savings accounts
Teaching financial literacy
At the core of BOM Bank is education and empowerment. Through a variety of initiatives, BOM Bank champions financial literacy for all ages. Bank staff regularly visit elementary, middle and high schools, churches, senior centers and local businesses to teach about budgeting, managing credit, fraud awareness and more.
BOM Bank also partners with Banzai, an award-winning financial education platform, to offer interactive, standards-based literacy programs to over 4,800 students and 78 teachers across 14 schools in Louisiana and East Texas.
“We see financial literacy as one of the most important gifts we can give our community. It's about giving people the power to understand and take control of their financial future,” Hough said. “By teaching people how to manage their money wisely, we help them thrive and that makes our entire community stronger."
Additionally, BOM Bank is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, one of only 34 in Louisiana.
“Being a CDFI means we are recognized for helping underserved communities gain fair access to financial resources,” Hough said.
Community initiatives
BOM Bank has a long history of supporting the communities it serves through various initiatives that focus on improving the quality of life and fostering growth. The bank’s commitment to giving back goes beyond financial services. It extends to community involvement, charitable giving and local partnerships that make a tangible difference.
BOM Bank supports local nonprofits, schools and civic organizations through donations, volunteer efforts and sponsorships. They believe in investing in the places where they live and work, and their efforts are focused on enhancing the well-being of residents, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for future generations.
“Our commitment to giving back and supporting local causes is at the heart of everything we do,” Hough said. “It's about making sure that the communities we live in thrive.”
Specials and learn more
BOM Bank is currently offering a 3.794% annual percentage yield on an 11-month certificate of deposit.
To learn more about current offers and how BOM Bank can assist with various financial goals, visit www.bofm.com. Member FDIC.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
