Simmons Bank Welcomes Jodie Cochran as New National Sales Team Leader

Simmons Bank has made a significant strategic addition to its team by hiring Jodie Cochran as the national sales and production manager for mortgage warehouse lending. With an impressive career spanning nearly 25 years in the banking sector, Cochran is poised to drive substantial growth and innovation within the organization’s mortgage lending division.

In her new role, Cochran will take charge of critical functions including client acquisition, department marketing initiatives, and the nurturing of referral sources within the mortgage banking landscape. Her leadership will also be vital in shaping the future trajectory of Simmons Bank’s mortgage platform, ensuring it remains competitive and responsive to the changing needs of customers.

David Frase, president of Simmons Bank’s warehouse lending division, expressed confidence in Cochran’s capabilities, stating, "Jodie brings an exceptional depth of expertise and leadership to our mortgage and warehouse lending business. With her nearly 25 years of experience and industry recognition, she will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our offerings and client relationships." This speaks volumes about the expectations that Simmons Bank has for Cochran in her role as national sales and production manager.

Cochran's extensive background includes a wealth of experience in various banking roles, particularly in correspondent sales with major banks. Her diverse skill set is complemented by her previous positions in retail, wholesale, correspondent, and warehouse lending, which collectively provide her with a unique perspective on the mortgage industry.

Educationally, Cochran holds a degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and boasts a number of prestigious professional designations. She is an Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP), a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB), and a Certified Mortgage Leader (CML). These credentials, combined with her completion of the National Mortgage Bankers Association's Future Leaders Program, underline her commitment to professional development and excellence in the mortgage sector. Notably, she received the Willis Bryant Award for her impressive academic achievements and exceptional leadership qualities.

Cochran's contributions to the industry extend beyond her roles in banking; she has also been actively involved in professional associations. She served as the past president of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, making history as only the sixth woman to hold this position since the association’s inception in 1917. This highlights her dedication not only to her professional growth but also to advocating for the advancement of women in the finance industry.

Founded in 1903, Simmons Bank is a prominent financial entity that operates over 220 branches across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The bank has a longstanding reputation for its client-centric approach and has been recognized for its excellence in the financial services sector. In 2024, Simmons Bank was named by Newsweek as one of America's Best Regional Banks for 2025, and it garnered accolades from U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Companies to Work For in the South. Furthermore, Forbes recognized it as one of America's Best-In-State Banks in 2024 for Tennessee and Missouri.

With the addition of Jodie Cochran to the Simmons Bank team, the institution is well-positioned to enhance its mortgage warehouse lending operations and to further strengthen its marketplace presence, ultimately benefiting clients and contributing to the bank’s enduring success in the financial landscape. For further details about Simmons Bank and its extensive range of financial solutions, you can visit their website at simmonsbank.com or follow them on social media.