Bonvenu Bank today announced changes to its executive leadership and Board of Directors designed to position the bank for continued growth and success across Louisiana.
Jason Smith, who currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bonvenu Bank, will continue as Chief Executive Officer. James “Jim” Hudson, currently Southeast Louisiana Area President for Bonvenu, has been named President of the bank and appointed to its Board of Directors. Mark E. Porter, a current member of the Board of Directors and longtime Shreveport business and community leader, will become Chairman of the Board.
“Bonvenu has built tremendous momentum in recent years, and these leadership changes reflect both the strength of our organization and our confidence in the future,” said Smith. “Jim brings extensive banking experience, a deep understanding of Louisiana markets and a proven record of leadership to the presidency. Mark has been an outstanding director and community leader, and I look forward to working with him as Chairman as we continue building on the success of Bonvenu.”
Smith has served as President and CEO during a period of significant growth for Bonvenu, helping lead the bank’s expansion and continued development of its customer and community relationships. As CEO, he will remain focused on the bank’s overall strategic direction, financial performance and long-term growth.
Hudson brings more than four decades of banking experience to his new role as President. He joined Bonvenu in 2021 as Regional President following an extensive career in Louisiana banking, including leadership positions with First National Bankers Bank, Iberia Bank and OMNI Bank and OMNI Bancshares, Inc.
During his career, Hudson has served as a bank president and chief executive officer and has held senior commercial banking and business development positions. His experience includes strategic planning, commercial lending, business development, institutional banking, community outreach and bank operations.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as President of Bonvenu Bank,” said Hudson. “Bonvenu has an exceptional team and a strong commitment to relationship banking and the communities we serve. I look forward to working with Jason, Mark, our Board and our entire team as we continue to grow the bank and serve our customers across Louisiana.”
Hudson has also been active in business and community organizations throughout Louisiana. His service has included leadership with the Jefferson Business Council, East Jefferson General Hospital, GNO, Inc., the Jefferson Economic Development Corporation, the Louisiana Bankers Association and other civic and business organizations.
Porter, a lifelong resident of Caddo and Bossier Parishes, has been a member of Bonvenu’s Board of Directors since 2018 and brings more than four decades of business and community leadership to his new role as Chairman.
A 1980 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Personnel Management, Porter joined his family’s business, Porter’s Fine Dry Cleaners, in 1983. He subsequently expanded the company’s operations and founded Porter’s Industrial in 1998. He has also been a real estate investor since 1980.
Porter has been deeply involved in the Shreveport-Bossier community throughout his career. His leadership and service have included serving as President of the Red River Revel and President of the Better Business Bureau, as well as board service with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries and Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business. He founded the Coats for Kids program in 1988 and has been involved with the St. Jude Dream Home project for more than 30 years.
In recognition of his business and community contributions, Porter was named Mr. Shreveport in 2002.
“It is an honor and privilege to be chosen as Chairman of the Board for Bonvenu Bank,” said Porter. “I look forward to helping guide the bank toward even greater profitability and continued success.”
Smith added that the new leadership structure provides Bonvenu with an experienced team focused on serving customers, supporting communities and pursuing opportunities for continued growth.
“We have a tremendous group of leaders, bankers and employees at Bonvenu, and I am excited about what lies ahead,” Smith said. “Jim and Mark share our commitment to the bank’s customers, employees and communities, and I am confident that their leadership will help Bonvenu continue moving forward.”