08/15/2025
Indianola, MS – Planters Bank is excited to announce the appointment of Zachary A. “Zak” Kinchen, CPA, as its new Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer. With over 15 years of experience in financial risk advisory, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management, Kinchen brings extensive expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, internal controls, and financial auditing. His deep understanding of the operational, regulatory, and risk management challenges facing community banks positions him to strengthen the Bank’s governance framework while guiding it through today’s evolving financial landscape.
In conjunction with Zak's arrival, Judy Baldwin will be transitioning to the role of Senior Vice President of Risk, bringing her extensive expertise to this new position. Judy has made significant contributions to Planters Bank during her tenure as Chief Risk Officer, steering the bank through complex regulatory landscapes and enhancing its risk management framework. Her dedication and leadership have laid a strong foundation that Zak will build upon as he steps into this crucial role.
As the new CRO, Kinchen will lead Planters Bank’s enterprise risk strategy, oversee internal controls, regulatory compliance, and audit functions, and serve as a key advisor to the executive leadership and board of directors on matters related to risk management.
“We are thrilled to welcome Zak to our leadership team,” said Alan Hargett, President and CEO of Planters Bank. “His expertise in managing risk, combined with his extensive experience supporting community banks and financial institutions, makes him the perfect fit to guide our bank forward with strength and stability. We also express our gratitude to Judy Baldwin for her remarkable leadership and contributions that have set a high standard in this role—it is exciting to see her continue to play a vital part in our organization."
Before joining Planters Bank, Kinchen served as Director of Public and Middle Markets: Financial Institutions at HORNE LLP, where he led an extensive team advising banks and credit unions managing more than $125 billion in assets. His leadership in regulatory readiness, SOX implementation, internal audits, and financial strategy has earned him national recognition in the financial services industry.
A Certified Public Accountant, Kinchen earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University and currently serves as Chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee for the Society of Louisiana CPAs. He is also an active supporter of the Louisiana Bankers Association. Outside of his professional commitments, Kinchen is deeply engaged in community service, volunteering with local nonprofits, youth mentoring programs, and financial literacy initiatives, efforts that reflect Planters Bank’s own mission to foster growth and opportunity in the communities it serves.
Originally from a small town in South Louisiana, Kinchen has been married for 10 years and attributes his strong work ethic to the values instilled in him growing up in a close-knit, hardworking community.
"I’m honored to join Planters Bank, an institution deeply rooted in community and committed to excellence,” said Kinchen. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to strengthen our risk management framework, safeguard our customers’ trust, and help guide the Bank toward a strong, sustainable future. Just as importantly, I’m eager to continue supporting the communities we serve because when our communities thrive, we all succeed.”
