HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. Announces Retirement of Its Chief Credit Officer and Appointment of Successor

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTBI) (“Company”), the holding company of HomeTrust Bank (“Bank” or “HTB”), today announced that Keith J. Houghton, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, will be retiring from his position effective June 30, 2024. As part of the Bank’s strategic succession plan, Kevin Nunley, Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Credit, will assume the role and responsibilities of Chief Credit Officer upon Mr. Houghton’s retirement.

Over the past decade, Mr. Houghton has been a key leader in HTB’s transformation into a regional community bank. During his tenure, the Bank has witnessed significant growth and success in its credit management strategies. His contributions have been instrumental in maintaining a robust and balanced credit portfolio, ensuring financial stability throughout a variety of economic environments, including the pandemic.

Mr. Nunley joined HTB in September 2020 and has twenty years of large regional bank experience which includes senior credit officer, portfolio management and relationship manager responsibilities. Since joining HTB, Mr. Nunley has showcased his expertise in credit risk management, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making.

“On behalf of the entire HTB team, we are sad to lose Keith’s talent and appreciate the strong foundation he has built. We wish him well in this new chapter of his life. I am confident that Kevin will continue the precedent set by Keith in the Bank’s successful navigation of complex credit landscapes and that he will safeguard the financial integrity of HTB while continuing to foster positive client relationships,” said C. Hunter Westbrook, President & Chief Executive Officer. “I’ve enjoyed working with Kevin, and I know his seasoned financial background, sound judgment and strategic decision-making skills will be essential in continuing the balanced risk-reward equation for HTB that will sustain the financial health and growth of our Bank.”

Mr. Nunley’s two decades of experience in financial services includes various credit roles at First Tennessee Bank, First Horizon Bank, Wachovia, and as a financial analyst at Bayer. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wake Forest University Babcock Graduate School of Business.