Ohio Valley Banc Corp Names Independent Chairman, Appoints New President; Charleston Loan Office to Open
Ohio Valley Banc Corp replaced retiring chairman Thomas E. Wiseman by naming K. Ryan Smith its first independent chairman and promoted Ryan J. Jones to president and chief operating officer. The bank plans a Charleston loan office this summer and early-stage branches in South Bloomfield and Ironton, Ohio.
1. Board Leadership Transitions
At the annual meeting, chairman Thomas E. Wiseman stepped down after leading the bank since 1992. K. Ryan Smith, a director since 2021 and university president, was named the first independent chairman, replacing the lead director role eliminated following David W. Thomas’s retirement.
2. Executive Promotion
CEO Larry E. Miller II promoted Ryan J. Jones to president and chief operating officer, consolidating his previous COO duties. Jones brings over two decades of banking experience, including roles in risk management, operations, and compliance since joining the bank via the 2016 merger.
3. Branch Expansion Plans
The bank will open a Charleston, West Virginia loan office this summer to extend consumer finance services. Additional branch planning is underway for South Bloomfield and Ironton, Ohio, aiming to support community lending and deposit growth.