RUSTON, LOUISIANA, August 3, 2015 – Kyle McDonald, CEO of Argent Financial Group, announced today the election of Tom Murphy as Chairman of the Board. Murphy follows Bobby Jelks who requested to rotate from the position he has held for the past eight years. Jelks will continue serving as a member of the board.
Argent has experienced extraordinary growth under Jelks’ leadership. Jelks agreed to serve as Chairman of the Board in 2007 when Argent was predominantly Louisiana focused and responsible for just over $1 billion in client assets. Argent now has over 20 offices in 11 southern states and is responsible for over $11 billion of client assets.
“It is amazing how much Argent has developed as a company under Bobby’s leadership. In less than a decade we have grown from a single state trust company to a regional wealth management firm. I personally have learned a great deal from Bobby and I publicly thank him for his tireless service.” says McDonald.
Tom Murphy, incoming Chairman of Argent Financial Group, brings more than 30 years of experience in leading companies. Murphy currently serves on the board of publicly traded PHI, Inc. and is chairman of PHI’s Audit Committee. He is the former President of Murco Drilling. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and an MBA from Emory University. In addition, Murphy is active in a number of civic, charitable and professional organizations.
“As a leader for other companies during his career, Tom identifies with the core values of focused client service that Argent delivers through our growing professional staff,” said McDonald. “His acumen and experience leading companies and advising on strategy make him well-suited to further position Argent at the forefront of the continually evolving wealth management industry.”
About Argent Financial Group Argent Financial Group, Inc., domiciled in Ruston, Louisiana, was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. Responsible for more than $11 billion in client assets, Argent Financial Group is a diversified wealth management entity providing individuals and businesses in the Southern U.S. with a broad range of services including trust administration and related services, investment management, retirement plan and charitable organization administration, mineral (oil and gas) management and financial, retirement and estate planning. For more information, visit www.argentcares.com.
