J. Thomas May

As a Marine, J. Thomas “Tommy” May served in psychological operations in Vietnam from 1967-70. He returned home to finish his bachelor’s degree and then his MBA at the University of Arkansas.

His then 50-year career in banking began in New Orleans and eventually led him to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he grew Simmons Bank from a statewide bank to a regional powerhouse in the banking industry. May is chairman of the Simmons First Foundation. He is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Simmons First National Corporation.

He serves on the University of Arkansas Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee, the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, the Arkansas Research Alliance Board, and the Arkansas Executive Forum. May previously serve as chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association and served on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees for 10 years, including as chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees from 2002-2003.