Business First Bancshares names Jude Melville III board chair

Business First Bancshares announced that the board’s independent directors unanimously elected David R. “Jude” Melville III to the role of board chair and Rolfe H. McCollister Jr. as lead independent director. “For nearly 20 years, Rolfe and I have been working successfully together in various capacities, alongside many others, on this important endeavor. I thank the board for this opportunity to continue partnering with him and them in this next phase of our company’s life,” said Melville. In this role, Melville will lead the work to set the agenda for the board, leveraging his deep understanding of the business to elevate the right strategic opportunities and identify key risks and mitigation approaches for the board’s review. In addition to serving as chair, Melville will continue to serve as President and CEO of the company. As lead independent director, McCollister will retain significant authority including providing input on behalf of the independent directors on board agendas, calling meetings of the independent directors, and setting agendas for executive sessions.