Heritage Trust Company, a subsidiary of Argent Financial Group, announced today that Michael Romero has been named president.
I am pleased to announce that Mike has been promoted from vice president and relationship manager to president of Heritage,” said Heritage CEO Aaron “AJ” Jack. “With Mike’s rich background in estate and philanthropic planning and administration, he has played a key role in Heritage’s growth since he joined us in 2019. His professional experience and credentials, along with his commitment to client service and management style, make this an easy decision. On the heels of a record setting year in 2021, our future is incredibly bright and more so with Mike now leading the day-to-day activities of our trust and wealth management operation.”
Succeeding former president Kevin Karpe, Romero is assuming the role of president at an exciting time in the company’s 23-year history. The company experienced a record year of growth in 2021, which followed the succession of Jack to CEO in August 2020 when Bond Payne, Heritage Trust’s previous CEO and co-founder, became chief of staff to Gov. Kevin Stitt.
“On behalf of the entire Argent family, I congratulate Mike on his appointment to this important position and look forward to seeing Heritage Trust Company continue to grow and prosper under his proven leadership,” said Kyle McDonald, Argent Financial Group CEO. “We are blessed to have had someone with such deep experience and knowledge on our team and I look forward to his talents being put to use in an even more significant way as president.”
Romero joined Heritage from the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma, where he served from 2001 to 2019. At the Baptist Foundation he served as vice president and trust counsel until 2016, when he was promoted to senior vice president and chief development officer.
Romero is also an adjunct professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he teaches courses in estate planning and administration, and business law. In addition, he is an active member of Council Road Baptist Church.
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to step to the helm of our trust group,” said Romero. “I was drawn to Heritage because of how well respected it is for providing exceptional, fiduciary client services. It will be an honor to play a larger role in building that reputation and helping to shepherd Heritage’s continued growth.”
Romero earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He is also a member of the Oklahoma Bar and recently earned the designation of Certified Wealth Strategist through Cannon Financial Institute.
Romero and his wife, Laura, have been married 29 years and have four children. In his free time, he enjoys watching his kids play sports, reading a good book or exploring the Oklahoma terrain on a hike.
About Heritage Trust Company
Heritage Trust Company offers trust administration, oil and gas management, real estate management, financial planning and investment management services to individuals, for-profit companies and charitable/non-profit organizations. The Oklahoma-based company has offices in Oklahoma City, Ponca City and in Tulsa under the AmeriTrust brand, which serve clients in the United States and several countries around the world. Both Heritage and AmeriTrust are part of Argent Financial Group, a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm with responsibility for more than $35 billion in client assets. For more information, visit www.HeritageTrust.com.
About Argent Financial Group
Argent Financial Group (Argent) is a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm. Responsible for more than $35 billion in client assets, Argent provides individuals, families, businesses and institutions with a broad range of wealth management services, including trusts and estate planning, investment management, ESOPs, retirement plan administration and consulting, funeral and cemetery trusts, charitable organization administration, oil and gas (mineral) management and other unique financial services. Headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com.