Washington, MO – Bank of Washington Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer L. B. Eckelkamp, Jr. has announced the promotion of Kent Buhr to Assistant Vice President of Electronic Banking at the Bank of Washington.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to build a career with such a great organization. The Bank of Washington’s presence in the community, both professionally and civically, and their commitment to their customers are traits that are unmatched,” stated Buhr. “I am excited to continue to serve customers in my expanded role and to build and maintain strong customer relationships. At the Bank of Washington, we are always looking to find new ways of helping our customers, many times by bringing in the latest banking technology.”

Buhr joined the bank in 2014 as an Electronic Banking Associate, and continued to take on more leadership roles throughout the years. His main focuses are leading his team, helping customers feel comfortable and confident in the Bank’s digital environment, and assisting business customers attain greater efficiencies with the Bank’s products. He is a St. Francis Borgia Regional High School alum, graduated from the Bank Operations Institute in Texas, and is currently pursuing a degree in business. Additionally, Buhr is recognized professionally as an expert in ACH payments, rules, risk and compliance by earning his Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) and Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) certificates.

“Kent has exhibited strong leadership skills through his positive approach with our electronic banking products and services,” stated Bank of Washington President Louis B. “Buzz” Eckelkamp, III. “He continues to work diligently to improve processes and efficiencies, exemplifies product expertise, encourages his team members to continue to expand their knowledge, and has a strong commitment to compliance. Kent also became the Bank’s first certified AAP and one of the first APRPs in the Nation.”

Buhr is a member of the Washington Jaycees and St. Gertrude Parish. He and his wife Katie live in Washington, and have three children, Ellie, Colby and Tegan.

The Bank of Washington is the oldest and largest community bank in Franklin County, serving the community for more than 140 years. The bank has six branch locations and, since COVID, has extended hours at its Fifth Street branch and Fourteenth Street branch to be open on weeknights until 7 p.m., and extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays as well. For full hours and updates, visit www.bankofwashington.com. The Bank of Washington has also been consistently voted the No. 1 bank and mortgage lender in the Washington Missourian Readers’ Choice Awards.