August 26, 2026
First Community Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Garst to senior vice president, mortgage loan originator.
In her role, Garst serves customers throughout First Community Bank’s Missouri market, from Joplin to Jane, while also originating residential mortgage loans in all 50 states. She works closely with homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents and referral partners to help individuals and families navigate the mortgage process and achieve their homeownership goals.
“I am incredibly honored to be promoted to senior vice president after 15 years with the bank,” Garst said. “This milestone represents more than a title to me. It reflects the trust the bank has placed in me and the relationships I have built with customers, referral partners and coworkers across Missouri and Arkansas. I am grateful to be part of an organization that invests in its people and encourages growth. I look forward to continuing to serve our communities and helping more families achieve homeownership.”
Garst has more than 30 years of mortgage lending experience. She began her career in 1992 with Beneficial Mortgage in Wichita, Kansas, which was later acquired by HSBC Banking Corporation. She later helped establish mortgage offices in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Joplin, Missouri, before joining First Community Bank in 2011 as a mortgage originator in Neosho.
A licensed mortgage professional since 1992, Garst has also been a certified Missouri Housing Development Commission lender since 2015.
“Kelly’s commitment to serving customers, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service has made her an invaluable member of our mortgage team,” said Amy Tuggle, senior vice president, mortgage production manager. “Her experience, professionalism and passion for helping families achieve homeownership have contributed greatly to our success. This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and dedication.”
Garst is active in her community and has dedicated countless hours to organizations that support children and families, including serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, volunteering with Lafayette House, Children’s Haven in Joplin, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ottawa County and Joplin. She is also a member of the Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS® and the Four Corners REALTORS® Association.
Outside of work, Garst enjoys spending time with her family. She has two daughters, Mackenzie Garst and Molly Harvey, and four grandchildren, Gentry, Quade, Sutton and Sunnie. She enjoys reading, entertaining, thrifting and antique shopping with her daughters, and her family makes it a priority to take an annual vacation together somewhere warm.
SHARE THIS:
