Sterling Bank appoints John Brey as new leader for Cape Girardeau market

Sterling Bank president and CEO Scott E. Spencer has announced John W. Brey has been named to lead the Cape Girardeau market.

In his role as president – Cape Girardeau, Brey will oversee all branch operations, including lending and business development, the bank said in a press release.

“John Brey has a 25-year banking career with a strong community banking background,” Spencer said. “We are pleased to welcome him to Sterling Bank and believe he will be a great leader for our company.”

Brey is an active volunteer in many local civic groups, including Habitat for Humanity, Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club and Junior Achievement Programs.

Brey’s appointment comes as Jim Childress, outgoing president for the Cape Girardeau market, relocates to his hometown of Poplar Bluff. Childress has been established in the Cape Girardeau location since the bank opened in 2003.

Over the next several months, while transitioning to his new office in Poplar Bluff, Childress will continue to service customers in both Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff.

“I am very excited to join Sterling Bank and welcome the opportunity to service the banking needs of Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area,” Brey said. “Sterling provides an exceptional culture for its staff and customers. I feel Sterling Bank’s products and relationship-banking approach is second to none.”

Sterling Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of Sterling Bancshares, Inc. Sterling Bank is headquartered in Poplar Bluff and operates 15 locations across three states: eight throughout Southeast Missouri, two in St. Louis, one in Kansas City, one in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, Illinois and three in Northwest Arkansas.

Sterling will open its 16th location in Little Rock, Arkansas, in February 2025.

As of December 31, 2024, Sterling Bank has assets of $1,416,096,909 and gross loans of $963,065,493 with $1,697,879,124 loans under management.