Heritage Bank Welcomes Michelle Allen as Retail Operations Manager

Welcome to Heritage, Michelle!

We are proud to announce the hiring of veteran local banker Michelle Allen as Vice President - Retail Branch Manager at our Lebanon location. With a strong background in banking leadership and a passion for customer service, Michelle brings both experience and heart to her new role, which perfectly aligns with Heritage Bank’s Core Values of Service, Professionalism, Excellence, and Teamwork.

In her role, Michelle is responsible for the daily supervision of the retail operations department, ensuring the branch runs smoothly while providing a warm, welcoming environment for both customers and employees. She will oversee Branch Tellers and Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), including hiring, training, scheduling, performance development, and ongoing support to help each team member reach their full potential.

Michelle’s leadership responsibilities include managing daily workflows, maintaining operational reports, coordinating staff schedules and time off, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring the branch remains compliant with bank policies as well as state and federal regulations. She also works closely with operations management, acting as a liaison between branch staff and support departments to ensure clear, efficient communication.

In addition to leading retail operations, Michelle will serve as Heritage Bank’s primary contact for Trust Services, facilitating communication between customers and the Trust Company of the Midwest. She will also assist customers with Heritage Club accounts and support a variety of customer needs — always with a focus on personal service and satisfaction.

What truly sets Michelle apart is her dedication to creating an environment where both employees and customers feel valued, supported, and heard. From resolving customer concerns promptly to mentoring staff with professionalism and encouragement, her approach reflects Heritage Bank’s commitment to serving Neighbors with care and integrity.

We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Allen to Heritage Bank of the Ozarks and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our Lebanon branch and the community we proudly serve.

Stop by and say hello — Michelle looks forward to getting to know you.

Let's Learn More About Michelle

Tell us a little about your banking journey.
I began my career in retail and quickly realized it wasn’t the path I wanted to pursue. In 1995, I transitioned into banking, and nearly 30 years later, I’m still here and enjoying it.

I truly believe people remember how they were treated from the very first interaction. Because of that, I always try to greet everyone with a smile, listen closely, and connect with them about whatever is on their mind. Sometimes that means talking about banking, and other times it’s helping someone add an app to their phone or simply chatting about life.

When you’re not at the bank, how do you like to spend your time?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. Fall is my favorite season, and while I don’t watch much TV, I enjoy reruns of The Big Bang Theory and Gilmore Girls. My ideal day would be reading a good book with my dog on my lap, he’s 60 pounds, so usually it’s just his head and front paws that fit!