Stock Yards Bank Expands Footprint Across Kentucky

CEO Ja Hillebrand discusses the bank's strategic growth through acquisitions and organic expansion.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:53pm

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Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co., the largest Kentucky-domiciled bank, has grown significantly over the past decade through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic expansion into new markets like Indianapolis and Cincinnati. CEO Ja Hillebrand discusses the bank's long-term vision, focus on community banking values, and plans for continued growth across the state.

Why it matters

As regional and community banks face increasing pressure from larger national players, Stock Yards Bank's commitment to its Kentucky roots and community banking model has allowed it to thrive and expand its footprint. The bank's growth highlights the continued importance of local decision-making and customer relationships in the banking industry.

The details

Under Hillebrand's leadership, Stock Yards Bank has grown from 7 branches and $300 million in assets in the 1990s to 75 branches and $9.5 billion in assets today. The bank has executed a series of strategic acquisitions, including Bank of Oldham County in 2013, Kentucky Bank in 2021, and Commonwealth Bank & Trust in 2022. These deals have allowed Stock Yards to expand into new markets like Lexington and Northern Kentucky while maintaining its community banking focus and values.

  • Stock Yards Bank opened in 1975.
  • The bank made its first major acquisition of Bank of Oldham County in 2013.
  • Stock Yards acquired Kentucky Bank in 2021.
  • The bank acquired Commonwealth Bank & Trust in 2022.
  • Stock Yards announced plans to merge with Field and Main Bank in 2023.

The players

Ja Hillebrand

CEO of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. and its holding company, Stock Yards Bancorp Inc. Hillebrand joined the bank in 1996 and has led its expansion through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

Louis Pritchard

Former CEO of Kentucky Bank, which was acquired by Stock Yards Bank in 2021.

Scott Davis

Chairman and CEO of Field and Main Bank, which is set to merge with Stock Yards Bank in 2023.

Doug Lawson

President of Field and Main Bank.

Rick Seidler

Former Pinnacle Bank executive hired by Stock Yards Bank to lead its de novo expansion into Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“Our strategic plan focuses on organic growth one customer at a time, complemented by opportunistic acquisitions. We have a long-term plan and Stock Yards plans for 15 and 20 years out.”

— Ja Hillebrand, CEO, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co.

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee

What’s next

Stock Yards Bank plans to continue its organic expansion into western Kentucky, including the Bowling Green, Owensboro, and Paducah markets, through de novo branch openings and hiring experienced local bankers.

The takeaway

Stock Yards Bank's commitment to its Kentucky roots and community banking model has fueled its growth over the past three decades, as the bank has strategically expanded across the state through a combination of acquisitions and organic expansion. The bank's focus on long-term planning, local decision-making, and customer relationships has allowed it to thrive in an increasingly competitive banking landscape.