John R. Taylor

CFP, CPA, PFS

CFP, CPA, PFS

Senior Vice President/Investments

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John began his investment industry career in 1990 and joined Stifel in 2015, after the acquisition of Sterne Agee Group, Inc.  Prior to joining Stifel, John worked as a practicing CPA and partner in a local firm, Merchants Investments Center, and John R. Taylor Financial Group. 

John earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Henderson State University and holds Series 7, 24, 27, 53, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).  He holds the Certified Public Accountant and Personal Financial Specialist certifications.  He also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which identifies those individuals who have met the experience requirements of the CFP® Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination.

Active in the community, John serves as a board trustee for Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and on the board of directors for The Degen Foundation.  He is also a member of Fort Smith’s chamber of commerce.

Neither Stifel nor its financial advisors provide tax advice.  You should consult with your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.

Mark R. Myers

Senior Vice President/Investments

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Mark began his investment industry career in 1997 and joined Stifel in 2015 upon the firm’s acquisition of Sterne Agee Group, Inc.  Prior to joining Sterne, Mark worked at Citigroup Global Markets.  He earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Arkansas State University and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). Outside the office, he is a member of Fort Smith’s chamber of commerce.  

Brayden H. Stringer

Financial Advisor

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Brayden began his investment industry career in 2018 and joined Stifel in 2023.  Prior to joining Stifel, Brayden worked at Edward Jones.  Brayden earned a B.S.B.A. in Economics and Finance from Arkansas Tech University and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).  Active in the community, Brayden is a member of Fort Smith’s chamber of commerce and Old Fort Days Rodeo association.

Brooke S. Hyde

Operations Coordinator

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Brooke began her financial services industry career in 2004 and joined Stifel in 2017.  Prior to joining Stifel, Brooke worked at First National Bank of Sallisaw, McMillian Financial Services, and Merrill Lynch.  She earned a Bachelor of General Studies from Northeastern State University.  Outside the office, she is a member of Fort Smith’s chamber of commerce. 

Doris F. Willbanks

Senior Registered Client Service Associate

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Doris began her investment industry career in 1996 and joined Stifel in 2015 upon the firm’s acquisition of Sterne Agee Group, Inc.  Prior to joining Sterne, Doris worked at Arkansas State Bank Department, Merchants National Bank, and John R. Taylor Financial Group.  Doris earned an Associate of Arts degree from Carl Albert State College and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, and 63 securities licenses.  Outside the office, she is a member of Fort Smith’s chamber of commerce.

LaDonna Locklear

Client Service Associate

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Ladonna began her financial services career in 2005 and joined Stifel upon the firm’s acquisition of Sterne Agee Group, Inc.  She attended the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.  Active in the community, Ladonna is a member of Fort Smith’s chamber of commerce.