Career Transitions

Becky Blair named Director of Marketing & Events for Branson Landing

Branson Landing has announced the addition of Becky Blair as its new Director of Marketing & Events, as the iconic waterfront destination prepares to celebrate its 20th Anniversary season in 2026.

Blair joins Branson Landing after serving as Director of Creative & Advertising for Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex for more than eight years. Throughout her career, she has also worked with organizations including Branson.com and Branson Bank, building experience across tourism, entertainment, dining, retail and community-focused marketing.

In her new role, Blair will oversee marketing initiatives, special events, community partnerships and promotional campaigns for Branson Landing during a milestone year for the property.

“I’ve loved Branson Landing from the start, not just for shopping and dining, but as a place where friends and family come to create some pretty phenomenal memories,” said Blair. “To step into this role during the 20th anniversary celebration feels incredibly special. Branson Landing has been a huge part of the Branson story for two decades, and I’m so ready to help honor its legacy while also helping to shape its future.”

Blair succeeds Nikki Kinney, who recently stepped away from her role at Branson Landing to pursue nonprofit work full time with The Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks, where she now serves as Director of Development.

As a co-founder of The Pathways Project, Kinney now helps lead fundraising, community partnerships and awareness efforts for the organization, which focuses on combating human trafficking through education, collaboration and survivor support throughout the Ozarks.

“After so many years in corporate America and nearly a decade at Branson Landing, I felt a clear pull to do something deeply meaningful,” said Kinney. “Pathways isn’t just an organization, it’s a mission I helped build from the ground up. Leaving the Landing wasn’t easy, but following my heart to invest in this work and this community is the most important decision I’ve made in my career.”

Branson Landing continues its 20th anniversary celebration season with a full lineup of events, entertainment and community activities throughout the year, including the kickoff of the annual FREE Summer Concert Series on May 23. The season-opening event will feature live performances from The Dirty Saints and Damsel, along with special 20th anniversary festivities and fireworks along the Branson Landing waterfront.

Located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo in the heart of downtown Branson, Branson Landing, owned and operated by HCW Development, has welcomed millions of visitors since opening in 2006 and is widely recognized as the most visited tourist destination in Branson.

For more information about Branson Landing or their events in 2026, visit bransonlanding.com or call 417-239-3002.

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Founder and president of MRG Development announces the sale of Branson’s largest real estate development company

On May 25, Steve Redford, founder and Chairman of MRG Development, announced the sale of his interests in the company.  Redford has sold his interest to Moira Darst, CEO, and Karl Finkenbinder, president.

Darst and Finkenbinder are currently principals in MRG Development which is the largest residential, commercial and resort development company in the Branson area and one of the largest VRBO developers in the nation.

Steve Redford has been a leader in the development of real estate projects in Southwest Missouri for over 50 years. Considered a visionary among his peers Mr. Redford has been a driving force in the region’s growth in development and construction.  

Projects developed by MRG include Sienna Estates, Wilderness Mountain Lodges, Summer Bay, Chateau Cove, Chateau Mountain, Briarwood, Roark Creek Condominium, Little Indian Resort, Pointe Royale Village and Country Club, Manchester Village Branson, Treasure Lake RV Resort, Treasure Resorts in Branson and Crossville, TN, Kimberling Crossing and Tall Timbers Camp.

Two new major projects are underway and will be launched and announced in the near future.

Not only have these projects grown the development of the Tri-Lakes area, they have also been a major contributor of jobs and economic growth throughout the region.

Redford said he looks forward to stepping aside from the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the company but is confident that the company is in good hands with the new owners.

MRG subsidiaries include Granite Construction Group, Horizon Excavation and Wholesale Lumber Supply.

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Branson Bank announces promotion of Rebecca Mullen to VP

 Branson Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Rebecca Mullen to VP, Compliance Officer, recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication to regulatory excellence, and commitment to protecting customers and the community. Mullen will continue to oversee the bank’s compliance, internal audit, fraud prevention, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program and bank security functions.

Mullen originally joined Branson Bank in 2013 as a teller and new accounts representative. By 2017, she gathered her customer-facing experience and moved into a compliance role where she quickly demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping strengthen internal controls, enhance fraud prevention efforts, and ensure adherence to evolving regulatory requirements. With a combined 20 years of banking experience, Mullen’s work has helped support operational excellence, safeguard customers and reinforce the bank as a trusted community partner.

One of her most notable accomplishments has been the creation of a community-wide fraud prevention coalition, the Tri-Lakes Financial Crimes Group (TFCG). The group includes 14 area financial institutions and seven law enforcement agencies with representation from the Missouri Highway Patrol, HSI, FBI, IRS, MO Department of Revenue, MO Department of Senior Services and VanderNet Technology Services. Through collaborative meetings, educational outreach and information-sharing efforts, the TFCG has increased fraud awareness throughout the community and strengthened partnerships dedicated to deterring financial crime.

“Becca’s dedication to educating our community about fraud prevention and helping customers protect themselves is invaluable to both our customers and the Tri-Lakes area,” states Katie Hodges EVP, Chief Operations Officer. “Her knowledge and expertise in fraud, compliance and operations have made a lasting impact, and her promotion to Vice President is truly well deserved!”

A lifelong resident of Taney County, Mullen graduated from Forsyth High School and attended School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks). She completed the American Bankers Association’s Compliance School and is a Certified Fraud Specialist. For the past two years, she has served as the Missouri Bankers Association, Ozark Region Peer Group Coordinator for Compliance Officers. Recently, Mullen graduated from Branson Citizen's Academy and the Taney County Sheriff's Department Citizens Academy. Additionally, Mullen has served over 27 years in children's ministry. She enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, traveling and scrapbooking.

Branson Bank is a $408 million-asset community bank that is a locally owned and controlled, state chartered financial institution with three locations in Branson, one location in Forsyth and one location in Branson West. Founded in 2000, the community bank is dedicated to serving the financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses in Taney and Stone Counties. With a focus on relationship banking and community involvement, Branson Bank has built a reputation for trust, service, and long-term commitment. Branson Bank, Member FDIC.