CHRIS K. FORD
Saint Louis
Summary
Transformational Bank CEO with expertise in driving growth and operational transformation in regulated environments. Proven success in building high-performing teams and aligning strategy with execution. Experienced in bank acquisitions, regulatory remediation, and financial performance management. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and leveraging challenges into opportunities for significant business impact.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
Elevate Bank, National Association
Saint Louis
11.2022 - Current
- Led an investor group through the acquisition of a failing bank operating under an OCC public order since 2017, navigating multiple regulatory and stakeholder approval processes
- Delivered profitability in the first month post-acquisition and sustained improved financial performance
- Remediated governance, operational, and compliance deficiencies, resulting in full removal of the OCC public order within one year
- Rebranded First National Bank as Elevate Bank, National Association, redefining strategic direction and enhancing market presence
- Executed core processor conversion from DCI to CSI, streamlining operations and enabling scalability
- Oversaw lending, operations, compliance, and human resources functions; built and led a high-performing management team
- Selected and managed external audit firms; strengthened financial controls, reporting, and oversight
- Directed budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and dividend strategy; established dividend payments by year two
Principal
The Jones Group
St. Louis
02.2022 - Current
- Family office overseeing direct investments across financial services, commercial real estate, and structured lending.
- Lead a family office overseeing direct investments across financial services, commercial real estate, and structured lending
- Sourced, evaluated, and executed direct investments in financial institutions, private credit, and real estate development, driving portfolio growth
- Developed investment strategy, underwriting standards, and capital allocation priorities across asset classes to optimize portfolio performance
- Oversaw commercial real estate portfolios, managing site selection, development, leasing, and asset management to maximize asset value
- Structure and fund private lending transactions, managing risk, collateral, and return objectives
- Serve as a strategic advisor to portfolio companies on governance, financial performance, and growth initiatives
Market President
Southern Missouri Bancorp (NASDAQ: SMBC)
St. Louis
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Appointed Market President following acquisition of Fortune Bank to drive market integration and enhance performance
- Directed commercial lending and retail banking operations across St. Louis market, ensuring smooth post-acquisition transition
- Provided executive oversight of a $320MM commercial loan portfolio, ensuring credit quality, growth, and alignment with enterprise strategy
- Recruited and developed commercial lending teams and regional retail leadership for SBA 7(a) platform
- Partnered with executive leadership to align local execution with public-company governance, risk, and performance expectations
President & Chief Revenue Officer
Fortune Bank
St. Louis
12.2020 - 05.2022
- Led enterprise-wide revenue strategy and growth initiatives across all lending and fee-based business lines
- Oversaw commercial lending, SBA, mortgage, insurance, investments, and deposit growth functions, driving comprehensive revenue performance across business lines
- Led group in core conversion from Jack Henry to CSI, enhancing operational capabilities and service delivery
- Served on the holding company board, contributing to strategic planning, governance, and M&A readiness
- Facilitated strategic positioning for acquisition by public bank, ensuring alignment with growth objectives and stakeholder interests
Senior Vice President – Fee Income Generation
Fortune Bank
St. Louis
03.2019 - 12.2020
- Managed, hired, and developed salespeople and coordinators across commercial bank, mortgage, and SBA & Lending teams; built and scaled diversified fee-income businesses to increase revenue stability.
- Directed non-interest income divisions to drive revenue growth and foster collaboration across lines of business.
- Built high-performing team of salespeople and coordinators to improve service delivery across commercial banking, mortgage, and SBA & Lending divisions.
Assistant Vice President – Commercial Lending
Fortune Bank
St. Louis
01.2015 - 02.2019
- Originated and managed commercial relationships, enhancing credit and portfolio management expertise
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and retention rates.
- Led cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Coordinated training programs for staff to elevate performance and compliance standards.
Credit Analyst
Fortune Bank
St. Louis
02.2014 - 01.2015
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas01.2012
Skills
- Leadership governance
- Organizational Strategy
- Revenue Growth
- Sales Management
- Financial Analysis
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Budgeting and cost control
- Regulatory compliance
- Project Management
- Change Management
- Bank integration
- Market integration
- Innovative vision
- Mission and vision
- Talent Development
Websites
Personal Information
Title: Vice Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
Timeline
Vice Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
Elevate Bank, National Association
11.2022 - Current
Market President
Southern Missouri Bancorp (NASDAQ: SMBC)
03.2022 - 11.2022
Principal
The Jones Group
02.2022 - Current
President & Chief Revenue Officer
Fortune Bank
12.2020 - 05.2022
Senior Vice President – Fee Income Generation
Fortune Bank
03.2019 - 12.2020
Assistant Vice President – Commercial Lending
Fortune Bank
01.2015 - 02.2019
Credit Analyst
Fortune Bank
02.2014 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Arkansas Tech University