Tell me about what you do at UMB.
I am a senior vice president and commercial loan officer for UMB Bank in the Arizona market. I was lucky to find my passion early in life and started my banking career in high school as a bank teller. My career path is unusual, as I’ve spent my entire post-college career at UMB Bank and recently celebrated 17 years here. I joined UMB Bank’s Management Rotation Program just one month after graduating college and was able to gain exposure and experience in various departments within the bank before joining the commercial team.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment during your time with UMB?
When UMB expanded its presence into Arizona, I was given the opportunity to be one of the first dozen associates to develop and grow the new office in Phoenix. We started with limited in-market networks and have grown our outstanding loans from under $100 million in 2008 to nearly $2 billion today. My loan portfolio is more than $325 million with several high-profile, in-market customers. This success would not have been achievable without the great support from both the Arizona team and the loan operations team in Kansas City. We really have built something special in the Valley, and I cannot wait to see what the years ahead hold.
Tell us about a moment that provided clarity about your passion.
When I moved to Arizona in 2008, I felt it was important to get involved in the community and invest in my new home. I had heard that community involvement involves three “Ts”: time, talent and treasure. So, when I saw UMB’s incredible commitment to supporting associate community endeavors through volunteer time off and financial contributions, I knew I was in the right place.
In 2012, a customer connected me to my first nonprofit board opportunity, and while I did not have the network to find treasure, I did have plenty of time to donate and a finance background to share my talents. I was able to serve as the treasurer for Teen Lifeline for three years and help the organization identify and finance the purchase of its facility. This initial board position further ignited my passion for community service and inspired me to find more organizations to join. Through my involvement with the Arizona community, I have not only had the opportunity to raise money for great causes but also develop relationships with other passionate leaders in the Valley.
What causes or organizations are you most passionate about?
I am very passionate about improving the lives of Arizona’s youth through the organizations I have been lucky enough to be involved with. I am currently a member of the Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee, where I have a unique opportunity to help play a role in hosting the Guaranteed Rate Bowl and Fiesta Bowl for college football, as well as other fun events. Over the past eight years, through ticket sales, the Fiesta Bowl has provided $25 million in charitable giving to organizations and teachers across Arizona. In addition, I serve on the board of directors for Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona‡, which provides opportunities to guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women. Also, I recently was selected to join PCH50‡, an organization that seeks to harness the energy, enthusiasm and experience of 50 driven community leaders to support Phoenix Children’s Hospital through financial fundraising, volunteer efforts and awareness building. This year, our goal is to raise $2 million to fund the initial equipment and staffing for the hospital to create a pediatric transport unit.
Lastly, I recently completed my involvement with Scottsdale Saguaros‡ (formerly Scottsdale Active 20/30 Club), which is a men’s organization for young professionals aged 40 years and younger that raises funds for children’s nonprofit organizations in Arizona, while developing members’ leadership skills. In my nearly nine years as a member, Scottsdale Saguaros has raised nearly $7 million, and I was fortunate to be chosen to serve as president from 2018 to 2019. As president, I proposed a challenge to the membership, I wagered a tattoo in exchange for raising $1 million within the fiscal year – something that had never been done before in the organization’s 30-year history. Today, I proudly have “$1.3MM” on my ankle in celebration of raising $1.3 million for kids and am honored to have been recently inducted as a Saguaros’ Sentinel Life Member.
I am so lucky to have the opportunity to serve the Arizona community and work for a company with associates who hold the same passion and commitment to our residents’ well-being and success.
Stay informed on industry trends and noteworthy company news by visiting our Industry News section on umb.com. Follow UMB on LinkedIn‡ and Facebook‡ to see regular updates about our company, people and timely financial perspectives.
When you click links marked with the “‡” symbol, you will leave UMB’s website and go to websites that are not controlled by or affiliated with UMB. We have provided these links for your convenience. However, we do not endorse or guarantee any products or services you may view on other sites. Other websites may not follow the same privacy policies and security procedures that UMB does, so please review their policies and procedures carefully.
