The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Oculus Inc. Grows Staff in St. Louis and Dallas Markets
New hires will support architectural services to retail, hospitality and government industries
Oculus Inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm, has hired Jack Bowe, Justin Kanturek and Lavell Johnson II to serve the retail, hospitality and government industries from its St. Louis and Dallas offices.
“We are very excited about the additions of Jack, Lavell and Justin,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. president. “As Oculus continues to evolve in the architectural and interior design industry, we require a team with diverse backgrounds and unique skillsets. Jack, Justin and Lavell will be instrumental in helping us continue to develop state-of the-art work for our national and international clients.”
Bowe joins Oculus Inc. as a project manager and brings a comprehensive architectural design and consulting services background with specialization in complex commercial and restaurant design. Prior to joining Oculus Inc., Bowe worked as an independent architectural contractor for projects including the Shaw Burger Station, a competing proposal for the Forest Park Boathouse, and Elmwood Restaurant in the St. Louis-area. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Kanturek also joins Oculus Inc. as a project designer for the St. Louis office, previously working on the Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex and Weber Workforce Center. Kanturek also served as an adjunct Teacher at Lewis & Clark Community College. He has a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois and is on schedule to complete his Master of Architecture degree from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in December.
Named a project designer for the firm’s Dallas office, Johnson II brings seven years of professional experience to Oculus Inc., most recently as a designer of residential and commercial roof and floor systems and retail layouts. He has a Master of Architecture with an emphasis in Urban Design, plus a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Oculus Inc. delivers comprehensive architecture, interior, planning and move management services that support business change and promote business value. For more information, visit oculusinc.com.
Karlos Ramirez Joins Midwest BankCentre’s Legal Board of Directors
Karlos Ramirez, president and chief executive officer of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis, has been elected to the Midwest BankCentre legal board of directors.
As leader of the Hispanic Chamber since 2011, he works to promote business opportunities for Hispanic-owned firms and professionals and to drive economic development in the region. Earlier in his career, he was director of the University Center and conference services at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
Ramirez chairs the board of directors for the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, which oversees economic development efforts in St. Louis City and County. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education at Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Ill., and his master’s degree in educational administration at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill. He is a member of the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), Veiled Prophet and Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity, a Latino-based fraternity with a multicultural membership.
Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, ranks among St. Louis’ largest locally owned banks with assets of about $1.9 billion and deposits of $1.4 billion. It provides integrated financial services with expertise in commercial, retail and digital banking; business cash management; mortgage lending; consumer lending; and insurance.
Monica Pangaribuan Passes Hawai’i Contractors License Exam
NewGround employee meets state requirement for local licensing
NewGround, a St. Louis-based design and delivery firm, recently celebrated Monica Pangaribuan, who successfully passed the Hawai’i Contractors Exam. The state of Hawai’i requires a licensed Responsible Managing Employee (RME) as well as a local, on-island RME. This enables Monica to serve as NewGround’s RME for projects in Hawai’i.
As Project Manager for NewGround, Monica provides direct management of production and schedule milestones, project goals, quality control, and job site safety. Monica also inspects and reviews the construction process to enforce compliance with plans, specifications, building, and safety codes. Bringing nearly 14 years of experience as a Project Manager or Project Engineer, Monica has served at numerous companies, including Bow Construction Management Services, Collawn Building Services, Lendlease, and Kitchell CEM, Nan Inc.
In addition to her recent RME certification, Monica holds certifications in Construction Quality Management for Contractors for the USA Corps of Engineers, Asbestos Awareness, OSHA 30, ACI, and First Aid/CPR.
“We are extremely proud of Monica and glad to have her on our team,” said Chip Nix, Senior Vice President of Build Operations. “NewGround looks forward to the many great things yet to come in Hawai’i with Monica supporting our efforts.”
About NewGround NewGround is an award winning international design and delivery firm that creates custom, brandinfused, experiential environments that accelerate client growth and performance. Over the last century, NewGround has completed more than 15,000 projects throughout the USA, Canada and in the United Kingdom. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, NewGround maintains corporate offices in Chicago, Illinois, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Toronto, Ontario, with a regional presence throughout the US. For more information, visit NewGround at www.newground.com.
October 19, 2018
New Hires at S. M. Wilson
S. M. Wilson & Co., has hired Jacob Fenster as an Estimator, Janell Lanahan as a Job Accountant/Project Assistant, Gary Parker as a Project Engineer, Ryan Brockmann as Assistant Project Manager and Patrick Aylesworth as Project Manager.
Fenster will be responsible for assembling cost estimates and developing constructability reviews and value engineering studies for construction projects. He holds a BS in Technology Management with a dual Major in Construction Management and Design and Facilities Management and Sustainability from Southeast Missouri State University.
Lanahan is S. M. Wilson’s new Job Accountant/Project Assistant. She graduated from Hickey College and has 17 years construction experience.
Parker will be responsible for helping establish procedures with the design professionals, consultants and Owner of projects for information flow, approvals
meetings and reporting. He will also track shop drawings, submittals, material deliveries and RFIs through the duration of projects and assist the Project Manager with MBE/WBE participation and workforce inclusion. Parker joins S. M. Wilson with 19 years construction experience.
Brockmann joins S. M. Wilson with 13 years construction experience. He will be responsible for helping establish procedures with the design professionals, consultants and Owner of projects for information flow, approvals, meetings and reporting. He will also track shop drawings, submittals, material deliveries and RFIs through the duration of projects and assist the Project Manager with MBE/WBE participation and workforce inclusion. Brockmann holds a BA in Finance from Missouri State.
Aylesworth, a LEED Green Associate, will be responsible for handling all administrative functions for a project, including scheduling, holding progress meetings, generating meeting minutes, tracking costs and maintaining logs for all project information. Aylesworth has a background in Virtual Design & Construction and holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State.
S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with headquarters in St. Louis. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.
Nonyameko H. Waddell joins Kwame Building Group as Vice President
Nonyameko H. Waddell has joined KWAME Building Group, Inc., as vice president, bringing construction management, legal and real estate development experience to the position. Waddell will oversee Kwame’s healthcare and higher education construction management projects, and will lead the firm’s pre-construction services.
Waddell has more than nine years of experience in project management and commercial real estate development. She holds a Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Polytechnic State University.
Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) is one of the nation’s top pure construction management firms, dedicating 100 percent of its resources to project management services. For more information, visit www.kwamebuildinggroup.com or call (314) 862-5344.
Rob Koester Named Executive VP & CFO for Murphy Company
Rob Koester, CPA, has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer for Murphy Company, the area’s largest mechanical contractor and engineering firm. The announcement was made by Patrick J. Murphy, Jr., president and chief executive officer.
Koester joined Murphy Co. in 2003 and has served as CFO. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Truman State University and began his accounting career with Deloitte.
In making the announcement, Patrick Murphy, Jr. noted that Koester has shown tremendous financial acumen and strategic thought leadership and has taken on additional responsibilities.
“Rob has worked diligently to ensure Murphy is always in the soundest of financial positions to tackle multiple large projects and, when necessary, to weather any temporary downturns in the construction cycle,” said Murphy.
Koester oversees Murphy’s accounting, finance, human resources, IT, risk management, procurement and facilities departments. Under Koester’s leadership Murphy has implemented numerous best practices in these areas that have helped support the company’s growth over the past 15 years. During Koester’s tenure with Murphy he played an instrumental role in the successful implementation of Murphy’s ERP system, development of a robust employee wellness program and continued investment in leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art data and communications systems. Murphy has also significantly expanded talent and resources in those key areas under Rob’s leadership.
Outside of Murphy, Koester serves on the boards of SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, American Contractors Insurance Group and St. Clair Stars Baseball Club. Koester is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Skaggs Named COO of Missouri Operations for Murphy Company
Thomas C. Skaggs has been named chief operating officer of Missouri Operations for Murphy Company, the area’s largest mechanical contractor and engineering firm. The announcement was made by Patrick J. Murphy, Jr., president and chief executive officer.
Skaggs has been a member of the Murphy team for more than 25 years, serving as vice president of operations since 2014. He recently led the Missouri Operations Group through a realignment of resources. Earlier, he oversaw the company’s safety program for two decades, building Murphy Co.’s training program and establishing an enviable record for safety performance. He also started and served as general manager, then COO, of QualSafe Solutions, a subsidiary division of Murphy Co. that provides safety related services to owners and other contractors.
Skaggs has been active on an industry national level, serving for over a decade as a past chairman of the National Safety and Health Committee for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), which represents approximately 2,600 firms. Locally, he serves on the board of directors for the MCA of Eastern Missouri.
“Tom’s leadership to streamline Missouri operations and expand our safety programs while also maintaining high-quality standards has been a tremendous asset,” commented Patrick Murphy, Jr. “I’m delighted to have him take on this expanded role for the company.”
Murphy Company is one of the nation’s top mechanical contracting and engineering firms delivering innovative solutions to the commercial, industrial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.murphynet.com.
Manor Real Estate Hires Director of Acquisitions Adam Brandvein to Represent Residential Real Estate Buyers & Sellers
Manor Real Estate, a locally-owned real estate company, recently hired Adam Brandvein as Director of Acquisitions. In this position, Brandvein will source and negotiate acquisition opportunities for both single-family and multi-family properties. He will identify and research target property markets that align with Manor Real Estate’s ongoing growth and brand objectives.
Prior to joining the company, Brandvein worked as a Commercial Loan Analyst for a national residential finance company. He previously served as a Transaction Manager for a global real estate services business.
Brandvein is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in Missouri. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.
“Adam will be instrumental in researching and managing real estate opportunities for a wide array of residential buyers and sellers,” said Manor Real Estate Owner Don Cherry. “His real estate background will truly be an asset to our company, and we look forward to his joining our team.” Cherry added that “Adam will also be in charge of renting our company’s apartment buildings located in the popular University City and Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhoods.”
Founded in 1971, Manor Real Estate is a full-service firm that handles residential and commercial real estate, as well as apartment property rental. The company is located at 3270 Hampton Ave. For more information about Manor Real Estate, call (314) 647-6611 or visit http://www.manorrealestate.com.
October 12, 2018
Christina Dancy Joins Midwest BankCentre as Assistant Vice President and BankCentre Leader
Christina Dancy has joined Midwest BankCentre as assistant vice president and leader of the bank’s Pagedale branch. Midwest BankCentre Chairman and CEO Jim Watson made the announcement.
As branch leader, Dancy cultivates relationships with new and existing customers, fosters a positive work environment and focuses on branch growth. She also serves as a community liaison, providing financial education to area residents and business owners and by partnering with community organizations to help their members achieve their financial goals. Current partners include the Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber of Commerce, Beyond Housing, Prosperity Connection, Grace Hill Women’s Business Center and the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Taskforce.
Prior to joining Midwest BankCentre, Dancy was assistant vice president at U.S. Bank Community Development Corporation.
Dancy earned her bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her master’s degree in management and leadership at Webster University. She is a certified anti-money laundering compliance specialist (CAMS) and is an alumna of Focus St. Louis’ Diversity Leadership Fellowship
A 2018 recipient of the St. Louis American’s Salute to Young Leaders Award, she is a member of the Regional Business Council’s Young Professionals Network-Leadership 100.She serves as a board member of Dream Builders 4 Equity and previously served on the board of Lutheran Family & Children’s Services. Dancy also is a member of the Urban League Guild of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Diversity and Inclusion Consortium. She supports the United Way of Greater St. Louis as a member of the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society Cabinet.
Joe Dietz Promoted to Vice President, Order Development and Engineering at Winco Windows
Joe Dietz has been named Vice President, Order Development and Engineering at St. Louis based Winco Windows.
“Dietz is committed to streamlining and improving how Winco handles the order process and ensures quality control,” said Bill Krenn, Winco President and CFO.
As Vice President of Order Development and Engineering, Dietz will oversee estimating, design, shop drawings, paper fabrication and submittals. He is also responsible for Quality Control and Field Service.
Dietz has been with Winco for nine years. Dietz has a B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing/Management. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.
Kurtis Suellentrop Promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Winco Windows
Winco Windows, a St. Louis-based manufacturer of architectural and heavy commercial aluminum windows sold across the United States, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kurtis Suellentrop, one of the company’s Leadership Team members to Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
“Kurtis has positively impacted our relationships with customers and architects,” said Bill Krenn, Winco President and CFO. “His creative approach to marketing, and sales can be directly linked to our steadily increasing business.”
As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Suellentrop, will focus on securing new business opportunities and transforming how Winco markets itself. This will include independent, and corporate sales representatives, architectural relationship development, territory sales development, marketing, promotional, and brand development.
Suellentrop has been with Winco for 16 years. Prior to Sales and Marketing, Suellentrop managed Winco’s R&D program, including multi-threat systems encompassing psychiatric, dynamic, acoustic, thermal, tornado, and hurricane windows.
He graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla, earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in design and thermodynamics.
For more information, contact Winco Window Company at (314) 725.8088 or visit www.wincowindow.com.
Christie Brinkman Joins Castle Contracting as Business Development Manager
Christie Brinkman has joined Castle Contracting, LLC as business development manager. In this position, she focuses on building relationships with potential clients to understand their needs and deliver solutions to complex civil contracting challenges. Brinkman collaborates with internal teams to establish and execute growth strategies for target clients and markets. This includes supporting division leaders in identifying, qualifying, tracking, prioritizing and positioning pursuit opportunities to maximize success for the St. Louis-based civil contracting firm. Brinkman also represents Castle at industry events and within professional organizations.
Brinkman joined Castle with a wide range of relevant sales, marketing and business development experience. Most recently, she served as business development director at Horner & Shifrin, Inc., where she helped guide the 85-year-old engineering firm to achieve record revenues. Her experience also includes positions with a national educational resources company, a local MBE/DBE civil engineering firm, a regional healthcare system and an international consulting firm.
Brinkman earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and international studies from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. She is active in several industry organizations, including Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLCCC), Missouri Society for Healthcare Engineering (MOSHE), Urban Land Institute (ULI), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Construction Forum STL, American Public Works Association (APWA) and Missouri Association of County Transportation Officials (MACTO).
Castle Contracting, LLC provides turnkey site preparation services, site utilities, earthwork and trenchless technology directly to owners; general contractors; and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection contractors.
October 5, 2018
St. Louis Community College Foundation Taps PARIC Vice President Hayes For Board of Directors
Howard Hayes, PARIC Corp. vice president of diversity and inclusion, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Community College Foundation. The role of the Foundation is to build awareness and understanding of the college while raising funds to help meet continuing financial needs of students and of the college. The Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization with assets of more than $8.5 million and an endowment of $3.5 million, according to Jo-Ann Digman, the Foundation’s executive director. “The STLCC Foundation has awarded almost $2 million in financial assistance to thousands of students,” Digman said. “We’re pleased to have Mr. Hayes working to help us meet the financial needs of students so they may successfully complete their program of studies and move into the work force as productive citizens.”
Hayes, in his role as PARIC vice president, is responsible for developing and executing initiatives to create and to foster open and inclusive work environments as well as supporting small, local, minority-owned and women-owned companies seeking to do business with PARIC. Before joining PARIC, Hayes worked for the St. Louis Development Corporation overseeing inclusion and workforce goals on large-scale projects including Ballpark Village, Cortex Innovation Center, Union Station and Scottrade Center. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration at St. Louis University and a Master of Business Administration at Webster University.
Established in 1979, PARIC specializes in commercial and interiors, education, healthcare, historic and urban redevelopment, hospitality and entertainment, municipal, science and technology, senior living and sports complexes. More information is at www.paric.com .
OCULUS INC. GROWS INTERIOR DESIGN STAFF
Architecture and interior design firm adds five new hires
Oculus Inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm headquartered in St. Louis, announces the addition of five new interior design staff members to the St. Louis and Portland offices. The new hires will better support the firm’s expanded design services in the hospitality, retail and healthcare markets.
“As Oculus Inc. grows into new and more sophisticated markets, we are dedicated to adding strategic resources to provide our clients with high-end, truly innovative designs that eloquently communicate their message and brand through physical spaces,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “These new, talented additions to the interior design team will strengthen Oculus’ capabilities and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Joining the St. Louis office are interior designers Carolyn Fava and Mallory Smith. Fava’s background includes an emphasis on green design, design-build and architecture. Smith previously worked as a Project Designer at Cushman & Wakefield. Also joining the St. Louis office is project designer Carlos Goldberg. Goldberg comes to the team after working as an interior architectural designer with a focus on senior living, hospitality and luxury residences.
The Portland office welcomes Jaime Merrill as interior designer. Merrill joins the staff with a residential interior design background.
Oculus Inc. has made significant strides in the hospitality industry, most notably the recent acquisition of Staicoff Design Company in Portland, Ore. Oculus employs 50 professional architects, designers, and corporate staff in the St. Louis headquarters and the Dallas and Portland offices.
Oculus Inc. delivers comprehensive architecture, interior, planning and move management services that support business change and promote business value. Founded in 1994, Oculus creates high-performance design for clients in the retail, commercial, restaurant, education, government and healthcare industries. For more information, visit oculusinc.com.
M+H Architects Announces Expansion of Ownership
M+H Architects announced earlier this week that they have expanded the company’s ownership to drive its ongoing mission and help their clients realize their goals by providing creative design solutions. M+H Architects will have three new Shareholders/Principals: Mike Deane, Larry Valenza, and Justin Bruce.
As the firm’s first Vice Presidents they will continue to advance the company vision through extended target markets and fostering client relationships. “We want to continue our collective success and add in a fresh, vibrant attitude,” said Larry Mitchell, Principal and President of M+H Architects. “We also want to create new opportunities for our staff regarding our approach to marketing, design and the execution of architecture. The new Shareholders are all great leaders and influencers with positive attitudes and proven track records. They are willing to challenge the status quo and inspire a future generation of leaders.”
M+H’s future will uphold its consistent philosophy of a transparent, focused, and responsive company. “We will have additional and expanded opportunities for relationships and collaboration that will build a stronger organization to galvanize our momentum for the unfolding future of M+H,” said Mark Hugeback, Principal and Secretary/Treasurer of M+H Architects. “This announcement is just another step in our journey to structure M+H for future growth and continued success.”
Construction Safety Expert Joins Guarantee Electrical Company as Corporate Safety Director
The executive management team at Guarantee Electrical Company (Guarantee) is excited to announce long-time construction safety veteran, Todd Cook, CSP has joined the company as Corporate Safety Director. With nearly 20 years in safety program management, Todd will lead, organize and administer efforts of the Guarantee corporate health and safety programs including, jobsite safety inspections/evaluations; claims management; regulatory agency interaction, insurance programs; and fleet management.
Prior to joining Guarantee, Mr. Cook was the Director of Safety and Health for Thomas Industrial Coatings where he successfully developed, implemented and monitored the company’s safety, health, and training programs. Additionally he has served in various safety roles for general contractors on many high profile transportation, power generation and heavy industrial projects during his 20 year career.
According to Rick Oertli, CEO Guarantee Electrical Company, “We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Todd’s leadership, experience and insights in bringing our already robust safety program to another level. His experience working on projects for global construction companies as well as on private and public projects will help us to continue to be a nationwide leader in corporate safety.”
In addition to his B.S. Construction Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene from Montana Tech, Todd holds several other safety certifications including Certified Safety Professional (CSP). Todd is also a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, the American Hygiene Association, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
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Founded in 1902, St. Louis based Guarantee Electrical is consistently ranked among the largest electrical contractors in the United States. Its operations include branch offices in Granite City, IL. and Denver, CO, plus ongoing operations in California. The company provides full-scope electrical contracting, including preconstruction, construction, engineering and design, design-build, design-assist, value engineering, procurement, electrical and communications systems, service and preventive maintenance. To learn more, visit www.geco.com
Tim Manherz, TAS Commercial Concrete Recipient of ASCC Member Owner Safety Award
The Safety and Risk Management Council (SRMC) of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), St. Louis, is pleased to announce that Tim Manherz, senior vice president of operations, TAS Commercial Concrete, Houston, TX, is this year’s recipient of the ASCC Member Owner Safety Award, presented September 20 at the association’s Annual Conference in Charlotte. The purpose is to annually recognize one owner/executive of a contractor member company that displays a clear focus and passion for safety, and provides the leadership that creates a best-in-class safety culture.
Manherz received a B.S. in construction from Arizona State University where he graduated with honors and was named “Outstanding Graduate” of his class. He is a member of the ASCC board of directors and current president of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association.
TAS works over 3,000,000 man hours annually. For the past three years they have had an RIR average of 1.9 and an average EMR of 0.45. In nominating Tim, TAS’ employees wrote, “Safety has always been priority for TAS management, with Tim as one of the TAS Safety Team’s biggest champions. Tim is the live wire conducting the energy that binds production and safety into a unified force at TAS, now operating in Houston, Dallas, and several cities in central Texas. His close work with, and mentorship to the Safety Team, ensures a constant line of communication between production and safety, thus facilitating a unity of action that ultimately benefits every TAS employee.”
This award is in keeping with Goal #1 of the ASCC Strategic Plan: Increase the Number of Contractor Member Owners Who Truly Demonstrate a Personal Commitment to Safety.
“Strong safety cultures thrive in organizations where leaders take an active role,” says Mike Schneider, SRMC council director. “Contractor member owners that understand this know that building a true safety culture begins and ends with them: the priorities they set, the choices they make and their expectations of others. It requires effort and commitment from the top, but employees will tell you that it makes a difference.”
The Safety and Risk Management Council (SRMC) is a specialty council dedicated to making ASCC contractors the safest in the industry.
The ASCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of those who build with concrete, and to providing them a unified voice in the construction industry. For more information visit the web site at www.ascconline.org or call (866) 788-2722.
Orvin T. Kimbrough Elected CEO of Midwest BankCentre and Its Holding Company
Extends Entrepreneurship at Nation’s Third Largest United Way to Bank’s Community Focus
Orvin T. Kimbrough, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, has been elected by the board of directors as CEO of Midwest BankCentre and its holding company, Midwest BankCentre, Inc. He will remain a member of the bank board, on which he has served since 2015. The appointment is effective Feb. 1, 2019. Kimbrough will stay in his current role with United Way until then.
Midwest BankCentre CEO and Chairman Jim Watson will continue in his current role until Kimbrough joins the bank, and then serve full-time as executive chairman of Midwest BankCentre while remaining vice chairman of Midwest BankCentre, Inc. Dale Oberkfell continues as president and chief financial officer of Midwest BankCentre.
Kimbrough, 43, joins Midwest BankCentre after a nearly 20-year career leading entrepreneurial, community-focused nonprofit organizations. As president and CEO since 2013 of United Way of Greater St. Louis, it has advanced from the fifth to the third largest United Way in the country, generating more than $82.5 million annually in private and public funding to create social impact. It is among the region’s leading nonprofits.
Kimbrough’s entrepreneurial approach has been shaped by his educational background in social work, business and theology. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. He earned his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Kimbrough also graduated from Aquinas Institute of Theology with a master of arts in theology. He currently serves as adjunct professor in Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work, designing a post-graduate course on teams and leadership.
“We are deeply grateful to Orv for his decade of service and leadership with United Way of Greater St. Louis,” said Rich McClure, board chair of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Orv has made a lasting impact in the St. Louis region during his time with United Way. As CEO, he led the community through five successful campaigns, raising more than $370 million to help others live their best possible lives. In addition, Orv has guided the organization through a strategic transformation in how United Way engages with stakeholders and supports our community. United Way’s board and staff remain focused and committed to the important work of our agencies and partners, and we look forward to continuing a strong relationship with Orv in his new role with Midwest BankCentre.”
According to McClure, United Way has convened a search committee of the board to conduct a national search for Kimbrough’s successor. The committee expects to have a president and CEO named and in place before Kimbrough’s departure.
The appointment of Kimbrough, who will become the region’s only African-American bank CEO, affirms the transformation begun by Midwest BankCentre in 2011, when it enlarged its vision of service to the community. About the same time, the bank entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, which expired in mid-2016. The bank committed to open a bank branch in an area of St. Louis populated primarily by African-American citizens; invest in a special financing program to expand loans to St. Louis area neighborhoods with majority African-American residents; allocate funding for consumer financial education and credit repair; and expand marketing.
About Midwest BankCentre: Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, employs a staff of about 280 working at 19 bank locations in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County. In April 2015, it acquired Southern Commercial Bank, formed in 1891. In July 2016, it purchased Bremen Bank & Trust Co., founded in 1868. It ranks among St. Louis’ largest locally owned banks with assets of about $1.9 billion and deposits of $1.4 billion. It provides integrated financial services with expertise in commercial, retail and digital banking; business cash management; mortgage lending; consumer lending; and insurance. The bank is a local leader in the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force and its Bank-On Save-Up St. Louis initiative. Since 2001, Midwest BankCentre has consecutively achieved the Bauer Financial 5-Star Superior financial rating each quarter. Further details are available at www.midwestbankcentre.com.
About United Way of Greater St. Louis: United Way of Greater St. Louis mobilizes the community with one goal in mind — helping people live their best possible lives. Located throughout 16 counties in Missouri and Illinois, United Way helps one in three people in the region build a foundation for a good quality of life through basic needs, financial stability, education, health and strong communities. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org.
Editor’s note: Orvin T. Kimbrough, born in East St. Louis, currently lives in St. Louis County with his wife, Latriece, and their two children, Maddison and Matthew.