The St. Louis Business 500 highlights some of the metro area’s most impactful, innovative, and inspirational leaders, from C-suite executives to under-the-radar entrepreneurs across an array of industries.
Beyond the brief bios below, we created a questionnaire to shed light on some of these leaders’ achievements, aspirations, and interests beyond the office. Click “Read More” for more interesting insights from some of St. Louis’ top business leaders.
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MITCH BADEN
PRESIDENT AND CEO, ROYAL BANKS OF MISSOURI
Baden’s bank made a big move in 2025, when it relocated to a new headquarters in University City—the same area where the bank was founded in 1964. In addition to housing Royal Banks’ main offices, the modern facility features more client-focused amenities, such as a café and community room. [Read More]
MATT BADLER
MANAGING DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL, TWAIN FINANCIAL PARTNERS
As a co-founder, Badler oversees corporate strategy and investments at Twain, a specialty finance firm that manages approximately $6 billion in assets. The firm focuses on tax-credit, renewable energy, SBIC, and USDA-backed structured capital solutions. Locally, Badler engages in civic leadership, serving on the board of Arch Grants.
GLENN BARKS
PRESIDENT, FIRST COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
First Community Credit Union modernized its member experience in early 2025 by rolling out Fiserv’s DNA real-time core platform across its 42 branches—nearly half of them located inside a major national retailer— enhancing both digital and in-person service through this award-winning infrastructure. Soon after, the credit union opened a second call center inside its new branch in O’Fallon, Missouri; it offers community meeting space and business continuity support. Barks has been a part of the organization for more than 40 years.
ADAM BIRENBAUM
CEO, FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS/FOCUS PARTNERS WEALTH
Following the merger of Birenbaum’s Buckingham Strategic Wealth and The Colony Group, the St. Louis native became the combined company’s new CEO. It marked an exciting next step for Birenbaum, who is eager to strengthen Focus’ position as a leader in integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. “We have the ability to create one-stop shops fully encompassing the hierarchy of needs where advisors can do their best work at the highest standard of care for their clients,” he says. “This is where the puck is headed.” [Read More]
PETER BLUMEYER
MARKET PRESIDENT, UMB BANK ST. LOUIS AND MINNESOTA
Since joining UMB in 2006, Blumeyer has strengthened the bank’s regional footprint and deepened client relationships, overseeing commercial growth and strategic collaborations across business lines. Active in civic leadership, he has served on the boards of the St. Louis Regional Business Council and The Magic House. He’s also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization’s St. Louis chapter and the Missouri chapter of the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer initiative.
MARILYN BUSH
PRESIDENT AND MARKET EXECUTIVE FOR BUSINESS BANKING, BANK OF AMERICA ST. LOUIS
Last year, Bush celebrated her 40th anniversary with the company, having launched her career as a credit trainee. She oversees Bank of America’s St. Louis presence and business banking strategy, where she champions initiatives such as mentorship, women in leadership, and diversity. Beyond the bank, Bush serves on the boards of the St. Louis Community College Foundation and the Hawthorn Foundation, roles that reflect her commitment to economic opportunity and community advancement.
DR. TARA BUTLER
CO-FOUNDER AND PARTNER, IYENGAR CAPITAL PARTNERS
At Iyengar Capital Partners, Butler applies a physician’s lens to medical-device investing, backing startups that address clear patient needs. The St. Louis firm, launched in 2022, has invested in six companies so far, including WashU– born Sora Neuroscience, which develops MRI analysis tools for clinicians. Butler, who earned both a medical degree and an MBA, argues that Iyengar’s dual focus on business fundamentals and clinical value helps keep investments tethered to outcomes that matter.
TONY CHENG
PRESIDENT AND CEO, REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA
Early in his career, Cheng accepted a senior role at RGA’s Malaysia office in 1997—but he soon realized that enthusiasm alone was no replacement for experience. “Rather than viewing that as a failure, I treated it as invaluable feedback,” Cheng says. “The lesson: There are no shortcuts to expertise. That insight led me to a new opportunity at RGA’s St. Louis headquarters, where I gained hands-on experience and broadened my perspective. My time in St. Louis deepened my foundation and gave me the skills and confidence to seize future opportunities with purpose and resilience.” [Read More]
MATT CORCORAN
REGIONAL PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF CORPORATE BANKING FOR ST. LOUIS, PNC BANK
A St. Louis native, Corcoran succeeded the retiring Michael Scully last year, bringing 16 years of banking industry experience to the top job in PNC’s local market. He joined the company in 2016 as managing director for its corporate banking division and was promoted in 2023 to head of corporate banking for St. Louis. “While PNC has built a formidable business in St. Louis since our introduction to the local market 15 years ago, our bank is still a relative newcomer when we consider the scope of this region’s—and PNC’s—rich history,” he says. “To me, the youth of our organization and our early successes translate to infinite opportunities to build relationships and serve St. Louis’ businesses, families, and communities.” [Read More]
BUZZ ECKELKAMP
PRESIDENT, BANK OF WASHINGTON
Eckelkamp is leading one of Missouri’s oldest community banks into a new chapter. In the past year, Bank of Washington opened its first branch outside Franklin County, establishing a permanent foothold in Clayton after decades of serving the broader metro area. Though the institution traces its roots to 1877, Eckelkamp sees modern banking as anything but static. “As customer and market needs evolve, embracing innovation and staying ahead to deliver the right solutions makes the job very dynamic,” he says. A Washington native, he’s also deeply committed to public service, serving as deputy chief of that city’s all-volunteer fire department. [Read More]
TAD EDWARDS
CHAIRMAN, CEO, AND PRESIDENT; BENJAMIN F. EDWARDS
Benjamin F. Edwards celebrated the opening of its 100th U.S. office in early 2025, marking its steady expansion across 34 states. Shortly thereafter, the firm welcomed Millennium Financial Group, a Clayton-based team managing more than $500 million in client assets, into its independent channel, pushing assets under management past $49 billion and reinforcing its appeal to advisers seeking autonomy within a scalable platform.
DAVID EICHHORN
CEO AND HEAD OF INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, NISA INVESTMENT ADVISORS
Eichhorn leads NISA’s evolution amid a surging demand for customized institutional solutions. As of September 2025, NISA managed more than $460 billion in combined assets, including $295 billion in physical assets and $165 billion in derivatives notional value. NISA, which counts more than 400 employees among its ranks, is 100 percent employee owned. “What excites me most is developing the talent pool at NISA to become the next generation of owner-managers,” Eichhorn says. [Read More]
PEGGY “PEPE” FINN
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, STERN BROTHERS & CO.
During the FINRA Diversity Leadership Summit in October 2024, Finn highlighted a career-defining moment when, early in her brokerage days, she was told that she couldn’t join a bond desk. That experience shaped her lifelong emphasis on cultural competency in finance.
SCOTT HARTWIG
ST. LOUIS MARKET EXECUTIVE, REGIONS BANK
Regions Bank helped coordinate disaster relief after the May 2025 tornado, with its foundation deploying $60,000 in recovery grants to local nonprofits. Last spring, Hartwig also brought together more than 100 nonprofit leaders at Regions’ annual St. Louis Community Convening, awarding a $25,000 grant to drive collaborative community projects.
TOM HILLMAN
FOUNDING GENERAL PARTNER, LEWIS & CLARK AGRIFOOD
Managing close to $400 million in assets, Lewis & Clark AgriFood backs growth-stage, tech-driven companies that are reshaping food, agriculture, and sustainable materials. Over his career, he’s owned more than 100 companies, reinforcing his reputation as one of the region’s most active and enduring investors.
TOM HOUGH
CEO, CARROLLTON BANK
Hough is the fifth-generation leader of the family-founded bank, which has grown to 11 branches and more than $3 billion in assets. Hough credits the mentorship of his father, Thomas. “In the back of my mind, he’s always there,” Hough says. “I know what he would say as if he were right here today.”
JOHN HUHN
MANAGING PARTNER, COMPASS GROUP EQUITY PARTNERS
In 2025, Compass Group completed a successful exit from EPIC Systems, a national industrial automation provider, guiding the company’s transition to VINCI Energies after years of operational growth. As managing partner, Huhn oversaw the firm’s involvement through the investment lifespan, including support from an in-house team of experts. Last year, Compass Group also saw the launch of a new cold-chain logistics platform through a strategic partnership with The Illuminate Group—indicative of Compass’ ongoing focus on sector-specific expansion and operational value creation.
ERIK KARANIK
HEAD OF INDEPENDENT SOLUTIONS, WELLS FARGO ADVISORS
After a period of regulatory challenges, Wells Fargo reached a major milestone last June when the Federal Reserve lifted its asset cap. Karanik credits the achievement to the tireless efforts of the company’s employees—more than 4,000 of whom live in the St. Louis region. Looking ahead, he’s excited about new technology innovations and the accelerating shift toward advisor independence. “Wells Fargo Advisors has been ahead of the curve thanks to our multi-channel business model that gives advisors the choice to work at a bank branch, traditional brokerage office, or independently affiliated practice,” he says. “Giving advisors options to meet all their clients’ needs—banking, lending, investing—at one institution, regardless of how they affiliate, isn’t possible at any competitor firm.” [Read More]
JOHN KEMPER
PRESIDENT AND CEO, COMMERCE BANCSHARES INC.
Kemper represents the fifth generation of his family to help lead the 160-year-old institution. He joined Commerce in 2007 as director of strategic planning, later serving as president and COO. Beyond his leadership at Commerce, Kemper is deeply involved in civic life, chairing the Forest Park Forever board and serving on the board for the Fund for KIPP St. Louis. He also serves on the Regional Business Council’s executive committee and the board of the Opportunity Trust, and is a member of Visa’s Executive Client Council.
CHRIS KERCKHOFF
PRESIDENT AND CEO, PLANCORP
Last year, Plancorp rose two spots to rank 78th on Financial Advisor Magazine’s America’s Top RIAs—a testament to Kerckhoff’s steady execution of fiduciary-focused growth. This follows approximately $8 billion in client assets under management as of the end of 2025. Kerckhoff is active on local philanthropic fronts, where he blends operational leadership with civic engagement: He has served on BrightPlan’s board and volunteers his time and insights to Variety the Children’s Charity.
ORVIN T. KIMBROUGH
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, MIDWEST BANKCENTRE
Kimbrough leads one of the region’s largest privately held banks with a mission to expand financial access and equity. Under his leadership, Midwest BankCentre has invested in loans to small businesses, nonprofits, and low-income communities through its Impact Banking initiative. The bank has also extended its reach into Kansas City and deepened community partnerships, reflecting Kimbrough’s belief that banking can be a force for inclusion and lasting change. [Read More]
ERIC KITTNER
CEO AND CHAIRMAN, MONETA
Kittner has led Moneta’s expansion beyond St. Louis: In recent years, the firm has broadened its national footprint to include offices in Kansas City, Denver, Boston, and Chicago. Moneta has also marked 25 years of charitable giving in 2024–25, with its foundation surpassing support for nearly 550 nonprofits and launching new financial literacy programs in schools across five regions. Kittner, who became Moneta’s CEO in 2018, continues to pair growth strategy with long term community investment.
DAVID KOWACH
CEO, &PARTNERS
A longtime leader in St. Louis’ financial sector, Kowach draws on more than 30 years of experience to guide a firm that aims to build a new model for advisor-led wealth management. Midway through last year, &Partners approached nearly $40 billion in assets under management. Before launching the firm in August 2023, Kowach was the president and CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors, overseeing advice on roughly $2 trillion in assets for more than 3 million clients.
RON KRUSZEWSKI
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, STIFEL
Kruszewski isn’t afraid of taking risks. When he became CEO of Stifel at 38 years old, he took a pay cut and a leap of faith on a firm that others had written off. Years later, that risk has reshaped both the company and his legacy. Stifel’s revenue has grown from $100 million to more than $5 billion, and its market cap is approaching $12 billion—a transformation he attributes to a culture grounded in values, teamwork, and deep commitment to clients and community. “I learned that the greatest opportunities are often disguised as risks,” he says. “Success comes from trusting your values, surrounding yourself with good people, and listening more than you talk.” [Read More]
JIM LALLY
PRESIDENT, ENTERPRISE BANK & TRUST
Under Lally, Enterprise Bank & Trust has earned recognition for advancing community and small-business development. In recent years, the bank has secured $50 million in NMTC allocations from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and it’s issued more than $1.4 billion in community development loans. Lally credits a strong team of associates for driving the bank’s impact: “We believe that a great client experience is the entire organization’s responsibility, and our operations, fraud, legal, and risk management teams understand this just as much as our client-facing and marketing teams.” [Read More]
PAUL LARSON
CEO, LARSON FINANCIAL HOLDINGS
From its beginnings as a small family business, the firm has evolved into a national company that has a presence in 42 communities and $100 million in annual revenue. The St. Louis native has forged that growth with a focus on helping families manage wealth with purpose. The key, Larson says, is remembering that building trust remains the foundation of all success in this industry. “It is hard to earn and can be lost immediately,” he says. [Read More]
KATHERINE “KATHY” LINTZ
PARTNER AND MANAGING MEMBER, MATTER FAMILY OFFICE
Following BW Forsyth Partners’ strategic investment in 2024, Matter Family Office—which Lintz co-founded in 1990—continues to expand its multigenerational service offering, with a strengthened emphasis on family culture, legacy, and stewardship. Lintz remains a senior leader, guiding the firm’s investment strategy and family learning services while working directly with complex family clients across the country.
DEREK MARTIN
MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS INSTITUTIONAL CLIENT GROUP MARKET LEADER, U.S. BANK
Martin joined U.S. Bank more than two decades ago, initially supporting middle-market clients across various sectors. Since being appointed as St. Louis market president in 2021, he has broadened the role to include institutional leadership throughout Missouri and Arkansas. Having earned a finance degree from Seton Hall and an MBA from the University of Missouri– St. Louis, Martin brings a blend of strategic business knowledge and regional insight to his market leadership.
BRIAN MATTHEWS
CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER, CULTIVATION CAPITAL
Throughout his career, Matthews has mentored and advised scores of startup founders in St. Louis and beyond. Helping these early-stage companies—many of them in fin-tech, agtech, and other related tech sectors—is a passion for the Brentwood native. His best advice for the next generation of St. Louis is straightforward. “Get a co-founder that fills a weakness in your skill set,” he says. “In order to scale quickly, you cannot do it alone.” [Read More]
BOB MCKAY
PRESIDENT AND CEO, TOGETHER CREDIT UNION
For McKay, the most rewarding aspect of running a credit union is immersing himself in the many things that Together Credit Union team members accomplish over the year. “At the top of that list is always the front-line employees in our branch offices and call center,” he says. “[They] work with our members every day, helping them buy homes or cars, balance their budgets, save for the future, or solve a problem today.” [Read More]
ED MCLAUGHLIN
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, MASTERCARD
McLaughlin’s team played a leading role in rebuilding Mastercard’s global payments network to be faster, smarter, and ready for the future. He has also been instrumental in advancing Mastercard’s fraud prevention programs, while driving advancements that help the company process more transactions securely and expand its reach across the world. “Revolutionizing Mastercard’s core payments network, transitioning from legacy systems to an integrated, agile transaction stream, enabling diverse and future payment technologies, crucial for the company’s growth and innovation in the digital payment landscape has been a challenging yet rewarding journey,” he says. [Read More]
SANDRA M. MOORE
BANKING + FINANCE MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER, ADVANTAGE CAPITAL
The local investment firm reached a major milestone this past year, when it surpassed $5 billion invested in small businesses, affordable housing, and renewable energy. Zooming in, Moore takes pride in the impact those investments have had: “What this looks like on the ground—more than 1,000 companies and 77,000 jobs supported, more than 13,000 families have access to affordable housing, and enough renewable energy produced to power the equivalent of 416,000 homes.” [Read More]
PENNY PENNINGTON
MANAGING PARTNER, EDWARD JONES
With her firm managing more than $2.2 trillion in client assets, Pennington is one of the most impactful and important business leaders on the planet. But she’s also wielding her influence at home in St. Louis, where she’s the vice chair of WashU’s board of trustees for the 2025–26 academic year. A member of the prestigious Business Roundtable, Pennington is the only woman in the United States to lead a brokerage firm of Edward Jones’ scale. [Read More]
RYAN SCHULER
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, ASCENSION VENTURES
Schuler oversees investment strategy at Ascension Ventures, the $1 billion venture arm of Ascension that backs health care companies focused on improving quality and access. He has helped steer funding to firms in areas that range from behavioral health to digital platforms, including recent investments in Strive Health and Censys. A veteran of the firm for more than two decades, Schuler also draws on the early experience he gained in mergers and acquisitions at A.G. Edwards and auditing at PwC.
NICK TOMPRAS
CEO AND CO-CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, ALPINE CAPITAL RESEARCH
If Tompras could change anything about his industry, it would be the way the world thinks about investing. Most people, he believes, don’t fully understand how to process the stock market. “They obsess on the market price,” he says. “When prices go up, they are happy. When they go down, they become fearful. Stock prices are a distraction from what creates value—business profits. Investors would be better off thinking about their publicly traded stocks as if they were privately held businesses.” [Read More]
BILL WILLHITE
MANAGING PARTNER, WILSQUARE CAPITAL
WILsquare Capital specializes in supporting lower-middle-market businesses—typically Midwestern and Southern platforms—by combining deep operational know-how with private equity capital. The firm’s principals bring more than 75 years of combined experience, having executed more than 100 merger and acquisition transactions totaling nearly $6 billion, with fund commitments exceeding $1.5 billion. Through Willhite’s leadership, the firm’s investment approach has targeted companies with $3 million to $15 million in EBITDA.
MIKEL WILLIAMSON
PRESIDENT AND CEO, FIRST BANK
Since becoming CEO in 2023, Williamson has guided First Bank with a determination to grow, embrace change, and advocate for its clients. The bank has expanded with a new headquarters in Creve Coeur, added branches in California and Texas, and transformed its balance sheet amid a challenging rate environment. Williamson also champions community engagement, from partnering with Girls Inc. on entrepreneurship programs to refining branch strategies that meet evolving client needs.
