Session Presenters
Gary Crum
Former CEO
Western States Bank
Bruce Lee
President & CEO
HTLF
Christopher Olsen
Managing Partner
Olsen Palmer LLC
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About the presenter
Presented by
Gary Crum
Former CEO
Western States Bank
Gary Crum is the former CEO at Western States Bank. He is the founder of the bank, which was acquired by Omaha, Nebraska-based First National Bank of Omaha. At the time of the closing of the transaction, Western States Bank had approximately $565 million in total assets and 10 branches across Southeastern Wyoming, Northeastern Colorado and Western Nebraska. He has more than 40 years of banking experience.
Prior to founding Western States Bank in 2006, Mr. Crum’s career includes having worked at First Interstate Bank, KeyBank and First Wyoming Bank.
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About the presenter
Presented by
Bruce Lee
President & CEO
HTLF
Bruce Lee is president and CEO at HTLF. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry. He oversees the 11 HTLF banks and the holding company which provides support to 117 banking centers, serving over 90 communities.
Prior to joining HTLF, Mr. Lee spent 12 years at Fifth Third, where he held numerous leadership positions with progressive responsibilities. He joined Fifth Third in 2001 following Fifth Third’s acquisition of Capital Bank, where he served as an executive vice president.
Mr. Lee complements his extensive banking experience with a dedication to community service. He has served as trustee of the Cincinnati Orchestra and held board positions for the Medical College of Ohio Foundation, Siena Heights University and the University of Findlay.
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About the presenter
Presented by
Christopher Olsen
Managing Partner
Olsen Palmer LLC
Christopher Olsen is managing partner at Olsen Palmer LLC. He has been advising financial institutions for the entirety of his career having advised on more than 100 M&A transactions representing more than $10 billion in total value. Prior to founding Olsen Palmer, he managed a regional bank M&A advisory practice for Hovde Financial and then for Milestone Advisors. He has also worked in the investment banking division of Morgan Stanley, as well as for First Annapolis Consulting. Mr. Olsen began his career in banking, first at Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo) then at a 3-branch community bank.
Breakout 7: Bank M&A Master Class: Best Practices and Lessons Learned for Maximizing Value and Minimizing Deal Risk
Attend this session to hear a moderated ‘fireside’ panel discussion with a recent selling bank CEO and a recent acquiring CEO. For prospective sellers, learn best practices for preparing for and executing a sale as well as characteristics that achieve a premium price. For would-be buyers, gain better insights on the seller’s mindset, the deal process, areas of value creation, and key transaction risks.