Featured Associate

Jeff Whelan—Vice President, Commercial Lending

Jeff Whelan

What do you do at Country Club Bank?

As the Vice President of Commercial Lending, I’m responsible for building personal and business relationships with business owners to achieve their goals. 

These relationships help grow the bank’s loan portfolio and increase its full banking wallet share. 

How did you get into banking?  

I spent many years in financial planning and analysis for various large organizations in Kansas City. I had the opportunity to move into banking after I finished up my MBA, so I took a bit of a leap of faith entering a new business sector. 

What drew you to CCB?  

While I was looking to grow my career in banking, I reached out to a current customer who spoke highly of CCB and connected me. Like the family business I grew up in, CCB shares many of the same values along and treats everyone like family—with respect and trust. Given these shared values and the opportunity to advance in my career, it was a no brainer to join this great organization. 

How have you been able to advance your career at CCB? 

I think it’s pretty simple. John Wooden and Maya Angelou have both quoted as saying, “Nothing will work unless you do.” That mindset combined with “owning” my portfolio has been critical in helping me develop internal and external business relationships via the core values of ACE IT. 

What advice would you give other CCB associates about advancing within the bank?

It’s also been said many times that if you make a mistake, acknowledge it, fix it and move on. We all make mistakes, but make sure not to sweep them under the rug!

How do you engage your team?  

With authenticity and a little bit of humor—it’s critical to have good chemistry and trust because we interact with each other so much on a daily basis

What do you enjoy outside of work? 

I enjoy being active through running, golf and snow skiing.  I like to spend time with family and, of course, my best pet pal, Trooper. I enjoy trying to stay fit so I can enjoy Oreo cookies once in a while! Additionally, I attend sporting events for KU and the Chiefs and Royals.

Do you belong to any community or professional organizations? If so, why are you interested in them?  

I’m founder and board chairman of Heroes for Hospice, which gives back to local nonprofit hospice care organizations, and I serve on the board for Midland Care. Additionally, I’m a member at the local ACG Kansas City Chapter, alumni member of Centurions Leadership Program and Top Gun—a young business professional networking group.