Leadership

A seasoned executive, Aaron Stephens brings more than two decades of excellence in commercial lending, capital markets, and organizational development. With a career defined by strategic growth, cultural transformation, and community-centered leadership, he consistently delivers results that elevate teams, strengthen client relationships, and create enduring business impact. Currently serving as Director, Capital Markets at Equity Commercial Real Estate Solutions, [Name] leverages a robust background in commercial real estate, lending, and market strategy to structure complex financing solutions and drive client success across diverse portfolios. Previously, as Regional Market Executive and Senior Vice President at Civista Bank, he led all commercial lending operations across Columbus, Dayton, and Urbana over an 11-year tenure. His leadership transformed teams into high-performing, sales-driven units through intentional development, coaching, and a culture-first mindset. A trusted advisor to CEOs, high-net-worth clients, and business partners, he cultivated deep relationships, guided strategic planning initiatives, and served as a central force in expanding the bank’s market presence. Across roles with Civista Bank, Insight Bank, Huntington Bank, and as a NAIOP Board Member as well as holding a leadership position at 614 Church, his career has been grounded in strategic planning, relationship-building, process development, and community engagement. He is recognized for his ability to assess complex needs, develop holistic solutions, and communicate with clarity, empathy, and purpose. A graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and holder of an MBA in Organizational Leadership from The University of Findlay, [Name] is widely respected as a communicator, teacher, and facilitator who leads with integrity and vision. His approach weaves together analytical strength, creative problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to empowering people and improving organizational culture. Core Expertise: Commercial Lending & Capital Markets Project & Process Management Team Leadership & Cultural Development Strategic Planning & Collective Impact Relationship Building & Community Engagement Training, Teaching & Public Speaking Change Management Networking & Business Development Driven by passion, grounded in service, and motivated by meaningful results, [Name] builds high-trust relationships and high-performance teams—always with an eye toward innovation, collaboration, and lasting positive impact.