HOUSTON, Texas – May 16, 2019 – Regions Bank on Thursday announced Chris Cooper will serve as area manager leading the company’s Private Wealth Management teams that provide investment services to a wide range of clients across the Houston and Austin areas.
Cooper currently serves as a portfolio manager with the Regions Asset Management team in the bank’s Shreveport, La., market, a role he has held since 2015. Regions’ Asset Management group works with individual clients and institutions to provide tailored investment advice meeting their unique needs.
Cooper began his tenure with Regions as a Trust Advisor, a role in which he consistently collaborated with Private Wealth Management professionals to provide comprehensive investment guidance.
“During his time at Regions, Chris has elevated our performance as a team by bringing skilled insights and a spirit of collaboration to every opportunity. He has proven himself to be a versatile leader who is well equipped to lead our Private Wealth Management teams in Houston and Austin, where Regions is expanding its presence and capabilities,” said Travis Lemonte, Regional Manager for Regions Private Wealth Management. “Chris has been recognized by industry peers for providing exceptional service and making a profound impact on his clients’ lives. Our strong teams of Wealth Advisors in Houston and Austin will only grow stronger with his leadership.”
Prior to his tenure with Regions, Cooper was a financial planner with Ifrah Financial Services Inc. and its predecessor, Hutchinson, in Texarkana, Texas, where he worked with clients on general financial planning, investment management, estate planning and wealth transition. Cooper was also a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Texarkana from 1998–2001. Cooper has earned the Certified Financial Planning designation.
Cooper joins leadership teams in Houston and Austin that are leveraging their experience and market insights to expand Regions’ clients base while also taking a strategic, proactive role in addressing needs affecting the broader community. The bank takes a focused approach on helping clients reach their financial objectives through Regions360.
As part of Regions360, the company’s bankers take the time to learn the unique goals of each client and collaborate with colleagues from across Regions’ various banking departments to develop holistic, custom-tailored solutions for short-term and long-term needs.
During his time at Regions, Chris has elevated our performance as a team by bringing skilled insights and a spirit of collaboration to every opportunity.
Travis Lemonte, Regional Manager for Regions Private Wealth Management
“Our collective approach of bringing together the expertise and experience of colleagues from across our business groups is what truly differentiates us when we meet with clients to discuss their needs,” said Cooper. “I look forward to partnering with our Houston and Austin leadership to expand our market presence and exceed our clients’ expectations.”
Cooper earned a Masters degree in Securities Analysis and Portfolio Management from Creighton University. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Arkanas. Cooper will be relocating to the Houston area as he begins his new role.
Cooper joins experienced leadership teams in the Houston and Austin markets. Earl Connell, an industry veteran of two-plus decades, serves as the Consumer Banking Executive for Regions’ South Texas and South Louisiana territory, which includes Houston and Austin. Regions has identified Houston as a priority growth market, opening a dozen new Harris County branches in 2019.
Mark Jacobs leads Regions’ Commercial Banking teams serving business clients in Southeast Texas and serves as Houston Market Executive. Allan Rayson leads Commercial Banking teams and serves as Market Executive for Regions in Austin and San Antonio.
