Charlie Crouse is the Executive Vice President of Business Development and Acquisitions at Gateway First Bank. In this role, Charlie oversees our commercial banking activities in Gateway’s core markets, including expanding our digital banking processes, increasing our product offerings, and enhancing our customer’s experience.
With over 21 years of experience in the Oklahoma financial industry, Charlie has worked in both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City markets. Having been through two bank mergers, Charlie brings a unique perspective on how to effectively create a new, more robust commercial lending program. During his career, Charlie has formed a new bank division from the ground up, spanning eight states. His expertise in developed sales and marketing strategies for business development led the bank to exceed sales and profitability goals. He was also instrumental in revising loan and risk management policies governing energy lending.
Most recently, Charlie served as Managing Director of Energy Lending at Bank SNB in Oklahoma City, which would later undergo a merger to become Simmons Bank. Charlie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa where he later earned his MBA in finance.