Benchmark Community Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Bailey to Senior Vice President/Program Manager for the Bank’s wealth management division Benchmark Financial Solutions.
In making the announcement, Executive Vice President of Banking LeAnne Emert said, "Chris is a creator of opportunity. He began his Benchmark journey in 2013 as a result of a well-penned letter to former CEO Mike Walker, detailing the opportunities he saw in our footprint, the impact Benchmark was making, and his desire to join our team using his skill set to support the financial journey of the communities served.
"Chris’ influence on our Benchmark Financial Solutions program has been nothing short of amazing," Emert continued. "Under Chris’ leadership, product delivery and options, customer experience, and management of the program have been taken to new heights. So much so that Chris and the program are frequently recognized for excellence within the Raymond James Financial Institutions Division."
A Political Science major, Bailey received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Virginia Tech before beginning his early career in sales, operations, and marketing in the homebuilding industry. He moved to financial planning in 2008 before joining Benchmark Community Bank in 2013, when he was hired as a Financial Advisor for the Benchmark Financial Solutions division’s Clarksville office.
Of his professional journey, Bailey said, "I came to Benchmark with the thought that working in the bank setting would provide a better opportunity for the Bank’s customers to be introduced to financial services and vice versa. That proved true as we have built our program into something special, partnering with our branch teams to identify opportunities to serve our clients more deeply through the services we offer. Seeing our growth, the families that we’ve served, and the relationship that we have with most of our clients has been extremely gratifying.
"At the beginning of each day, I ask God to help me make a positive difference in the lives of those entrusting their assets to our care. I want clients to feel that sense of care throughout their journey with us. I strive to incorporate that principle into our processes and daily interactions so that our clients know that we are grateful to partner with them and their families."
Benchmark Financial Solutions partners with Raymond James Financial Services to provide wealth management services. Bailey is a Top Advisor in the RJFS network and the Program Manager for Benchmark Financial Solutions. In his role, he manages a team of four financial services professionals and serves as Lead Financial Consultant.
Bailey and his family reside in the Clarksville area, where they are active in their church and community.
Benchmark Financial Solutions is the wealth management division of Benchmark Community Bank, the sole subsidiary of Benchmark Bankshares, Inc., headquartered in Kenbridge, VA. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Benchmark Financial Solutions and Benchmark Community Bank are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
