Valerie Toalson, CFO and President, Banking Services
Professional Overview
Valerie Toalson is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. As the CFO and President of Banking Services at Cadence Bank, she leverages her deep expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence to drive the bank's growth and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Valerie currently serves as the CFO and President of Banking Services at Cadence Bank, a position she has held since April 2024. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the bank's financial operations, strategic planning, and business development initiatives. Valerie has been instrumental in guiding Cadence Bank through a period of significant transformation, implementing data-driven decision-making processes and streamlining operations to enhance the bank's competitive edge.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Valerie served as the Chief Financial Officer of Cadence Bank from 2013 to 2021, during which she played a pivotal role in the bank's acquisition of Cadence Bancorporation. Before joining Cadence Bank, she held the position of EVP and Chief Financial Officer at BankAtlantic from 2006 to 2012, where she successfully navigated the bank through the financial crisis and positioned it for growth.
Valerie's early career includes roles at Bank of Oklahoma, where she held various leadership positions, including SVP, Credit Services Manager, SVP, Controller, and VP, Chief Auditor. She started her career as an Audit Manager at PwC.
Academic Background
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting from Oklahoma State University, where she graduated with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial management and strategic planning
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
- Operational optimization and process improvement
- Leadership and team development
Professional Impact
Under Valerie's leadership, Cadence Bank has achieved significant milestones, including a 20% increase in net income and a 15% improvement in efficiency ratio over the past three years. She has been instrumental in driving the bank's digital transformation, implementing advanced analytics to enhance decision-making and improve customer experience.
Valerie is also actively involved in the banking industry, serving on the board of directors for the Texas Bankers Association and regularly speaking at industry conferences, sharing her insights on best practices and emerging trends.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and proven track record of success, Valerie Toalson is a respected leader in the banking industry. As CFO and President of Banking Services at Cadence Bank, she continues to drive innovation, enhance financial performance, and position the organization for long-term growth and sustainability.
