David Larson

About David Larson

More than 30 years of experience developing and transforming community banking teams and franchises. My career has been shaped with two of the most successful Chicago community bank groups. At Wintrust Financial Corp, I led three charter CEOs and their boards out of the great recession toward long-term growth plans. Each of the banks grew from less than $500 million in assets to near $2 billion. In addition to launching expanding several commercial lending teams, we successfully integrated four bank acquisitions with assets over $1 billion. All of the charters were near the top of their peers by profitability and attained outstanding CRA ratings. Prior to Wintrust, I was the Chief Credit Officer for Park National Bank which grew from less than $1 billion in assets to over $5 billion. I completed numerous acquisitions and consolidated five credit teams to support a $3 billion commercial loan portfolio. I understand all the pieces that make a community bank successful and sound. I have broad financial services experience with heavy doses of commercial credit, commercial/retail business development and mergers and acquisitions. Community service and giving back have been integral to my life. My expertise includes:• Community bank oversight • C&I lending and deposit growth strategies• Leadership and communications • C&I and CRE credit underwriting • Recruiting and developing talent • Financial mgmt. and budgeting• Strategic planning and execution • De novo branch and retail growth plans• Key stakeholder relationships • M&A due diligence-integration

Experience

1. Managing Director

   Artisan Advisors, Llc

   Feb 2026 — Present · Midwest, US

   Provide strategic, organizational, and credit risk management consulting services to community banks. • Advised a $2 billion community bank on implementing a master plan to address a consent order. • Completed organizational restructuring plan for $850 million credit union. • Co-lead strategic plan for a $1.2 billion community bank group.• Implemented credit risk and financial dashboards for a rapidly growing community bank• Led assorted loan due diligence and loan review engagements.

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Finance, General

• University of Chicago

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance, General

Skills

• Finance
• Commercial Lending
• Budgeting
• Due Diligence
• Risk Management
• Strategic Planning
• Team Building
• Acquisition Integration
• Leadership Training
• Commercial Credit Expertise
• Financial Services Leadership
• Portfolio Management
• Financial Analysis
• Board Leadership and Development