Areas of Experience

Turning Banking Complexity into Clarity

With more than three decades of executive experience, Jeff Rose has earned a national reputation for leading banks through transformation — from regulatory challenges to renewed profitability and growth. His areas of expertise reflect a career built on results, integrity, and the ability to translate banker-speak into actionable strategies.

Institutional Advisory & Turnaround Leadership

Jeff specializes in guiding financial institutions through critical periods of change — from early warning signs to full recovery.

Core strengths include:

  • Turnaround & Restructuring: Proven record of leading underperforming banks back to profitability.

    • Example: At American Bank & Trust, achieved 52% loan growth, 30% asset growth, and over $3M in pre-tax, pre-provision income increase while ending regulatory supervision.

  • Debtor-in-Possession Lending Policy & Program Development: Experienced in structuring recovery strategies that satisfy both lenders and regulators.

  • Regulatory Navigation: Extensive success working under and lifting consent orders, restoring institutional credibility with OCC and Federal Reserve authorities.

  • Crisis Leadership: Skilled at restoring confidence among boards, employees, and stakeholders during periods of uncertainty.

Governance & Board Effectiveness

Drawing from his own executive and board experience, Jeff works with financial institutions to strengthen governance, oversight, and strategic alignment.

Expert focus areas:

  • Board-Administration Relations: Building transparent, accountable communication between executives and directors.

  • Healthy Board Dynamics: Preventing dominance, groupthink, and governance gaps — issues explored in Jeff’s Bank Director feature, “The Seven Deadly Sins of Bank Boards.”

  • Leadership Development: Coaching board chairs, directors, and senior executives to foster productive debate and informed decision-making.

  • Succession Planning: Helping boards prepare for leadership transitions with minimal disruption to institutional performance.

Strategic Planning & Growth

Jeff brings a visionary approach to growth — balancing innovation with sound financial discipline.

Specialties include:

  • Strategic Plan Facilitation: Designing and implementing clear, measurable strategic plans tied to market realities.

  • Rebranding & Market Expansion: Led successful rebrands and new market entry strategies at multiple institutions.

  • Loan Portfolio Optimization: Deep experience in agricultural, energy, commercial, and middle-market lending.

  • Profitability Analysis: Identifying and executing opportunities to expand margin while managing risk.

Leadership & Organizational Change

Known as a team builder and change agent, Jeff has designed leadership programs that inspire accountability and results.

Key capabilities:

  • Change Management: Leading organizations through restructuring, cultural renewal, and modernization.

  • Talent Development: Building empowered teams and leadership pipelines for long-term sustainability.

  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlining operations and implementing technology to reduce costs and improve performance.

Communication & Mediation

As “The Bank Whisperer,” Jeff’s hallmark is his ability to translate complex banking language into clarity for both institutions and clients.

Services include:

  • Conflict Resolution: Bridging communication between banks, boards, and clients to overcome roadblocks.

  • Negotiation & Mediation: Facilitating productive outcomes in challenging lending or regulatory situations.

  • Public & Media Engagement: Regularly sought by Bank Director, American Banker, and other media for commentary on governance, leadership, and market trends.

About Jeff

Jeffrey P. Rose is the founder and CEO of Bank Whisperer, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to guiding financial institutions and individuals through today’s complex banking landscape.

With more than three decades of C-level experience across community, corporate, agricultural, and energy lending, Jeff has built a reputation as a turnaround specialist and change agent. He has successfully led organizations through regulatory challenges, major rebranding initiatives, and rapid growth strategies, always with a focus on building strong teams and sustainable success.

Following his 2025 retirement from a distinguished career as President and CEO of American Bank & Trust, Jeff launched Bank Whisperer, LLC to share his expertise in board governance, strategic planning, and complex financial negotiations.

Education & Recognition

  • MBA, Finance, University of North Texas (4.0 GPA) — Named MBA of the Year by the Financial Executives Institute, Fort Worth Chapter

  • BBA, Finance, University of Iowa

  • Member, Beta Gamma Sigma National Business Honor Society

Community Leadership

  • Board roles with Illinois Bankers Association, Two Rivers YMCA, Unity Point Health Foundation, Renew Moline, and more

  • Active leadership in community and economic development organizations

“Jeff Rose has earned a reputation for leading banks out of trouble.”
— Bank Director, 2025

Services

For Financial Institutions

  • Board Governance & Leadership Consulting: Strengthening board-administration relationships and accountability frameworks.

  • Turnaround & Risk Strategy: Expertise in loan work-outs, debtor-in-possession lending programs, and portfolio risk management.

  • Change Management: Helping institutions navigate regulatory scrutiny, reorganization, and strategic growth.

  • Branding & Strategic Planning: Guiding rebrands, new product rollouts, and digital transformations.

For Businesses & Individuals

  • Loan Navigation & Negotiation: Translating banker-speak into clear strategies for securing financing.

  • Conflict Resolution: Acting as a bridge between clients and financial institutions to overcome roadblocks.

  • Financial Coaching: Helping business owners and individuals make informed financial decisions.

  • Growth Support: Structuring financing and banking relationships to match long-term goals.

Media & Insights

Jeff’s expertise is regularly featured in national financial publications and podcasts:

Coming soon: Jeff’s own insights and articles via the Bank Whisperer Blog.

Contact