Ronald L. Samuels (Ron) is the Chairman, President and CEO of Avenue Bank, a new signature bank for Nashville. Prior to this he served as Group President for Regions Bank in Middle Tennessee where he oversaw of all banking operations in 20 counties with 68 banking offices and assets over two billion dollars.  Throughout his 38 year business career he has distinguished himself as an outstanding Leader, Executive, Marketer, and Banker.

He has taken an active role in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees which currently include:  Chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Board member of The Golf Club of Tennessee, Chair Economic and Community Development Action Team (Nashville’s Agenda), Chairman of the Adventure Science Center Board, Board member for The Nashville Alliance for Public Education; Board member for Alignment Nashville, Member of The Music City Convention Center Coalition serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Member and former Chairman of the Nashville Sports Council, Member and former Chairman of the Gaylord Music City Bowl presented by Bridgestone, Board member of Nashville Predators Foundation, Board of Rocketown, Board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, Nashville’s Agenda Steering Committee, Board Member for the Center for Non-Profit Management, Partnership 2010 Steering Committee, The Belmont University Massey Graduate School Advisory Board, Vanderbilt Owen School of Management MBA Alumni Council and Board of Trustees of Leadership Nashville.  

Many Nashvillians know him as one of Nashville’s pro sports pioneers during the mid-90’s as he was active in recruiting the Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans) to Nashville. Ron Co-Chaired the TENNFL “Just Build It” Committee for Suite and PSL Sales in 1996.  He recently chaired the “Our Team Committee” to keep the Predators in Nashville and is currently serving on the Predators Marking Committee.  In 1997, he served as a Task Force member for the NHL Nashville Predators and a member of the Titans Stadium Grand Opening Committee.  In addition, Ron served on the Board of The BellSouth Senior Classic (now the Champions Tour) for several years bringing professional golf to Middle Tennessee.  

Samuels’ leadership was also recognized by the Small Business Administration as he was named 1988 Small Business Financial Services Advocate of the Year for the State of Tennessee.  In addition, the Board of Nashville’s Public Television Station WDCN honored him as the 1989 as Honorary Chairman for Action Auction.  The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has recognized Ron with the 1995 Medallion Award and the 2006 Distinguished Service to Youth Award.  In 1992, the Local Chapter of AIB named him Instructor of the Year.  The Nashville Area Chamber has also acknowledged him as Outstanding Volunteer in 1993 and 1996.  Nashville Business Magazine named him as one of the 100 Most Powerful Nashvillians in 1997 and 2001.  In 2002, the Tennessee Golf Foundation named him Society of Tennessee Golfers Person of the Year.  Samuels received The Crowning Achievement Award in April of 2007 given by Senior Citizens Inc. 

Samuels’ has a passion for teaching and has served as an Adjunct Faculty Member of Nashville Tech through the American Institute of Banking for over 15 years.  He has been a speaker and lecturer at the University of Mississippi, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Austin Peay State University, The Entrepreneurship Forum – 1986 White House Conference on Small Business, The National Association of Bank Women Southern Conference meeting and numerous other forums, conferences and speaking engagements for community and civic clubs.  In addition, he has appeared on numerous radio and television programs and panels.

Come see Ron speak at BusinessVision 2009 on “Creative Ways to Protect Your Cash Flow and Still Grow”

A sesssion that can’t be missed!