December 4, 2018 – Scottsdale, AZ
The Miller Group (“MILLER”), comprised of affiliated companies Miller Capital Corporation, Miller Investments, Inc., and Miller Management Corporation, provides venture capital, private equity, management consulting and advisory services. MILLER today announced they will add key senior executive, Jerry L. Schwallier, as Vice Chairman and Managing Director for Miller Capital Corporation effective January 2019.
In his capacity as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Schwallier provides added depth in assisting MILLER’s client companies with their business and financial objectives, plus his 40 years of executive level management expertise.
In addition to the numerous executive positions throughout his career, Jerry has focused on advising privately owned middle-market and emerging growth companies in the areas of financial analysis, debt restructuring, strategic planning, and management succession challenges.
Rudy R. Miller, Chairman, President and CEO of The Miller Group, said, “I have known Jerry for a number of years and have tremendous respect for him professionally and as a stand-up guy! Our firm is extremely pleased that he agreed to join MILLER. His hands-on executive skill-sets and financial expertise make him the perfect fit as a MILLER team leader. We take pride in being an Arizona-based firm that competes successfully in North America, Europe and Asia. Our 40 years of offering client advice and capital during both good and bad economic times is something we are extremely proud to have accomplished.”
Jerry Schwallier commented, “I could not be more pleased to join The Miller Group and work with Rudy and the Miller Team. Rudy’s years of advising and bringing strategic solutions to middle-market clients makes this an exciting opportunity for me to continue to work with growth companies following my career in banking.”
Most recently, Jerry held the position of CEO of Arizona Bank & Trust (“ABT”) from June 2010 to January 2018. He is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank as well as Chairman of the Advisory Board. Jerry will continue serving in those positions after joining MILLER. ABT is comprised of eight branches in the state of Arizona and holds total assets in excess of $650 million. ABT is an affiliate of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLF).
Mr. Schwallier’s expertise is in the financial services industry having served in numerous Executive Leadership roles throughout his career. He began his banking career with American National Holding Company in Kalamazoo, MI. Jerry later held executive positions as President & CEO of several Bank One (JP Morgan/Chase) affiliates. Mr. Schwallier was also President & CEO of the Private Financial Services Group of Marquette Financial Companies, Minneapolis, MN; President of Meridian Capital Bank, Milwaukee, WI; CEO of Southport Bank, Kenosha, WI; and President & COO of Stearns Bank of Arizona.
He has been active in many professional and community organizations. Currently, he is a member of the Scottsdale Rotary Club, serves on the Board of Directors for the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and is Chairman of Scottsdale Coalition for Today and Tomorrow.
Mr. Schwallier served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Master of Business Administration in Finance at Western Michigan University, and graduated Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University.
