
Chris Kelly
Argent Trust Company announced today that Chris Kelly has joined the company as Nashville market president. He will serve as the senior leader of trust, estate and retirement services administration in Middle Tennessee and report to Argent Trust Company President Ken Alderman.
“Chris is an experienced trust professional and attorney with superior leadership skills,” said Alderman. “His proven commitment to serving people in all stages of life equips him to lead Argent’s wealth management practice in Middle Tennessee.”
“We are very excited to have Chris join our Nashville Argent team,” said Howard Safer, vice chairman of Argent Trust Company. “He has earned a reputation for helping many navigate the complexities of estate planning with smart creative solutions, and his focus on helping families feel confident about their future aligns well with Argent’s core goals.”
Kelly has more than three decades of experience in estate planning, trust administration, nonprofits, financial services and business law. He joins Argent from the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, where he served as executive vice president and general counsel for six years. In addition to his law practice, Kelly’s investment and trust background includes six years at Pinnacle Financial Partners and 11 years with Calvary Banking in Murfreesboro.
“Chris’s wealth of experience and knowledge in finance and law make him a valuable addition to our team,” said Kyle McDonald, CEO of Argent Financial Group. “We’re eager to see him lead Argent Trust in the Nashville market.”
Kelly earned his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, his juris doctorate from Nashville School of Law and is a graduate of the Southern Trust School of Spring Hill College. He is an involved member of several organizations, including the Christian Legal Society and is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.
In addition, Kelly is an active member of the Tennessee Bar Association, where he graduated from the Leadership Law Program. He is licensed to practice before all state courts in Tennessee and has been recognized by the Tennessee Supreme Court multiple times as an Attorney for Justice for his pro bono service.
“I’m honored to join the distinguished professionals at Argent who have built the company’s stellar reputation in the financial services industry,” said Kelly. “I look forward to meeting our existing clients and growing our Nashville office by serving the fiduciary and investment needs of our clients throughout Middle Tennessee.”
A Middle Tennessee native, Kelly lives in Murfreesboro with his wife and two daughters. He is an active member of his community and serves as a leader in his church.
About Argent Financial Group
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, Argent Financial Group (Argent) is a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm. Responsible for more than $30 billion in client assets, Argent provides individuals, families, businesses and institutions with a broad range of wealth management services, including trust and estate planning, investment management, ESOPs, retirement plan consulting, funeral and cemetery trusts, charitable organization administration, oil and gas (mineral) management and other unique financial services. Headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com.
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