TJ Kern has been named Senior Vice President/Denver Commercial Banking Manager for Fargo, ND-based Bell Bank. Kern plans to open Bell Bank’s first loan production office in Denver, focused on commercial and industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate lending.

Kern, a longtime Denver area banking leader, said he is focused on recruiting a strong team of experienced commercial bankers who will fit Bell’s unique culture.

“Bell’s ‘bottom line’ of ‘happy employees, happy customers’ is not a cliché – it’s a mission,” Kern said. “This culture and the resulting engagement of employees are amazing, and from a business standpoint, Bell is committed to customer relationships and long-view decisions. I’m excited to introduce Bell to customers in this market. It’s an award-winning company for good reason.”

Michael Solberg, President and CEO of Bell Bank, said he’s excited to have Kern on board to introduce Bell’s brand of banking in Colorado.

“TJ’s market experience in Denver, and his success in the way he has recruited and built teams at other banks, matches our goals of growth through service,” Solberg said. “We want to invest in the Denver market, and TJ will lead the charge as we build a banking team here with solid business relationships. Most importantly, he is a strong culture fit for Bell.”

Solberg noted Bell Bank already has built key relationships in the state through its correspondent (bank-to-bank) lending, equipment leasing, capital finance and other financial services.

Kern grew up in Littleton, CO, and earned his degree in business administration from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.  He has worked in the financial field since 1985, including commercial banking positions with CoBank, Bank One Colorado (now Chase), CoBiz Financial, Key Bank, Sunflower Bank and most recently Vectra Bank.