Co-founder of Studio Bank, longtime executive finance professional and Belmont alumnus set to begin new role July 1
Following an extensive national search, Belmont University today announced the appointment of Harry L. Allen as Executive Vice President for Financial Excellence and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Allen will begin his new role on July 1.
“I am delighted to welcome Harry Allen to Belmont University in this incredibly important leadership role,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “Harry is well known throughout Nashville and beyond for his tremendous leadership, financial acumen, commitment to excellence, dedication to lifelong learning, love for service and deep kindness. His expertise and insight will undoubtedly strengthen the Belmont community and propel us toward the goals we have set.”
Reporting directly to the President, the EVP for Financial Excellence and CFO is a key member of the President’s Executive Leadership team and is responsible for optimizing the University’s decision-making capabilities and inspiring the highest standards of financial performance. The CFO serves as an institutional catalyst, stimulating sound financial management practices across the organization that support the University’s strategic and financial objectives.
Allen comes to Belmont with an extensive and celebrated career in banking, finance and administration. He most recently served as Co-Founder and Chief Relationship Officer at Studio Bank, the first locally headquartered bank launched in Nashville since 2008. With Allen’s leadership, Studio Bank has become one of Nashville’s fastest growing companies, with total assets of approximately $1 billion and over 80 employees. Allen will continue to serve Studio Bank on its Board of Directors as Vice Chairman.
Prior to Studio Bank’s launch in 2018, Allen served Avenue Bank for 6 years as Senior Vice President and Director of Nonprofit Banking and Community Investment where he launched the organization’s nonprofit and institutional industry segment. He has also held leadership roles at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee and Suntrust Bank.
“Since graduating from Belmont 20 years ago this month, I’ve enjoyed serving in many leadership roles on campus from Alumni Association President to Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees,” said Allen. “This new executive leadership appointment is significant in many ways. I am excited to join Dr. Jones and his leadership team at a time of such significant growth, and the foundation upon which we’ll continue to build is incredibly strong. It’s also very meaningful to me that I’ll continue my involvement with Studio Bank through my appointment as Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors. Belmont’s entrepreneurial spirit has long been with me and is with me still. This moment feels like homecoming.”
Chairman & CEO of Studio Bank Aaron Dorn spoke to Harry’s appointment saying, “Everyone at Studio Bank is thrilled for Harry, and for Belmont University, as he follows this calling to serve his beloved alma mater. Harry will remain a key leader of the bank in his new role as Vice Chairman of the board of directors, as he will continue to live out his passion for both organizations. He’s living the dream, making an impact at a large scale in numerous ways!”
Allen has served in many leadership capacities in nonprofit and community organizations across Nashville and beyond. He is a member of the Board of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Treasurer of the Nashville Public Education Foundation, Executive Committee member for the Steering Committee on Nashville’s Agenda, former Co-Chair of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Report Committee and past President of the Rotary Club of Nashville and Rotary Service Trust. He has also served in various leadership roles as a Trustee for Belmont for the past 8 years.
“I am very grateful for the service Harry has provided Belmont over the years—including in his work on the Board of Trustees where his wisdom, expertise and leadership have supported the University in its growth and success,” said Belmont Board of Trustees Chair Milton Johnson. “I have the deepest confidence in Harry as a strategic financial leader, and I could not be more thrilled to welcome him to this new executive leadership role.”
Allen has been recognized by countless organizations for his civic work, his celebrated career and his leadership. These awards include being listed No. 12 on Nashville Power Poll’s 2024 Most Powerful People, a finalist for the 2021 & 2022 Entrepreneur Center’s “Market Mover” award, 2021 Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) Hall of Fame inductee and multi-year member of the Nashville Business Journal’s Nashville Power 100, among others.
A double graduate of Belmont University, Allen holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business.