Westminster Alumnus Steve Erdel Named Top CEO
Steve Erdel ’73 ΒΘΠ received the impressive designation as the No. 2 Top CEO by the Columbia Business Times in the magazine’s “Top of the Town 2018” on June 27. Erdel has earned Top CEO status the last two years, ranking No. 1 in 2017. Erdel has served as CEO of Columbia’s largest bank since 2006.
What is your current job title, and where do you work? Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Central Bank of Boone County; and Vice Chairman, Central Bancompany. I work in both Columbia and Jefferson City.
What you do on a day-to-day basis? I’m a pretty traditional banker, overall. We help consumers and businesses in all aspects of their finances. For me that can mean working directly with customers or working to make sure the infrastructure and people are in place to provide exceptional products and services.
What was your major at Westminster? Economics and Political Science.
Where are you from originally? Mexico, MO.
How did your Westminster education help you in your life and career? There’s no doubt that the education I received combined with the contacts and friends I made contributed greatly to my life and career. One of the best things to learn is that learning never stops, and that is something that Westminster planted in me.
What do you consider your greatest success? That’s an easy answer. My family. I am so lucky to have my wife, Laura, and my three grown children doing well. My career success is great but only insomuch as it enables my family to thrive.
Do you recommend Westminster to prospective college students? Yes, of course. It is more than an education. Westminster is a place to grow as a person and plant the seeds of your future success.
What do leadership and success mean to you? A lot of hard work. I think it is a mistake to think that success is a matter of luck. Leadership means doing things that make a difference.
Spouse’s name? Laura W. Erdel
Children’s names? Ed, age 34, Construction Project Manager; Mitch, age 32, Lobbyist; and Jane, age 28, Speech Pathologist.
Favorite Westminster faculty member? Peter Kim.
Last book you read, or a book you would recommend to others? Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne.
What do you do in your free time? Golfing, hunting, and fishing.
