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    Leadership

    Executive Management

    Meet the dynamic team of visionary leaders who comprise the bank’s Executive Management Committee. They help drive the bank’s strategic direction and operational excellence, while upholding our core values. With their diverse backgrounds and experience, they collectively steer us towards innovation, growth, and the unwavering commitment to our customers, team members, shareholders and communities.
    David KemperDavid Kemper, Executive Chairman of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., joined Commerce Bank in 1978 as Vice President in charge of Commercial Lending. Prior to his current role, he served as the organization’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

    In 1972, Kemper graduated from Harvard University, received a Master of Arts in English literature from Worcester College at Oxford University in 1974 and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1976. Kemper is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, he is a director of Post Holdings, Inc., Tower Properties Company, and Enterprise Holdings. Kemper serves as Vice Chairman of the board of trustees of Washington University in St. Louis. He is also on the board of trustees of the Missouri Botanical Garden and the St. Louis Art Museum.
    John KemperJohn Kemper is President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bank. Kemper joined Commerce in 2007 and prior to his current role, served as the organization’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Commerce, he worked in the New York and Chicago offices of McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm.

    Kemper holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Stanford University, a Master of Science in economic history from the London School of Economics, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is a member of the Visa Executive Client Counsel and serves on the boards of several civic organizations in the St. Louis region.
    Chuck KimCharles (Chuck) Kim, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., joined Commerce in 1989. Kim has corporate responsibility for all financial functions for the company. He also oversees the consumer banking segment, including consumer card, real estate lending, and indirect lending, as well as technology and enterprise operations, enterprise digital strategy, marketing, strategic planning, government relations and Capital for Business.

    Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated with honors from the Washington University Executive MBA program. Kim is actively involved in several community and business organizations, including board leadership positions with PayGround, Inc., BJC Healthcare/Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Junior Achievement, and the Bank Administration Institute (BAI).
    Kevin BarthKevin Barth, Executive Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Commerce Bank – Kansas City, joined Commerce in 1984. In addition to his direct responsibilities for the Commerce Kansas City region, Barth is responsible for Commerce’s operations in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. He oversees strategy, product development and policy for the company’s commercial banking segment.

    Barth received his Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Graceland University and earned his MBA from Rockhurst University. He currently serves on the boards of the Kansas City Life Insurance Company, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and the Greater Kansas City Area Chamber of Commerce.
    John HandyJohn Handy, President and Chief Executive Officer for Commerce Trust, joined Commerce in 1999. He is responsible for leading the company’s wealth management services, including Commerce Trust, Commerce Financial Advisors, Commerce Family Office, and Commerce Funds.

    Handy received his Bachelor of Arts in economics and business administration from Wittenberg University in 1985. In 1991, he graduated with honors from the ABA Graduate Trust School of Northwestern University, where he earned his Certified Financial Services Consultant (CFSC) designation. Handy also holds a Series 65 license.
    Bob HolmesRobert S. Holmes is Executive Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., Chairman and CEO of Commerce Bank of St. Louis, and serves on the Executive Management Committee of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Holmes oversees the bank's commercial banking activities in the St. Louis region, commercial offices in Cincinnati, Nashville, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, community markets in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois, community relations and foundation advisory services for the St. Louis market, tax credits, dealer services, equipment finance, and capital markets including foreign exchange, interest rate derivatives, and municipal finance. He holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from University of Missouri in Columbia. Holmes serves as a director and member of the executive committee of the United Way of Greater St. Louis and a board member of Fair Saint Louis Foundation. He serves on the Board of Commissioners of Tower Grove Park, holding the position of Vice President of the Board and executive committee member. He is a member of the American Cancer Society CEOs Against Cancer, St. Louis Chapter. Holmes is a member of the President’s Council at Lindenwood University and Washington University Olin School of Business WFA — CFAR advisory board. He is a member of YPO Gold St. Louis and advisor/past-president of Sherwood Forest, a United Way supported agency.
    David OrfDavid Orf, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., joined Commerce in 2006 as Vice President in credit administration and has been a part of that group throughout his tenure. He oversees and is responsible for all aspects of credit administration for the commercial and consumer business lines throughout the Company, including credit approval, lending policy development and implementation, loan portfolio management and reporting, appraisal review and special assets.

    Orf is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration.

    Paula PetersenPaula Petersen, Executive Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Executive Director of Consumer Segment and Strategic Services, joined Commerce in 1990. She oversees Commerce Bank’s consumer banking businesses and driving corporate strategy, marketing, and bankcard/installment loan servicing, as well as manages the corporate planning framework.

    Petersen holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Wichita State University and graduated with honors in 2007 from the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. She is co-chair of the Youth Volunteer Corps Growth Advisory Council and serves on the UMKC Bloch Advisory Council.
    Derrick BrooksDerrick Brooks, Senior Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Executive Director of Enterprise Digital Strategy, joined Commerce in 2018. He is responsible for creating and driving the enterprise digital vision, strategy and thought leadership across Consumer, Wealth and Commercial lines of business, including digital marketing.

    Brooks holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. He serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri.
    Rick HeiseRichard (Rick) Heise, Senior Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Executive Director of Commercial Payments, joined Commerce in 2017. He is responsible for expanding the bank’s commercial payments solutions and services portfolio, and oversees commercial card, merchant, treasury and several specialty solutions and teams in key industries, like healthcare and insurance.

    Heise holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from University of Northern Iowa and is a certified public accountant (CPA). He is on the board of directors for Starlight Theater in Kansas City and serves on its finance committee. He is also a board member of RegaloRx, an affiliate of Heart to Heart International, which provides patient assistance program services designed to improve access to life-changing medicines and devices.

    Kim JakovichKim Jakovich, Senior Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Executive Director of Talent Management, joined Commerce in 2000. She oversees the bank’s talent management efforts, including talent acquisition, talent development, talent management consulting, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and total rewards, which consists of compensation, benefits, technology and payroll.

    Jakovich holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from Fontbonne University.

    Patty KellerhalsPatricia (Patty) Kellerhals, Senior Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Executive Director of Retail Banking, joined Commerce in 1976. She is responsible for the overall business performance of Commerce’s retail line of business where she leads strategic planning, innovation and execution for all aspects of the business, which include product management, sales, operations, distribution strategy, and management of the branch and ATM networks, and call center.

    Kellerhals graduated from Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration. She is a member of the Corporate Executive Board’s Retail Banking Executive Circle, an active participant in the Consumer Bankers Association and serves on the Board of Cultural Festivals in St. Louis, which produces the St. Louis Art Fair.
    Doug NeffDoug Neff, Senior Vice President of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Executive Director of Community Markets, joined Commerce in 1991. Neff oversees banking activities in Commerce’s Missouri, Kansas and Illinois markets outside of Kansas City and St. Louis and is responsible for facilitating collaboration and communication across the bank’s community market footprint.

    Neff holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from University of Missouri in Columbia and is a graduate of the Prochnow Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Neff serves on the boards for Boys & Girls Club of Springfield and Springfield Center for Dyslexia and Learning. He is also Co-Chair for the Mayor’s Initiative on Equity and Equality, and Chair of the Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) Foundation Board.
    David RollerDavid Roller, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Commerce Bancshares, Inc., joined Commerce in 1997. He is responsible for leading the enterprise technology function, data analytics, bank operations, real estate, and corporate services.

    Roller holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He serves on the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Computer Science and Engineering Advisory Board.
    Peggy RoweMargaret (Peggy) Rowe, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Executive Director of Corporate Risk Management for Commerce Bancshares, Inc., joined Commerce in 1993. She is responsible for the management of the legal affairs for Commerce and oversees the risk management functions.

    Rowe holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and from the University of Kansas.

    Board of Directors

    As entrepreneurs, industry specialists and community leaders, our Board of Directors is comprised of professionals of different backgrounds and professional experience. In keeping with Commerce Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility practices, the Board believes diversity of perspective is crucial to representing the communities and customers we serve and strengthens our ability to provide long-term value for all of our shareholders. Accordingly, Board diversity, including diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, geography and areas of specialty, is an integral component in selecting nominees for Board consideration.

    Here is a summary of the composition of our 12-member Board of Directors.

    Commerce Board of Directors composition - 25% non-dependent (3 members), 75% dependent, representing gender, racial and ethnic diversity.
    Commerce Board of Directors composition - 25% non-dependent (3 members), 75% dependent, representing gender, racial and ethnic diversity.

    Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Directors

    Terry BasshamDirector since February 2013. Prior to his retirement as President & CEO of Evergy, Inc., Mr. Bassham served as Chairman of the Board, President and CEO (since June 2012), of Great Plains Energy, KCP&L, and Greater Missouri Operations. As of January 2021, Mr. Bassham retired from all responsibilities at Evergy. Mr. Bassham originally served as KCP&L Executive Vice President of Finance, Strategic Development and CFO, more recently as Executive Vice President of Utility Operations. He graduated from the University of Texas-Arlington and earned a Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University Law School in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Bassham previously practiced as a regulatory attorney and has served as an advisory director of the Company's banking subsidiary in Kansas City. He is active in the Kansas City area community and currently serves as a board member of Kansas City Scholars. Mr. Bassham brings to the Board an inside perspective of the energy industry, and experience in a highly regulated industry with a publicly traded company.
    Blackford BrauerDirector since May 2022. Mr. Brauer is the President of Hunter Engineering Company, a manufacturer of capital equipment for the automotive industry. He earned a master of business administration degree from Northwestern University and bachelor of arts degree in economics from Princeton University. Mr. Brauer serves as a Director of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and has been a member of the Commerce Bank St. Louis Advisory Board since 2009.
    Kyle ChapmanDirector since May 2022. Mr. Chapman is President of Barry-Wehmiller and leads the organization’s operating platforms, global functions, and hybrid equity firm, BW Forsyth Partners. He joined Barry-Wehmiller in 2009 when he co-founded BW Forsyth Partners. Mr. Chapman’s involvement with Barry-Wehmiller grew over time, as he served as a strategic financial advisor to the company’s leadership team from 2015 to 2019, while co-leading BW Forsyth Partners, and was named Barry-Wehmiller’s Interim Chief Financial Officer in early 2020, shortly before becoming President.

    Mr. Chapman has a Bachelor of Science in commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. He also serves on Barry-Wehmiller’s Board of Directors and is involved with several civic organizations in the Bank’s core footprint.
    Karen DanielDirector since January 2018. Ms. Daniel graduated from Northwest Missouri State University and received her master's degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She spent 11 years with the certified public accounting firm of Peat Marwick (KPMG), rising to Senior Audit Manager. Ms. Daniel joined Black & Veatch in 1992 with the internal audit group, was named Chief Financial Officer in 1999 and joined the Black & Veatch Board of Directors in 2006. In her role as CFO, she was responsible for developing and executing business strategies, and as President of Black & Veatch's Global Finance & Technology Solutions Division, led the global finance and IT organizations. She retired from Black & Veatch in July 2018 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director. Ms. Daniel serves on numerous public and philanthropic boards, including Snap-on Tools, Inc., Teladoc Health, Inc., Gian Eagle and Northwest Missouri State University Foundation, Kansas City Campus for Animal Care, KC Royals Charities, Kauffman Foundation, Phoenix Family and City Year Kansas City. Ms. Daniel also served as Vice-Chair of former President Obama's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa.
    Earl DevannyDirector since April 2010. Mr. Devanny is a former advisory director of Commerce Bank and has extensive experience with regulated industries. Mr. Devanny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of the South (Sewanee). Mr. Devanny has served as CEO of TractManager Holdings, LLC from September 2016 to April 2021, until his retirement. Prior to this position, Mr. Devanny served as the President of Healthcare at Nuance Communications from April 2014 to August 2016, as CEO of The TriZetto Group from July 2010 to May 2013, and the President of Cerner Corporation from August 1999 to July 2010. This experience brings a professional insight into the healthcare industry, one of the Company's most important target industries for financial services.
    June FowlerDirector since April 2022. Until her retirement in December 2021, as Senior Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs of BJC HealthCare, Ms. Fowler led internal, external, and public policy communications and government and community relations efforts on behalf of BJC HealthCare, one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States and one of the largest private employers in the state of Missouri. She had responsibility for multiple areas, including media relations, executive communications, community benefit, community affairs, government and external relations, health literacy, corporate marketing, creative services, web development, media services and the award‑winning employee online newspaper, BJC Today. Prior to joining BJC, Ms. Fowler was senior director of communications and community affairs for Mallinckrodt. She began her career as an urban planner with St. Louis County government, ultimately serving as director of the Department of Planning. Ms. Fowler earned her master’s degree in urban affairs from Washington University in St. Louis. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri–Columbia. Ms. Fowler has been an active volunteer throughout the region for many years. She currently serves as the board chair of the Cortex Innovation and KIPP St. Louis Public Charter School. She is on the boards of Citizens for Modern Transit (immediate past chair), Lambert St. Louis International Airport and The Muny, one of the oldest outdoor theaters in the United States, where she is board secretary. She also serves as a member of Washington University Public Affairs National Council, and the Health Care Industry Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Ms. Fowler is a past chair of the Girl Scout Council of Eastern Missouri and the Metropolitan Association for Philanthropy.
    David KemperDirector since February 1982. Mr. Kemper became Executive Chairman in August 2018. He previously was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from 1991 to 2018 and was President of the Company from 1982 until February 2013. He graduated cum laude from Harvard College, earned a master’s degree in English literature from Oxford University, and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the Past President of the Federal Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Board. Mr. Kemper is active in the St. Louis community, serving as a board member of Washington University in St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and a member of Civic Progress in St. Louis. Mr. Kemper brings to the Board a thorough understanding of the financial industry and an appreciation of the values upon which the Company was founded.
    John KemperDirector since September 2015. Mr. Kemper is President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bank. Mr. Kemper joined Commerce in 2007 leading strategy and working across a number of leadership roles within the Company. Prior to his current role, Mr. Kemper served as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Commerce, Mr. Kemper worked as an Engagement Manager in the New York and Chicago offices of McKinsey & Co. While at McKinsey, Mr. Kemper led consulting teams on strategy and operations engagements for a number of clients in the financial services and airline industries. Mr. Kemper holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Stanford University, a Master of Science in economic history from the London School of Economics and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Mr. Kemper is a member of the Visa Senior Client Counsel and serves on the boards of several civic organizations in the St. Louis region.
    Jonathan KemperDirector since February 1997. Mr. Kemper transitioned from day-to-day responsibilities at the Company in August 2018; he currently oversees the Commerce Bank Trusts and Foundations Office. After graduating from Harvard, Mr. Kemper received an M.B.A. from Harvard University's Graduate School of Business. Prior to working for the Company, Mr. Kemper held various positions in the financial industry in New York and Chicago, including positions with Citicorp, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and M. A. Schapiro and Company. Mr. Kemper previously served on the Federal Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Board from January 2012 to December 2015. Mr. Kemper is involved in several community and business organizations in addition to his responsibilities at Commerce Bank. Mr. Kemper is a recognized community leader in one of the Company's largest markets and also brings expertise in current and emerging technologies to the Board.
    Benjamin RassieurDirector since August 1997. Mr. Rassieur is President of a successful, private company that performs heat treating and metal finishing at six plants in three states and Mexico. His business provides a leading indicator of general economic conditions. Mr. Rassieur graduated cum laude from Amherst College with a degree in economics. He has been a director of Commerce Bank and has been a long-time member of the Company’s Audit and Risk Committee, and is the current Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee. His community involvement includes being a Director of Concordance Academy.
    Todd SchnuckDirector since April 2010. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Schnuck Markets, Inc., Mr. Schnuck brings to the Board a unique perspective from a consumer driven industry that faces many of the same issues that the Company faces, such as selection of retail locations, geographic expansion, and customer loyalty. With stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, Schnuck Markets, Inc. operates in much of the same footprint as the Company. A graduate of the University of Virginia with an M.B.A. from Cornell, Mr. Schnuck had several years' experience in the investment banking profession before joining the family-owned business and serving as its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer prior to his current position. Mr. Schnuck has previously served as an advisory director of Commerce Bank.
    Christine TaylorDirector since April 2022. Ms. Taylor is President and Chief Executive Officer for Enterprise Holdings, Inc., and is a 20-year veteran of the company. She is the fourth CEO in the company’s history and is part of the third generation of leadership of the privately- owned Enterprise Holdings, preceded by her father, Andy Taylor, and grandfather, Jack Taylor. As President and CEO, Ms. Taylor serves on the corporate board of Enterprise Holdings and is one of the highest-ranking women among the world’s largest travel companies and one of the top female CEOs across all industries, based on company revenue. Ms. Taylor joined Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s Management Training Program in 2000 and worked at several rental locations before relocating to London in 2006. In 2008, Ms. Taylor returned to St. Louis and held various leadership roles within different areas of the business over the next several years. She was named Senior Vice President of North American Operations in 2013, promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2016 and named President in 2019. Ms. Taylor was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in January 2020 in addition to retaining her current title of President. Ms. Taylor received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. Taylor also serves on the Crawford Group Board of Directors and several local St. Louis boards and committees, including the Crawford Taylor Foundation.

    Committees of the Board

    The Board has three standing committees that meet at least once a year. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee, the Committee on Governance/Directors, and the Audit and Risk Committee are comprised solely of non-employee, independent Directors in accordance with NASDAQ listing standards. The charter for each committee may be found on the Company’s website at investor.commercebank.com/overview/corporate-governance.

    Pursuant to the Company’s Bylaws, the Board has established an Executive Committee to meet as necessary. The Executive Committee does not have a charter and consists of both independent, non-employee Directors and employee Directors.

    The current membership of the standing committees of the Board:

    Compensation and Human
    Resources Committee    		 Governance / Directors Committee Audit and Risk Committee
    Terry D. Bassham* Terry D. Bassham Blackford F. Brauer
    W. Kyle Chapman Earl H. Devanny, III** Karen L. Daniel
    June McAllister Fowler Benjamin F. Rassieur, III Benjamin F. Rassieur, III*
    Christine B. Taylor Todd R. Schnuck

    Learn more about Our History

    Disclosures:

    *Committee Chair

    **Committee Chair and Lead Director

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