Cathy Arshadi named to St. Louis Business Journal's Most Influential Business Women Class of 2020

St. Louis, MO – Cathy Arshadi, senior vice president and director of financial management, has been named to St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women Class of 2020. The award program, established in 1999, recognizes women who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership throughout their careers and make an impact in the communities they represent. St. Louis Business Journal received more than 200 nominations this year and Arshadi was among 25 local women recognized on the list.

Arshadi’s contributions as a balanced, agile, influential leader who has played an instrumental role in the more than 11-fold growth of Commerce Trust Company over her tenure¹ helped earn her spot on this year’s list. Arshadi is responsible for managing the financial condition of Commerce Trust Company’s $57 billion in assets under administration and $34.4 billion in assets under management¹, making it among the 20 largest bank trust companies in the country. Her responsibilities include the Trust Company’s budget, business plan development and financial management, as well as talent management and compensation for its 475-person staff across the enterprise.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Cathy throughout her career at Commerce Trust Company. Her reputation as an effective, big-picture thinker adept at improving processes and building relationships is invaluable to the organization,” said John Handy, president and chief executive officer for Commerce Trust Company. “This recognition is a true testament to her leadership and contributions. On behalf of the organization, I congratulate Cathy on this accolade.”

Arshadi received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She also completed CORO’S three-month Women in Leadership training program. Arshadi has been an active corporate citizen and community volunteer since joining the COCA Finance Development Committee back in 2004. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of YWCA Metro St. Louis, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women through a myriad of social services. In addition, Cathy serves as Chair of the Development Committee, the body that helps ensure YWCA has the resources to carry out that mission and serve thousands of St. Louis women and families. Currently entering the second of two three-year terms, Arshadi is active in helping the YWCA raise funds and awareness to support often inter-related services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, poverty, early childhood educational inequity and racism.

Commerce Trust Company, founded in 1906, is a specialized division of Commerce Bank, solely focused on wealth management, investments and planning services for families and institutional clients. With clients in all 50 states and 26 countries, Commerce Trust oversees $54 billion in assets under administration, $34 billion in assets under management (AUM) and is ranked 20th nationally based on AUM. In 2019, the St. Louis Business Journal ranked Commerce Trust Company St. Louis’ largest local trust company.