Baker News and Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Taylor Currie
Managing Partner
800.937.2257

The Baker Group Welcomes Jim Reber as Managing Director

Oklahoma City, OK — The Baker Group, one of the nation’s largest independently owned broker dealers specializing in investment portfolio and interest rate risk management for community banks, and the exclusively endorsed broker dealer of ICBA Securities is thrilled to welcome Jim Reber to the team as Managing Director. The Baker Group is known for their comprehensive, partner-first approach and a philosophy centered on helping financial institutions reach their highest potential. The Baker Group continues to grow and adapt, and Jim’s addition to the team reflects that commitment. In his new role, Jim will focus on connecting community banks with The Baker Group, identifying institutions that can benefit from the firm’s customized solutions and helping facilitate meaningful conversations between those banks and The Baker Group’s sales team.

Jim brings with him more than three decades of experience in financial services, along with a genuine passion for the community banking world and the people in it.

Most recently, Jim served as President and CEO of ICBA Securities for an impressive 20 years, from 2005 to 2025. In that role, he became a trusted bridge between the national non-profit trade association and more than 30 affiliated state trade associations, working tirelessly to support community banks across the country. His commitment to the industry went well beyond the boardroom. Jim has long championed financial education, contributing to more than one educational event per week through webinars, live speaking engagements, and a steady stream of insightful articles on investment and portfolio strategy.

Before his time at ICBA Securities, Jim spent 15 rewarding years at Vining Sparks, the last 12 as a Series 7 registered representative. He started there as an investment strategist, rolling up his sleeves to work directly with registered representatives and depository institution clients, helping them design and execute bond strategies that truly fit their needs.

Jim’s journey in financial services began at Union Planters Investment Banking Group, where he worked in the compliance department handling everything from reviewing official statements for municipal underwritings to drafting policy and procedure manuals for various departments. When Vining Sparks acquired Union Planters Investment Banking Group in 1990, Jim made the move with the organization — a testament to his loyalty and the relationships he’d built along the way.

“Adding Jim to our organization is a significant step in fortifying our ongoing commitment to community banking,” said Carl Huxley, CEO of The Baker Group. “Jim has dedicated his career to the support of community banks and the associations that advocate for them. We are excited to welcome him to the team.”

“I am ecstatic to have joined The Baker Group,” said Reber. “The more I learned about them over the past year in my previous role the more I came to respect the organization, its commitment to community banking, and the individuals who make up their highly capable and professional team. I am flattered by this opportunity and look forward to contributing to their successes.”

About The Baker Group
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, The Baker Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned securities firms, specializing in investment portfolio management, interest rate risk management, balance sheet strategies, and education for community banks nationwide. The firm is committed to providing honest, insightful, and client-focused solutions to help community banks achieve high performance. More information is available at www.gobaker.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Taylor Currie
Managing Partner
800.937.2257

The Baker Group Named Exclusive Endorsed Broker-Dealer Provider for ICBA Securities

Oklahoma City, OK – The Baker Group, a leading independently owned broker-dealer specializing in investment portfolio and interest rate risk management for community banks, has been named the exclusive broker-dealer provider for ICBA Securities, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). Under this multi-year partnership, The Baker Group will provide industry leading investment products, services, and education to ICBA’s members across the United States.

“We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with ICBA,” said Carl Huxley, CEO at The Baker Group.  “This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to unite around our shared mission of empowering and supporting community banks. By combining the long-standing strengths and expertise of both organizations, we look forward to delivering even greater value to ICBA member banks and the communities they serve.”

“This partnership reflects a strong alignment with what community banks need from trusted providers,” said ICBA Securities Chairman Thomas Bates, Jr., who also serves as president and CEO of Legends Bank of Clarksville, Tennessee. “The Baker Group brings decades of experience working with community banks, a deep understanding of the challenges we face, and a commitment to education that helps bank leaders make informed, strategic decisions. This relationship will provide our peers with access to proven tools and insights that strengthen balance sheet management and support long-term stability.”

This exclusive endorsement builds on The Baker Group’s long history of dedicated service to community banks, offering tailored solutions in asset/liability management, fixed-income investments, education, regulatory compliance, and strategic balance sheet consulting.

“Community banks are the lifeblood of America.  For more than four decades, The Baker Group has been dedicated to serving and supporting community banks and the associations that advocate for them,” said Ryan Hayhurst, President of The Baker Group.  “This partnership strengthens that mission and will enable us to reach even more banks nationwide and deliver them the education, tools, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s dynamic environment.”

ICBA represents thousands of community banks that provide essential financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in communities large and small. Through this endorsement, ICBA members gain priority access to The Baker Group’s specialized services designed specifically for the unique needs of community banks.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to supporting community banking and fostering local economic growth. For more information about The Baker Group’s products and services, visit www.gobaker.com. To learn more about ICBA and its resources for community banks, visit www.icba.org.

About The Baker Group
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, The Baker Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned securities firms, specializing in investment portfolio management, interest rate risk management, balance sheet strategies, and education for community banks nationwide. The firm is committed to providing honest, insightful, and client-focused solutions to help community banks achieve high performance. More information is available at www.gobaker.com.

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.  

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

About ICBA Securities
ICBA Securities provides a full suite of fixed income products for community banks through its exclusively endorsed broker, The Baker Group.  Baker also has state-of-the-art asset/liability and bond accounting products. ICBA Securities, a wholly owned subsidiary of the ICBA, collaborates with Baker to provide a full calendar of educational events for community bankers and investment professionals. ICBA Securities is endorsed by 34 affiliated state banking associations.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dale Sheller
Associate Partner, Director of Financial Strategies Group
800.937.2257

The Baker Group Is Committed to Community Banks

The Baker Group was founded by a community banker in 1979 with the express purpose of serving and supporting community banks nationwide. Over the last forty-five years, our commitment to that mission has not wavered. We now help more than one-thousand community banks across the country manage their balance sheets, interest rate risk, and investment portfolios.

Some in our industry openly advocate for fewer community banks in the U.S., going so far as to say we should have just a few dozen mega banks. We cannot disagree more strongly!

Community banks are the lifeblood of America and the communities they serve. Show us a thriving city or town anywhere and we promise there will be a strong community bank at the heart of that town, lending to small businesses, helping farmers, donating to charities, and supporting the community in countless ways. Without community banks, America as we know it would look much different, and not in a good way.

Community banks reflect the communities they serve—whether suburban, rural, interurban, agricultural, resort, military, or any other demographic. They are the backbone of these distinct micro-economies that abound throughout this great country. As long as these diverse communities exist, the need will remain for local institutions that understand the nuances of each specific community, from deposit products, to lending programs, to cash management. Without community banks, many customers would be left with an inefficient cookie-cutter banking system not structured to meet the unique needs of the communities they are supposed to serve.

The Baker Group remains committed to supporting community banks, the banking associations that advocate for them, and our shared mission of strengthening local communities across America. We are customer focused and industry responsive, providing honest and insightful guidance through strategic balance sheet and investment solutions.

Join us at our 45th Anniversary Interest Rate Risk and Investment Strategies Seminar in Scottsdale, AZ, November 7–8, 2024.

Visit www.GoBaker.com or call Dale Sheller at 844.213.0486 to find out how The Baker Group can assist your community bank in defining and meeting your unique financial objectives.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Phil Stenseth, CFA
Managing Director, Chairman
800.937.2257

The Baker Group Expands and Reaffirms Its Commitment to an Industry-Best Public Finance Platform with Key Hire

The Baker Group is committed to continued expansion and improvement of our Public Finance platform. We are excited to announce the hiring of Randy Nelson to lead our Public Finance team..

“We are thrilled to add a talented veteran banker who brings a unique skillset ranging from standard municipal advisory services to developing innovative debt structurings. Randy’s wealth of knowledge and experience will benefit our firm and clients immediately and will be instrumental as we build our Public Finance team,” said Phil Stenseth, CFA and Chairman of the Board of The Baker Group.

Randy previously was with a regional firm from 2019 to 2024 as a managing director in charge of the Texas and Tulsa, OK, public finance offices within the firm’s fixed income group.

He has over thirty years’ experience in banking and investments. His background in public finance provides extensive experience in the areas of revenue bond pricing, single family and multi-family revenue bond financing, tax-backed revenue bond financing, and complex advance-refunding.

Carl Huxley, Chief Executive Officer of The Baker Group, said, “The board of directors is excited to welcome Randy Nelson to our Public Finance team. Randy’s incredible leadership skills and experience will ensure our expansion in the public finance space. He has a wealth of knowledge that will immediately benefit both our firm and our clients.”

Randy is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a Series 7, 24, 27, 50, 52, 53, 63, 65, 79, and 99 licensed securities professional.

ABOUT THE BAKER GROUP

The Baker Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned securities firms specializing in investment portfolio management for community financial institutions. Since 1979, Baker has helped its clients improve decision- making, manage interest rate risk, and maximize investment portfolio performance. Baker’s proven approach of total resource integration utilizes software and products developed by The Baker Group Software Solutions* combined with the firm’s investment experience and advice. More information about Baker can be found at www.GoBaker.com. *The Baker Group LP is the sole authorized distributor for the products and services developed and provided by The Baker Group Software Solutions, Inc.

*The Baker Group LP is the sole authorized distributor for the products and services developed and provided by The Baker Group Software Solutions, Inc.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Andrew Okolski
Director of Credit Union Strategies
800.937.2257

The Baker Group Further Expands Its Loan Trading Capabilities with Key Hire

The Baker Group is committed to continued expansion and improvement of our overall services platform. We are excited to announce the hiring of Jeff Varner to lead our loan trading team and bolster Baker Loan Solutions. Jeff’s extensive knowledge and expertise will immediately increase the capabilities and reach of our loan group. On top of whole loan trading and loan participations, Jeff also specializes in partnering strategically with the growing FinTech sector, adding even more value to our client services.

“We are excited about the additional experience and tools that Jeff brings to our existing full balance sheet platform. It’s no secret that profitability and interest rate risk management are only getting more difficult and complicated. Bringing new solutions to our clients in these areas is an absolute priority for our firm and Jeff helps us take a large step in that direction,” said Andrew Okolski, Director of Credit Union Strategies for The Baker Group.

Prior to joining The Baker Group, Jeff held the position of managing director for a full-service brokerage and investment banking firm. A whole loan trader for more than thirteen years, Jeff has worked with credit unions and banks, transacting deals in all asset classes. He has specialized in assisting clients though liquidity creation, profitability improvement, and loan growth. Additionally, Jeff has expert knowledge working with FinTech loan platforms, helping generate loan originations for credit unions and banks. These deals (many with recourse to mitigate losses) have covered many business sectors including home improvement, solar, auto, and unsecured loans. Jeff has closed over 180 secondary loan transaction per year for the past seven years and has a wealth of knowledge in the loan market.

Jeff is a graduate of New England College with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in economics. He is a Series 7 and 63 licensed securities professional.

ABOUT THE BAKER GROUP

The Baker Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned securities firms specializing in investment portfolio management for community financial institutions. Since 1979, Baker has helped its clients improve decision- making, manage interest rate risk, and maximize investment portfolio performance. Baker’s proven approach of total resource integration utilizes software and products developed by The Baker Group Software Solutions* combined with the firm’s investment experience and advice.

*The Baker Group LP is the sole authorized distributor for the products and services developed and provided by The Baker Group Software Solutions, Inc.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Andrew Okolski
Director of Credit Union Strategies
800.937.2257

The Baker Group Expands and Reaffirms Its Commitment to an Industry Best Credit Union Platform with Key Hire

The Baker Group is committed to continued expansion and improvement of our credit union platform. We are excited to announce the hiring of Chris Dahlgren to lead our credit union regulatory team and bolster Baker Loan Solutions. Chris’s background as a principal examiner and his ability to work strategically with clients make him a valuable asset for credit unions nationwide.

“The board of directors is excited to welcome Chris as we continue to develop industry-leading tools and build our team to support our credit unions,” said Mark Baumann, Managing Director and board member of The Baker Group. “Chris’s impeccable background as a National Credit Union Administration principal examiner, along with his creative development skills, will provide our current and future clients with exceptional tools. It will also enable Baker’s frontline employees to help our clients navigate a more frequent and volatile balance sheet environment,” said Baumann. “With The Baker Group’s current suite of tools, the addition of Chris ensures continued development and strength and adds to our decades of experience in the credit union space.”

Prior to joining The Baker Group, Chris held the position of managing director for a financial investment company, providing invaluable guidance and direction to senior executives, ALCOs, and board members at credit unions across the country. His deep understanding of NCUA regulation, exam procedures, and comprehensive knowledge of credit unions made him a trusted resource for clients. Chris’s proficiency in the field has led him to be a frequent speaker at industry events and league meetings, further solidifying his reputation as an industry expert.

Chris also served as the director of regulatory affairs at a security firm, building on the foundation he established during his tenure as a principal examiner at NCUA. The experience and insight he gained while working for the NCUA continue to shape his interactions with credit unions, ensuring that he provides top-notch support and guidance.

“We are thrilled to have Chris join our growing credit union team,” said Andrew Okolski, Director of Credit Union Strategies for The Baker Group. “He comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit our firm and clients immediately. The team is excited for what the future holds here at Baker and we believe our credit union clients will be excited as well.”

Chris graduated with honors from Le Moyne College, earning dual degrees in finance and applied management analysis. His dedication to academic excellence and commitment to his field set the foundation for his successful career. While working for NCUA, he further honed his skills by completing a master’s degree in security analysis and portfolio management from Creighton University.

ABOUT THE BAKER GROUP

The Baker Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned securities firms specializing in investment portfolio management for community financial institutions. Since 1979, Baker has helped its clients improve decision- making, manage interest rate risk, and maximize investment portfolio performance. Baker’s proven approach of total resource integration utilizes software and products developed by The Baker Group Software Solutions* combined with the firm’s investment experience and advice.

*The Baker Group LP is the sole authorized distributor for the products and services developed and provided by The Baker Group Software Solutions, Inc.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Bloss
Managing Director
800.937.2257
Date: July 21, 2023

The Baker Group Joins Bankers Helping Bankers (BHB)

Oklahoma City, OK – Today, The Baker Group LP is pleased to announce its support and commitment to Bankers Helping Bankers (BHB), a bankers-only community for collaboration and education. With the new sponsorship, The Baker Group will help bankers improve decision-making, manage interest rate risk, and maximize investment portfolio performance.

“The mission of BHB aligns perfectly with The Baker Group’s commitment to community banks nationwide. That is, to provide critical resources and a communication platform for bankers as they adapt to rapidly changing market conditions,” said Tanner Mayo, Co-founder of BHB. “For banks, the process of evolution and adaptation is never-ending, particularly when it comes to technology, data, and risk management. We applaud this effort and look forward to continued support.”

The BHB platform is rapidly expanding to fill the needs of community banks in an unbiased and honest way backed by factual data. With the support of premier sponsors, including the “good guys” at The Baker Group, the platform offers these benefits: the source of truth in information, executive support with access to industry experts, a roadmap to navigate financial technology integrations, peer benchmarking, fintech and vendor directories, and more.

About Bankers Helping Bankers
Bankers Helping Bankers is a bankers-only social platform for collaboration and education. Through data tools and dynamic user groups, BHB provides community bankers with a knowledge base focused on bank technology and emerging Fintech companies, as well as hot topics such as cryptocurrencies, banking-as-a-service, becoming a sponsor bank, and launching a direct digital brand. It is the most complete end-to-end platform for community bank-supportive technology companies. The BHB platform is free for bankers, reaching 75% of U.S. banks. For more information, visit: BankersHelpingBankers.com.

ABOUT THE BAKER GROUP
The Baker Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned securities firms specializing in investment portfolio management for community financial institutions. Since 1979, Baker has helped its clients improve decision- making, manage interest rate risk, and maximize investment portfolio performance. Baker’s proven approach of total resource integration utilizes software and products developed by The Baker Group Software Solutions* combined with the firm’s investment experience and advice. More information about Baker can be found at www.GoBaker.com.

*The Baker Group LP is the sole authorized distributor for the products and services developed and provided by The Baker Group Software Solutions, Inc.

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