Nashville Experiences Leadership Shakeup in Financial Sector with New Appointments

Nashville Welcomes New Financial Leaders

In the heart of Nashville, exciting new developments are happening in the financial and real estate sectors! A trio of accomplished professionals is stepping into significant leadership roles, promising to bring their wealth of experience to the Music City. The news is buzzing around town as Stephen DeCastro, Spencer Smith, and Lee Hunter embark on their new journeys, contributing to the economic growth and vibrancy of Nashville.

Meet Stephen DeCastro, CFO of Barge Design Solutions

The first big announcement comes from Barge Design Solutions, an engineering and architecture firm that has just appointed Stephen DeCastro as their new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). DeCastro is no stranger to the financial world, bringing over 20 years of experience under his belt. He has previously held key positions at well-known companies like Nokian Tyres and Dover Corporation, where he showcased his skills as a financial leader.

Bob Higgins, the president and CEO of Barge Design Solutions, expressed his enthusiasm: “Stephen’s financial expertise and his passion for building strong teams align perfectly with Barge’s vision. We are confident he will play a pivotal role in shaping our financial future.” DeCastro will be based at the firm’s headquarters here in Nashville, overseeing a variety of tasks including strategic planning, financial reporting, risk management, and compliance. It’s a crucial role, and the expectations are high!

Spencer Smith Joins Colliers as Vice President

Next up is Spencer Smith, who has been named vice president of the industrial group at Colliers, a well-respected commercial real estate brokerage based in Toronto. Spencer isn’t new to the industry; he was previously a senior associate with Avison Young, where he specialized in office, industrial, and retail leasing as well as investment sales. Now, he’ll be focusing on acquisition and disposition assignments, along with providing brokerage representation for office and industrial space users in Nashville.

Spencer is a Nashville native, and his local roots run deep, being the son of seasoned commercial real estate developer Tom Smith. He graduated from Samford University with a degree in communications, which will certainly help him in his new role. His combination of local knowledge and expertise in real estate is bound to benefit both clients and the broader community!

Lee Hunter Takes the Helm at SmartBank

Lastly, Lee Hunter has been appointed as the Nashville-area president of SmartBank. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Hunter has certainly made his mark in various roles including real estate development and brokerage, bank lending, and management. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Auburn University and a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Billy Carroll, president and CEO of SmartBank, expressed his excitement about Hunter joining the team, saying, “Lee’s extensive knowledge, leadership, and strong community ties, combined with his decades of banking experience and unwavering commitment to client service, make him an exceptional addition to our team. We are thrilled to have his expertise and leadership to drive our continued growth in the middle Tennessee market.”

With these leadership changes, Nashville is sure to see a ripple effect of growth and innovation across its financial and real estate landscapes. As the city continues to flourish, these newly appointed leaders are positioning themselves to make significant contributions to its future!