Cort Collison’s journey to becoming the president and CEO of Union Bank of Michigan is a story of hard work, dedication and vision.
The Davenport alumnus grew up in a family with a rich banking history. His grandfather worked at Chemical Bank, and his father worked at both Chemical and Union Bank, which led him to develop a passion for community banking.
Starting humbly as a custodial worker at Union Bank, Collison’s early exposure to the industry solidified his commitment. While the bloodline of banking shaped his path, it was his own determination and hard work that ultimately led him to the top.
Collison graduated from Lakewood High School in 1988, after spending a year at Ithaca High School in 1985. He then moved to Grand Rapids to pursue his education at Davenport University, marking a pivotal step in his career.
“Growing up, I was fascinated by numbers, and by high school, I was already working part-time at Union Bank whenever I could,” said Collison. “When I was accepted to Davenport University, I knew it was the perfect place to turn my passion into a career.”
While studying, he further developed his skills with roles as a teller and a five-year stint at UPS, demonstrating his unwavering work ethic. It was at Davenport that his passion for community banking truly blossomed, driven by a desire to help small businesses grow and individuals improve their financial standing. “I knew that I would be passionate about banking, especially community banking,” Collison recalled, highlighting the influence of his upbringing. This understanding propelled him to excel, ultimately graduating from Davenport in 1998 with a degree in Business Administration and Management.
Collison’s career progressed steadily, beginning with a significant role as a branch manager at the National Bank of Hastings from 1995 to 2006. When the bank was acquired by Chemical Bank, Collison seized the opportunity to join Union Bank, strategically positioning himself for a future leadership role. He embraced every aspect of banking, from teller work and consumer lending to mortgage and commercial lending, eventually rising to the role of president.
“After many years of working at the bank and learning all aspects of banking, I knew I wanted to be president and CEO, so I set my sights on that,” Collison said. “You have to have a little luck along the way in your career, and I was fortunate to have opportunities presented to me, but I also worked hard, built relationships and kept my mind and goals focused on becoming CEO.”
When Collison took the helm of Union Bank, he faced the challenge of navigating the 2008 recession. This period of adversity shaped him as a leader and forced him to rely on his network of peer bankers and family for support. “Most of my earlier career occurred during a tough economy—there was a lot of moving, shaking and pivoting to navigate the landscape,” Collison said.
His resilience and strategic vision propelled Union Bank forward, leading to significant growth and expansion. The bank’s headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids opened up a larger market, and the recent celebration of its 90th anniversary underscores its success. Today, Union Bank is in growth mode, expanding from Lansing to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, and shifting its focus toward commercial banking to better serve its customers. Collison’s goal is to continue building the bank’s assets and establishing it as a “one-stop shop” for all financial needs.
Beyond his professional achievements, Collison is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He actively participates in the Rotary Club, supports Davenport University sporting events and contributes to the United Way.
Looking toward the future, Collison aims to continue growing the bank and solidifying its position as a leading financial institution. The family legacy continues with his daughter, who is currently a student at Davenport, studying to follow the same career path. This symbolic passing of the torch solidifies the lasting impact of both the Collison family and Davenport University on the financial landscape.
When he retires, Collison plans to leave a strong, growing institution for the next generation, who just could be led by his daughter.
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