Redemption Bank named Jan Allen Ackley chief executive officer.
Ackley assumes leadership as Redemption Bank continues its rapid expansion under Executive Chairman Ashley Bell. Since Bell led the acquisition of Holladay Bank and Trust in 2025, Redemption has become one of the nation’s newest Black-owned banks and the first headquartered in the Mountain West. The bank has since expanded commercial banking services, launched digital banking and introduced Bank King Card, a first-of-its-kind banking platform that expands economic opportunity while supporting mothers and children working to move from poverty to possibility.
Since joining Redemption as chief credit officer in October 2025, Ackley has helped build the institution Bell created through the acquisition of Holladay Bank and Trust. As chief executive officer, he will oversee the bank’s commercial banking strategy, lending operations and continued national expansion.
“Building Redemption Bank required challenging assumptions about who could own a bank and what a bank could accomplish,” Bell said. “The next era of banking will belong to institutions that combine disciplined commercial banking with innovation and an unwavering commitment to serving customers. Jan has spent nearly four decades helping businesses grow, managing risk and building lasting relationships. He is the right leader to guide Redemption into that future.”
Ackley joined Redemption after serving as chief credit officer at Milestone Bank. He began his banking career at Comerica Bank and has spent nearly four decades in commercial banking and corporate finance.
His experience spans mergers and acquisitions, asset-based lending, equipment finance, accounts receivable factoring and commercial real estate. Throughout his career, Ackley has worked with businesses in all 50 states, helping companies secure capital, strengthen cash flow and finance growth.
“Our responsibility is straightforward,” Ackley said. “We earn customers’ trust by making sound lending decisions, delivering exceptional banking services and helping businesses grow. That’s how great banks are built, and that’s how Redemption will continue creating opportunity for the customers and communities we serve.”
Beyond his executive leadership, Ackley serves as a commercial banking instructor, training the next generation of commercial lenders. He also teaches financial literacy and economics to adults, as well as middle and high school students in his community.
Ackley is a 12-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard, where he served as a training specialist in a communications squadron. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in finance and economics from The Ohio State University.
He is also the author of Searching for Change, a memoir reflecting on his upbringing in Appalachia and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership.
Ackley and his wife, DeAnn, have five children, eight grandchildren and reside in Salt Lake City.
Redemption Bank is one of the nation’s newest Black-owned banks and the first headquartered outside a historically underserved community. As a public benefit corporation, Redemption Bank combines innovative banking solutions with a commitment to expanding access to capital, entrepreneurship, wealth creation and economic mobility. Through commercial and consumer banking services, Redemption Bank is building new pathways to financial resilience while helping businesses and communities create lasting prosperity.