Hess Named Among Most Influential Business Women
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Commerce Bank is proud to announce Kristy Hess, Commercial Real Estate Division Manager, has been named one of the St. Louis Business Journal's 2026 Most Influential Business Women, an annual recognition honoring 25 exceptional women leaders making a significant impact in business and throughout the St. Louis community.
For more than 25 years, the St. Louis Business Journal's Most Influential Business Women Awards program has celebrated female leaders whose vision, innovation and leadership have strengthened organizations and improved the region. This year, the publication reviewed 130 nominations before selecting the 2026 class of honorees.
Hess leads a team of 19 professionals and brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate banking at Commerce, where she oversees the bank's extensive network of real estate relationships while helping attract new investor and developer clients.
Hess's leadership and commitment to client service have contributed to nearly 35% growth in loan outstandings within two years. She is also recognized for her dedication to developing talent, and mentoring team members at all stages of their careers.
“Our success is built on leaders who are deeply committed to serving clients, supporting colleagues and strengthening our communities,” said Tom Harmon, President, Eastern Expansion Markets and Commercial Tradable Products. “Kristy's recognition as one of St. Louis' Most Influential Business Women reflects her exceptional leadership, industry knowledge and passion for helping others succeed.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hess serves as board president of Independence Center, a nonprofit organization that provides support and services to adults living with mental illness in the St. Louis region. She also serves as treasurer of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) St. Louis, helping advance opportunities for women in the commercial real estate industry.
The 2026 Most Influential Business Women honorees will be recognized during a luncheon on August 13 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.
About Commerce Bank.
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) is a regional bank holding company with $35.3 billion in assets¹, offering banking, payment solutions, wealth management and securities brokerage through its subsidiaries. Commerce Bank, its primary subsidiary, brings over 160 years of experience helping individuals and businesses through high-touch service and sophisticated, personalized financial solutions.
Commerce maintains an extensive network of banking centers, wealth offices, and ATMs throughout the Midwest, as well as commercial offices in 11 states and offers payment solutions nationwide. With its recent acquisition of FineMark Holdings, Inc., Commerce builds on its existing private banking and wealth management presence in Florida and adds wealth offices in Arizona and South Carolina.
Customers can conveniently access their accounts 24/7 using mobile and online platforms, as well as a customer service line.
Learn more at www.commercebank.com
1As of June 30, 2026
