Steven Townsend

Strategic leader at the intersection of finance, technology, and innovation, driving transformation through data-driven insights and product development.

SVP, Head of Strategy and Innovation | CFA® charterholder

About

Philosophy

I enjoy the space where analysis meets creativity. Strategy should be equal parts structure and imagination, grounded in a sense of purpose. The real work is connecting a deep understanding of markets, systems, and people to create ideas that actually move things forward. I’ve learned that technology amplifies judgment, not replaces it. My favorite work is when a good idea clicks into place and suddenly everyone sees what’s possible - and why it matters.

Motivators

I’m driven by the challenge of turning complex problems into clear paths forward. Building sustainable advantages takes patience, curiosity, and teams that think deeply together. I’m drawn to work that bridges finance and technology, where new tools unlock better decisions and meaningful outcomes. Long-term thinking in a short-term world keeps me motivated; creating momentum that lasts is what matters most.

Background

My career has always centered on connecting strategy, markets, and technology. I’ve worked across balance sheet strategy, sales, corporate finance, consulting, and investment portfolio management, leading teams that bridge analysis and execution. I’ve had a front-row seat to how ideas become systems and systems become results. Whether developing financial models or building an iOS app, I’m happiest when I’m creating something useful and lasting.

Projects & Ventures

Building products that bridge finance and technology, making complex concepts accessible and useful.

Bonds Simplified app icon

Bonds Simplified

Professional-grade bond calculations

iOS application providing sophisticated fixed income analytics in an intuitive interface. Designed for finance professionals and investors who need accurate bond calculations without complex spreadsheets. Learn more →

Salette app icon

Salette

Smart salary tracking & financial planning

Organize and treasure your art collection with professional tools. Perfect for families documenting their children's creativity and serious collectors alike. Learn more →

Sharing knowledge through teaching and education, helping professionals develop strategic thinking and practical skills.

  • Teaching advanced ALM strategies, liquidity measurement and management, and capital metrics and performance
  • Third-year elective course in Financial Management & Strategy competency
  • Integrating corporate governance and planning with balance sheet, income statement, liquidity, and capital management
  • Working through sample exercises and table-top examples to improve strategic thinking on interrelated factors
  • Focusing on frameworks for linking financial statements with ALM, liquidity, and capital decisions
  • Coordinating governance and leadership engagement to align strategic goals with financial management

Experience

ES&A Consultant

Huron Consulting Group

Kansas City, MO

2016 – 2017

  • Implemented on-premise and cloud planning systems
  • Organized client financial and statistical data
  • Helped clients move from spreadsheets to modern planning systems
  • Projects included design, documentation, implementation, and training
  • Developed reporting strategies for improved decision making

Lead Financial Analyst

H&R Block

Kansas City, MO

2014 – 2016

  • Built and maintained capital structure model for $8+ billion in restructuring transactions
  • Applied past learnings to corporate fp&a and treasury teams to help accelerate capabilities
  • Business lead on two finance software implementations, Hyperion Planning and Strategy Finance
  • Developed driver-based planning models across multiple areas

Vice President

Stifel Financial

New York, NY / Kansas City, MO

2009 – 2014

  • Senior member of seven-person strategy team supporting fixed income sales and trading
  • Developed proprietary analytics for portfolio management and balance sheet strategies
  • Supported investment banking on M&A, capital raising, and post-acquisition restructuring
  • Recipient of Joseph J. Berry Award for firm-wide impact and influence
  • Authored strategy pieces shared with over 600 clients

Skills & Expertise

Strategic Leadership

Corporate strategy development · Business architecture · Strategic planning & execution · Portfolio management · Innovation program development · Change management · Problem-solving · Leadership · Judgement · Results-oriented

Financial Expertise

Investment management · Balance sheet strategy · Fixed income capital markets · Securitized product trading · Mortgage-backed securities · Cash flow analysis · Capital management · Interest rate derivatives · Institutional sales · Corporate finance · Asset-liability management · Bank balance sheet analysis · Forecasting · Interest rate risk

Technical Skills

Bloomberg Terminal · PolyPaths · PowerBI · Python · Swift programming · Microsoft Office · Visual Basic · iOS application development · Data visualization · Financial modeling

Core Competencies

Communicating · Understanding · Continual learning · Educating others · Technology adoption · Corporate strategy · Quantitative analysis · Risk management

Professional Credentials

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) · Published iOS developer · Strategic planning expertise · Financial services domain expert · BSBA Finance & Accounting (K-State)

Community Involvement

TARC Foundation

Trustee & Treasurer

Jan 2020 – Present

Northeast Kansas

Board leadership supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Northeast Kansas.

K-State College of Business Executive Mentor Program

Executive Mentor

Nov 2015 – Present

Manhattan, KS

Mentor Kansas State business students on career readiness, leadership, and practical applications of finance.

K-State College of Business Finance Advisory Board

Advisory Board Member

May 2013 – Present

Manhattan, KS

Partner with faculty and fellow alumni to shape the finance curriculum and support strategic initiatives.

Credentials & Education

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)

CFA Institute

August 2021

Professional designation for investment analysis and portfolio management

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Finance & Accounting

Kansas State University

2005 – 2009

Manhattan, KS

Delta Sigma Phi · College of Business Ambassador · Student Finance Association · Student Government Association: Judicial Branch

Get in Touch

Interested in discussing strategy, innovation, or building great products? I'm always open to meaningful conversations about finance, technology, and the future of banking.