Board of Directors

a table and chairs in an office board room

Our board members hold every quality you’d expect to see: They are experienced, committed, and invested. It is their deep-rooted faith and their belief in our mission that makes them uniquely qualified to build and preserve our legacy here at The Signatry. Most importantly, they’re always praying — for us, for you, and for the causes we all support. 

Board of Directors

Jim Wright

Jim Wright

Board Member

Jim Wright is the retired CEO and executive chairman of Tractor Supply Company. He has served on several industry, public, and privately held boards and continues to serve as a trustee at Belmont University. Jim and his wife Susan are passionate about building a family legacy of faith and stewardship.

Mark Bainbridge

Mark Bainbridge

Vice Chairman

Mark Bainbridge retired as the general manager of Bancourier. He has served as a board member of Shepherds Ministry and College, an advisor to Christian University of the Americas, and executive director of the Children’s Scholarship Fund. He and his wife Holly care for their two disabled adult children.

Mark Hammett

Mark Hammett

Treasurer

Mark Hammett is First Vice President of Fixed Income Sales at Commerce Bank. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Mark also serves on the board of Rachel House Pregnancy Resource Center and The Children’s SPOT of St. Luke’s Hospital. He and his wife Kristin attend Abundant Life Church.

Gary Nagel

Gary Nagel

Chairman

Gary is the founder of Wealth Management Group of Kansas City. He has served on the investment committee of Wycliffe Bible Translators and RIA Charitable Investment, and has been a U.S. board member of SAT 7, a founder of Crossfirst Bank, and an advocate for Generous Church. He is married to Judy.

Ken Polk

Ken Polk

Board Member

Kenneth H. Polk, CPA, CFP® founded Arlington in 1998 and is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Ken sets the strategic direction for the firm and leads the investment team. He also leads the firm in assisting families align around a common purpose and shared family legacy. Prior to founding Arlington, Ken was a tax consultant with Deloitte where he worked with families and their closely held businesses. Ken graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in accounting. Ken is a member of Young President’s Organization (YPO). He serves on the Board for two non-profit organizations focused on leadership development. Ken is married and has four children.

Keith Phillips

Keith Phillips

Board Member

Keith Phillips is Managing Director and financial advisor for Wiley Bros. – Aintree Capital. He serves as the Middle Tennessee Advisory Board Chair for The Signatry. Keith is actively involved in Business as Mission which aims to both create and curate business. He and his wife Nancy attend Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Steve French

Steve French

President & CEO

Stephen (Steve) French is President and CEO of The Signatry. His primary role is strategic management and leadership of the office. He also devotes his time meeting with advisors, attorneys, individuals, and business owners to develop strategies and solutions to minimize tax liability, while maximizing charitable giving. This is executed with specific emphasis in the area of non-liquid assets such as: stock, real estate, mutual funds, and portions of closely held businesses.

Prior to joining The Signatry, Steve was the founder and CEO of Quovant, a Legal Spend Management company working with law firms in over 13 countries.

Steve is married to his wife Debbie and they have two daughters – Marnie and Rachel, who have blessed them with four grandsons.

About The Signatry

The Signatry seeks to inspire and facilitate revolutionary biblical generosity across generations. Through donor advised funds and other innovative tools and resources, families are empowered to live generously, modeling biblical values for future generations and making a greater impact for causes that align with their passions. Since its founding in 2000, The Signatry has facilitated sending over $4 billion to organizations around the world that are dedicated to solving the world’s greatest problems.

Discover our mission

Large Call to Action Background

Together we’re redefining generosity.

Join the conversation and get our newsletter.