Creating Ohio’s First Black Owned Bank & Why “We Need To Be More Tolerable Of Our Own” | feat. Jordan A Miller

The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Change Agents

Lisa Gardner is joined by Jordan A. Miller Jr., the chairman and CEO of Adelphi Bank, Ohio's first black owned bank.
Miller shares his journey from early challenges, including dropping out of college and facing resistance as a black bank examiner, to his leadership role at Fifth Third Bank. He emphasizes the importance of economic access for the Black community, advocating for entrepreneurship and homeownership. Miller proposes incentivizing support for black-owned businesses and stresses the need for financial literacy. Inspired by his parents' values, he envisions expanding Adelphi Bank's presence in underserved markets and remains committed to community empowerment beyond banking.
Also in this episode:

• Overcoming Adversity in Banking: Miller emphasizes overcoming personal and systemic challenges, such as higher operational costs and regulatory skepticism, when founding Adelphi Bank to serve underserved communities.

• Advocacy for Minority Banks: Miller advocates for a different approach to support minority banks, emphasizing the importance of finding investors who understand and are patient with the mission of serving underserved communities.

• Diversity in Leadership: Miller discusses his efforts to increase diversity within organizations, such as hiring more diverse candidates and mentoring others, to change the predominantly white, male leadership structure.

• National Bankers Association Conference: Miller shares insights from a conference where leaders of minority-owned banks discussed best practices and strategies for strengthening their institutions, focusing on topics like CRA reform and community impact.

• Vision for Economic Growth: Jordan's vision involves encouraging Black entrepreneurship and homeownership, supported by financial literacy and incentives to use Black-owned businesses for property management needs.

• Commitment to Community: Jordan expresses a deep commitment to empowering his community through financial services, inspired by his parents' examples, and remains open to expanding his efforts beyond banking to help underserved communities.

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About Jordan A Miller
Jordan Miller, a Columbus, Ohio native with nearly 35 years in the financial industry, is a retired Regional President of Fifth Third Bank Central Ohio. He now advises business and community organizations on strategic objectives and serves on nonprofit and for-profit boards. An Air Force veteran, Jordan began his banking career at the Comptroller of the Currency and spent over 14 years at Huntington National Bank. He joined Fifth Third in 1998, holding various leadership roles until retiring in 2019. Recognized for his community and business leadership, he was inducted into the Central Ohio Junior Achievement Hall of Fame.
About Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.