Overview
Chris Purdum is Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking for Commerce Bank in Wichita
where he focuses on the needs of clients and businesses in the manufacturing, distribution,
and energy sectors. Chris began his career in the banking industry during his sophomore
year at Wichita State, quickly identified his passion for the industry, people and
working with businesses, and began a pursuit of that career. Wishing to continue his
development in the banking sector and remain in Wichita, Chris joined Commerce Bank
as a credit analyst in the commercial banking division upon graduation from Wichita
State. In 2011, following a three-year hiatus from banking to return to his home state
of Nebraska to work for a global commodities merchant, Wichita and Commerce Bank came
calling with an opportunity. Combined with a desire to be closer to family in Kansas,
the University that he and his wife loved, and re-enter banking, they packed up and
moved south once again.
Chris earned a B.A. in both finance and international business in 2007 from the W.
Frank Barton School of Business, with minors in economics and Spanish.
As an undergraduate, Chris was actively involved in a number of organizations on campus
including Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, student government, student ambassadors, and
the Barton School Dean’s Ambassadors.
Chris is married to his wife, Ashley (Wichita State ‘06/’08), and together they are
raising three boys (8, 6 and 4), all of whom are big Shocker fans! He continues his
dedication to the University and community today with his involvement with the Riverwalk
Church of Christ and its Mission Endowment Committee, as well as active board service
with the Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni & Volunteer Corporation, Carpenter Place, Wichita
State University Alumni Association, SASO Board of Directors, WSU School of Music
– Music Associates, Junior Achievement (Wichita Advisory and State of Kansas), and
Kansas Children’s Service League Foundation.