Stefan Chkautovich recognized as a 2025 St. Louis Titan 100

Titan CEO and headline sponsor Wipfli LLP are pleased to announce Stefan Chkautovich, Chief Financial Officer at Southern Bank, as a 2025 St. Louis Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes the Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives in St. Louis. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Collectively the 2025 St. Louis Titan 100 and their companies employ over 42,148 individuals and generate over $77 billion in annual revenues. This year’s honorees will be published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online. They will be honored at an awards ceremony on April 24, 2025, and have the opportunity to interact and connect multiple times throughout the year with their fellow Titans.

“The Titan 100 are changing the way that business is done in St. Louis. These preeminent leaders have built a distinguished reputation that is unrivaled in their field. We proudly recognize the Titan 100 for their efforts to shape the future of the St. Louis business community. Their achievements create a profound impact that makes an extraordinary difference for their clients and employees across the nation,” says Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO.

Mr. Chkautovich is an accomplished financial leader with a proven track record of driving strategic growth and innovation in the banking industry. As the Chief Financial Officer of Southern Bank, he has leveraged his extensive expertise in financial management, risk assessment, and investment strategy to enhance operational efficiency and position the bank for substantial expansion. His career began as a bank examiner, where he pioneered the "Joint Agency Credit Review" program to streamline regulatory oversight. Later, as an investor, he played a key role in launching industry-specific investment strategies, leading to a nationally ranked banking sector portfolio. In previous CFO roles, he spearheaded innovative funding solutions, securing significant deposit growth amid industry-wide liquidity challenges. At Southern Bank, he has strengthened financial reporting systems and risk management protocols, ensuring the institution remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to continuous improvement, Mr. Chkautovich is a visionary leader dedicated to shaping the future of financial services.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized as part of the 2025 St. Louis TITAN 100!” Mr. Chkautovich said. “This achievement is a reflection of the incredible team at Southern Bank, whose dedication and hard work make a real impact every day. I’m excited to represent our team alongside such an inspiring group of leaders and am looking forward to the journey ahead!”

Mr. Chkautovich will be honored at the Titan 100 awards celebration on April 24th, 2025, at The Factory. This unique cocktail-style awards event will gather 100 Titans of Industry and their guests for an evening unlike anything that exists in the St. Louis business community.

“On behalf of all the partners and associates at Wipfli, we congratulate all the Titan100 winners. It’s an honor to recognize this diverse group of leaders in the St. Louis community. We appreciate the lasting impact each leader has made, and continues to make, in building organizations of significance both here in St. Louis and abroad. Your ingenuity and creativity have set you apart, and the honor of being seen as an industry Titan is richly deserved,” says Adam Herman Partner at Wipfli.