Kris Greeno is the Denver Regional President of Collegiate Peaks Bank, where she leads a team of commercial bankers and oversees commercial lending in the region. With more than 20 years in the industry, she has built a strong reputation for partnering with businesses and real estate investors to support their growth and long-term success. As a woman leading in Colorado’s commercial banking and real estate landscape—industries traditionally dominated by men—Kris is also part of a growing movement of female executives helping shape the future of capital markets and commercial real estate across the region.
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and centered around empowering people to grow. I believe in giving my team real ownership of their day-to-day work.
One of the most influential mentors in my career pushed me outside my comfort zone. I remember them saying, ‘You’re going to be uncomfortable.’ At the time, I had already been in the industry for 15 years, and the idea didn’t sound appealing—it made me nervous. But it ended up being some of the best guidance I’ve ever received. That experience shaped how I lead today. I challenge my team the same way, because growth rarely happens when things feel easy.
In a sales role, especially in banking, you have to know what you’re talking about. Knowledge matters—but even more important is understanding that there’s no secret sauce. You’re going to hear “no,” you’re going to stumble, and you’re going to feel uncomfortable. That’s part of the process. You just have to keep putting yourself out there. It’s all about reps: the more reps you take, the stronger and more confident you become.
My goal as a leader is to create an environment where people feel supported enough to take those reps, make decisions, and stretch themselves. When people feel trusted and encouraged to grow, they not only perform better—they become leaders themselves.
What can banking and real estate Industries learn from one another?
Banking and real estate can learn from each other. Real estate excels at being deeply connected to communities, understanding people’s stories, and building trust through relationships. Banking offers structure, transparency, and disciplined decision-making. When you blend those strengths, you get both heart and rigor—exactly what inclusive service requires.
How do you see the role of women and diverse leaders evolving in the next 5 to 10 years in Colorado’s financial and real estate sectors?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see women and diverse leaders becoming increasingly influential in both industries. Clients want advisors who understand their backgrounds and reflect their communities, and companies are realizing that diverse leadership is simply better for business. More women will step into revenue-producing roles, more diverse leaders will shape strategy, and inclusivity will shift from a goal to an expectation. The momentum is already here.
What mentorship or sponsorship programs have made the biggest impact for women and underrepresented employees?
One program I’ve become especially passionate about is the Susan Stanton Leadership Academy. I was invited to serve as a mentor this year, and it has been incredibly rewarding. The Academy is designed specifically to accelerate the careers of women in commercial real estate by pairing emerging leaders with senior executives who can open doors, share insights, and invest in their success.
What makes this program stand out is the caliber and diversity of the women participating. The mentee group includes structural engineers, land brokers, capital markets professionals, attorneys, business development leaders, and financial analysts—women from across the real estate ecosystem who are already making an impact early in their careers. Being able to support that level of talent, and watch their confidence and networks grow in real time, has been one of the most meaningful mentoring experiences I’ve had.
Programs like this matter because they don’t just offer guidance—they create visibility, sponsorship, and community. They’re helping build the next generation of leaders in our industry, and I’m grateful to playa small part in that.
What has been your experience as a woman in a male-dominated Industry?
Early in my career as an agricultural lender, I was a young woman working with farmers who weren’t always eager to take advice from someone my age or gender. I knew I had to earn their trust, so I met them where they were—literally. I went out on farm inspections, learned their operations, and let them show me what they’d built. That connection shifted everything.
What I’ve learned since then is that confidence, competence, and work ethic overcome most barriers. When clients see that you know your business and will work hard for them, respect follows. In male-dominated industries, success often comes down to finding a genuine way to connect and proving through your actions that you’re committed to their success.
Collegiate Peaks Bank, a division of Glacier Bank, has deep roots in Colorado and a longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities where it works and serves. Founded by local community members in Buena Vista and now operating across Colorado’s Front Range, mountain towns, and growing business corridors, the bank has partnered closely with professionals in the commercial real estate industry to help them realize their vision. With a relationship‑driven approach and a strong focus on commercial lending, Collegiate Peaks Bank partners closely with business owners, developers and entrepreneurs to help fuel growth in Colorado’s dynamic commercial landscape.
