Trey Echols is the head of Highland Associates, Inc., a subsidiary of Regions Bank. His career in the financial services industry spans 30 years and he has a track record of developing businesses and people, engendering trust among individual, commercial, and institutional clients and creating value for colleagues and shareholders.In September, 2014, Echols became the president and CEO of Highland Associates, Inc, a 37 year old firm dedicated to providing investment advice to mission-based, not-for-profit institutions. He led the firm through its transition from the founders and managed its sale to Regions in 2019. He currently manages the business and sits on the wealth management leadership team of the bank.Prior to leading Highland Associates, Echols served as head of business development for Deloitte Corporate Finance, LLC, following its acquisition of McColl Partners in Charlotte. He joined McColl in 2011 and led the firm through significant growth in its direct sell-side advisory business. He also created Deloitte’s Strategic Growth Services vertical within Corporate Finance. This service helps middle market & private equity owned entities pursue and execute M&A driven growth strategies.Before joining Deloitte, he spent 12 years in various roles at Merrill Lynch, starting in 1999. He spent the second half of his career there in leadership roles, including directing its private client banking businesses in the Midwest from Chicago, IL. Prior to his career at Merrill, Echols was a commercial banker with SouthTrust and National Bank of Commerce.Mr. Echols is a former director and alumni association president of Birmingham-Southern College; immediate past chairman of the board of directors of Jones Valley Teaching Farm; a member of the advisory board for the Salvation Army; a member of Rotary Club International, Downtown Birmingham chapter; member of Monday Morning Quarterback Club; member of Young President’s Organization; Leadership Birmingham (2016), and Leadership Alabama - Class XXXI. He frequently serves as a mentor and advocate in career development for collegiate business students.