Larry Collett was an employee of Cass Information Systems since 1963 until his retirement in July, 2008. He is currently the Chairman of the Board. He was hired by the Company’s banking subsidiary, Cass Commercial Bank and held numerous positions culminating in his appointment as Executive Vice President in 1974. In 1983 he became the first President of the Company's Information Processing business. In 1990, he was elected Chief Executive Officer of Cass Information Systems, Inc. and was given the additional responsibilities of Board Chairman in 1992.
In 2007, Mr. Collett was named one of the nations best CEO’s by DeMarche Associates, Inc., a Kansas City based consulting company. Cass was also named, by Forbes Magazine, as one of the nations best 200 small public companies in 2006 and 2008. Cass is also a member of the Russell 2000, a well-recognized list of public companies selected for inclusion in this highly respected investment fund.
Larry’s leadership combines two aspects of his life: a passion for new technology and a deeply held faith. His drive to incorporate newer technologies and his insistence on trusting God, have been key ingredients of his business career.
In addition to his business responsibilities, Mr. Collett has held numerous positions with civic, charitable and church related institutions. He was the Chairman of the Greater St. Louis Billy Graham Crusade, in 1999. He also worked with several organizations that bring churches and pastors together in the St. Louis region. Larry chaired numerous fund raising activities for non-profit and educational institutions. He is a member of the Board of Regents of Trinity International University and Seminary, in Deerfield, Illinois.
He has been a teacher of several courses for business, church and non-profit institutions. He is a member of the CEO Forum, an organization of Christian CEO’s and is on the adjunct teaching staff for the Spiritual Leadership Institute (SLI) of that organization. He has authored several bible studies, primarily related to “Abiding in Christ” and “Kingdom Restoration”. He teaches bible courses at the First Evangelical Free Church in Manchester, in the community in which he resides and for other groups and ministries.
He attended St. Louis University where he obtained both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He also performed post-graduate work at Rutgers University through the Stonier School of Banking. In 2014 he received the “Outstanding Alumni Award” from St. Louis University’s Graduate School of Business.
A lifelong resident of the St. Louis area, Mr. Collett has been married to his wife Sharon since 1965. They have three children and nine grandchildren..