Think Strategically and Act Decisively
Success Depends on Smart Alliances
BILL SUMMERS, Sr. Advisor
With over 30 years of leadership in financial services, international business, and entrepreneurial ventures, Bill Summers is known for his admirable enthusiasm, leadership strengths, strategic thinking, innovation, ability to foster growth through meaningful connections and track record for helping those around him succeed.
Bill was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1993 as a Non-Commissioned Officer (SGT, E-5), demonstrating early leadership and discipline. That same year, he joined Vision Financial Group, Inc. (VFG), a private equipment leasing and financing company formed by Fred Summers (Bill’s father) in 1991 in Pittsburgh, PA. Alongside his career, Bill earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA with a concentration in International Business from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
Over the next 30 years, Bill advanced to CEO of VFG, driving its strategic growth and expansion. His efforts culminated in the company’s acquisition by Civista Bank (NASDAQ: CIVB) in 2022. Following the acquisition, Bill played a key role in integrating VFG as Civista Leasing & Finance, serving as President and later SVP until his retirement in 2024.
Throughout his career, Bill has shared his expertise at industry conferences for the Propane, Nondestructive Testing, Manufacturing, Private Investment and Alternative Fuels sectors. He is a Lifetime Member of the American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), a past Board Member of Young Gassers, a former Board Member of the Tri-State Alternative Fueling Expo and a contributor of personal time and resources towards worthy causes.
His entrepreneurial ventures have included equipment exporting and distribution, consulting, retail and investing. These experiences have deepened his expertise in global markets, business development, and cross-border partnerships.
Bill’s global perspective, shaped by living in Europe and traveling to over 30 countries, informs his ability to build strategic partnerships and create meaningful opportunities. Married to Aura Lee Summers, Bill enjoys golf, gardening, cooking, skiing, Pilates, geeking out with technology, art, graphic design, science fiction, and traveling as he explores new ventures and having fun while connnecting capital to opportunity!
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