Willard "Chuck" Lewis is the founder of WM Lewis Group, a consultancy practice established in 2010, dedicated to assisting small and medium-sized businesses in securing capital for their establishment and growth. In addition to his role at WM Lewis Group, Mr. Lewis serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Align Entertainment, a film production and distribution company.
Previously, Chuck held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Bronner Bros, Inc., a prominent black-owned hair care products manufacturer and one of the nation's largest black-owned businesses, where he contributed his expertise for four years.
Chuck's illustrious career includes a notable tenure at Citizens Trust Bank, where he served for twenty-two years, ultimately retiring as Senior Executive Vice President & COO. Following his retirement, he founded One Georgia Bank in June 2005, located in Atlanta's prestigious 1180 Peachtree Building. Under his leadership, the bank was capitalized with $24.2 million and garnered the support of over 400 shareholders. This groundbreaking achievement marked the first instance of a newly chartered bank in Georgia's history with over $20 million in capital and the largest such capital raised led by an African American in the United States. The bank specialized in serving companies with revenue ranging from $3 million to $50 million and boasted cutting-edge technological infrastructure.
In 2010, Mr. Lewis transitioned from his role as CEO of One Georgia Bank to establish WM Lewis Group, focusing on facilitating business growth through capital acquisition.
Chuck's commitment to community and economic development is evidenced by his extensive board service. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for organizations including the Georgia Council on Economic Education, Communities in Schools of Georgia, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, The New Century Forum at the Commerce Club (which he co-founded and served as past president), The Commerce Club Operating Board, the Metropolitan YMCA Board of Directors, the Midtown Alliance Board of Directors, DeKalb Medical Center Foundation (where he held the position of Vice Chairman), the Executive Board of Berry College's Campbell Business School, the National Bankers Association (where he served as Treasurer), and the Sweet Auburn Avenue Business and Improvement Association (where he served as Chairman).
Chuck's exceptional contributions to his community and profession have been recognized over the years. In 1997, he was honored as one of Georgia Trend Magazine's "Forty under Forty," a recognition of the state's top young leaders based on their professional achievements, civic engagement, and commitment to community service. Furthermore, in 2004, he was inducted into the HistoryMakers, and his personal archive is preserved in the Library of Congress, ensuring that his life and legacy will inspire future generations.
Chuck Lewis is a proud alumnus of Morehouse College, graduating in 1983. He is also a graduate of Leadership Atlanta's Class of 1999 and holds lifetime memberships in the Morehouse College National Alumni Association and the NAACP, underscoring his enduring commitment to education and civil rights.
Chuck Lewis Contact Information:
Mobile: 678-467-0726
Email: willardchucklewis@gmail.com
