Jacksonville native Chris Kalin exemplifies the formula for success. With more than 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, he understands that success is a result of a strong work ethic, a drive to succeed, and being ready for and open to career opportunities that come your way.
“You can see where your future can take you if you put in the effort,” Kalin said.
Kalin is the regional president of PNC Bank in North Florida – an area that includes Jacksonville, Daytona, Gainesville, and Tallahassee. His extensive banking experience includes a variety of middle market and corporate banking roles, with responsibilities that included credit analysis, commercial strategy, portfolio management, relationship management, and market expansion.
He didn’t always aspire to become a banker. As a teen, he had an interest in pursuing a degree in criminal justice after watching several crime drama television series. After taking a few classes, he discovered it wasn’t like what he had seen on TV. Fortunately, an advisor recognized his interest in numbers and math, and encouraged him to explore finance as a major. He is a graduate of Providence School and the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance.
Kalin began his banking career in Jacksonville at Wachovia, which is now Wells Fargo. He was recognized as a top talent and was quickly promoted to a leadership role in Los Angeles. Following a successful build out in Southern California, and recognizing his aptitude and pursuit of excellence, he was promoted to another leadership role in Chicago. While working in Illinois, he maximized his time and earned an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. Another promotion brought him back to Jacksonville in 2014.
Kalin has been with PNC since 2017, where he originally helped lead the corporate banking efforts in North Florida. That success led him to be named the North Florida regional president in October 2022.
“I am fortunate to have a career that inspires me, and to work for an organization with incredibly talented individuals that I respect,” he said.
Kalin currently serves on the board of directors of the Museum of Science & History as well as the JAX Chamber. He serves on the Business Advisory Council at UNF where he also spends time mentoring students.
“When I speak with students, I assure them that you don’t have to have everything figured out when you graduate,” Kalin said. “Success will come if you work hard, are excited and engaged, and deliver everything that’s expected from you.”
As a mentor, this energetic leader encourages students to pursue lifelong learning by keeping a pulse on current events through reading reputable news media outlets and staying on top of industry trends in real time. He also recommends students focus on connecting and building relationships with others.
“Your network starts now,” Kalin said. “It’s important to maintain those connections. You never know when you may cross paths again.”
To achieve career success, he encourages students to be likeable, trustworthy, and a team player.
“People want to do business with people that they like and who honor their commitments,” Kalin said.
This JAXUSA partner has been recognized as a leader in the community as a recipient of the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award. He is also an alumnus of Leadership Jacksonville and Lifework Leadership.
He recommends individuals concentrate on their personal goals and achievements, rather than compare themselves to their peers.
“The only person you should be trying to beat is the person you were yesterday. If you focus on what you can control, be the best you can be, and surround yourself with other positive, like-minded individuals, career opportunities will find you,” Kalin said.