Ron Mercer is a director with Artisan Advisors who had previously worked with the firm in a consulting capacity since its founding.  A seasoned advisor to bank directors and C-suite executives, he specializes in evaluation of properties held as collateral, appraisal review, workout plans and disposition of troubled assets, along with OREO management and regulatory enforcement actions.

Ron brings his unique experience and perspective as an entrepreneur to Artisan and its clients.  A certified public accountant, he began his career with a Big 8 accounting firm, then launched and ran his own accounting firm more than 20 years. After selling the firm, he started and managed two successful real estate development companies for several years.  From there, he transitioned to providing loan workout services for multiple midwestern banks, including Bank Financial FSB, Ben Franklin Bank of Illinois, Centrust Bank, Central Federal Savings, Grand Ridge National Bank, Illini State Bank, Pioneer Bank, and Pacific Global Bank.

Ron is an expert in loan appraisal review and collateral evaluation, with a specialty in real estate.  He has extensive experience advising banks on how to identify and manage problematic loans, using a comprehensive and reliable process of his own development.

Ron earned his Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and is both a licensed CPA and a licensed Real Estate Broker in, Illinois.