Institutional Network leadership

Meghan Crawford-Hamlin is President of Financial Institutions at BHG Financial, where she leads business development, placement operations, bank marketing, national events, and regulatory relations. As a results-driven executive, she sets the strategic direction and drives execution for BHG Financial’s national bank platform while strengthening relationships across its partner network.

Since stepping into the role in 2020, Meghan has driven significant growth and expansion. In her second year, the organization achieved the highest single-year total of new bank partnerships in company history under her leadership, with nearly 40% of BHG Financial’s total network growth occurring during her tenure. She has facilitated the placement of more than $13 billion in assets across over 30% of banks nationwide. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its national footprint, strengthened regulatory alignment, and delivered sustained revenue growth.

Meghan joined BHG in 2015 and rapidly advanced through leadership roles, initially managing the firm’s largest institutional portfolio, which included hundreds of community banks. Her career spans sales, strategy, and client success at scale. Prior to BHG Financial, she served as a Director at The Fitch Group Company, where she was responsible for growth across its largest North American client portfolio. She began her career at IAC, a global media and internet holding company operating across 100+ countries.

In recognition of her leadership and industry impact, Meghan was named to the Central New York Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty in 2025. Meghan sits on the boards of Pathfinder Bank and Risk Management Solutions Group (RMSG), a regulatory advisory firm. She is an active member of the American Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of America and contributes to community leadership as a Woman of Impact Team Member for Go Red for Women. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and lives in Skaneateles, New York, with her husband and their two young sons.

jim@bhg-inc.com

Jim joined BHG in 2008. In addition to his role as EVP, Institutional Relationships, Jim also serves on the board of directors for BHG Financial, providing the board with business insight from over 35 years of industry experience. He helps advise the company in matters that ensure profitable and healthy operations.

Before joining BHG, he was the sole owner and president of a successful title and mortgage company.
Mr. Crawford holds a bachelor's degree in math and economics from Muskegon University. 

States Served: HI, TX, CA, VA

melissa@bhg-inc.com

Melissa joined BHG in 2006 as a member of the credit team. She later managed the closing department and held other leadership roles within the company, then continued her career in Institutional Sales.

Melissa grew up in Syracuse, NY, before moving to Louisiana. She earned a degree in exercise physiology from Louisiana State University (LSU), before returning to New York. She enjoys traveling around the country to attend her three children’s sporting events.

States Served: CT, FL, MA, TN, VT, NH, ME, RI

kgruebele@bhg-inc.com 

Keith joined BHG in 2011 and served in several functions for the company before taking his current role. Overall, he has more than 25 years of financial industry experience.  

Keith was born and raised in New York, before relocating to South Florida more than 25 years ago. He studied business administration and is passionate about relationship building, finance, and being a lifelong learner. 

States Served: ND, AZ, UT, CO, WY, ID, OR, MT, AK, IA, NE, CO, WA, MN 

thomas@bhg-inc.com

Tom joined BHG in 2005. Prior to that, he was employed by the Bank of NY/Mellon Bank.

Tom grew up in Rome, NY, and received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Buffalo State College. Tom enjoys spending time with his family, including coaching and attending his children’s sporting events.

States Served: KS, OK, IA

courtney@bhg-inc.com

Courtney joined BHG in 2015, helping community banks strengthen and grow their portfolios by connecting them with premium, high-quality borrowers across the country. Her great-grandfather was president of a small community bank in upstate New York, which is still in operation today.

Courtney grew up in Phoenix, NY, received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport, and earned her master's degree from the University of Kent in England.

States Served: AL, AR, LA, MD, MS, WI

kconnellan@bhg-inc.com

Kathleen joined BHG in 2020. Prior to that, she was an executive sales representative for one of the world’s fastest-growing publicly traded technology companies.

Kathleen grew up in Cazenovia, New York, and graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences. For the past 10 years, she has been the Committee Chair for Autism Speaks. Kathleen resides in Weehawken, NJ, and enjoys singing and playing piano.

States Served: NM, NV, OH, PA, NJ, NY

rthornton@bhg-inc.com

Rachel joined BHG in 2020 as an Account Executive before transitioning to her Institutional Relationships role in 2022. Prior to joining BHG, she was an Account Executive at BDV Solutions.

Rachel received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Wofford College in South Carolina. She volunteers with multiple charitable organizations and enjoys skiing, golfing, and yoga.

States Served: NC, SC, GA, WV, KY, DE