Adrian Breen

Adrian Breen ’83 - From Spartan Roots to National Banking Leader

From the football field to the boardroom, Adrian Breen ’83 has built a life defined by grit, resilience, and leadership. After signing with the St. Louis Cardinals following the 1987 NFL Draft and playing quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals during the strike season, Adrian transitioned into banking—a career now spanning nearly four decades.

What started as a teller job while finishing his finance degree at Xavier University evolved into executive leadership roles, including CEO and President of The Bank of Missouri, where he also serves as Chairman of the Board and leads its $3 billion operation. Under his guidance, the bank has launched a nationwide BaaS credit card program with over six million cards issued. In 2023–2024, he served as Chairman of the Missouri Bankers Association and currently holds multiple board positions within the financial industry.

Adrian credits much of his success to Roger Bacon High School. “Roger Bacon was a stabilizing environment for me during a very challenging time in my life,” he says. Coaches and teachers like Fr. John, Fr. Jim, Fr. Allen, Chuck Grosser, and especially Bron Bacevich played key roles in helping him believe in himself. “I still have the daily inspirational quotes Coach Bacevich used to hand out.”

His memories include winning the state basketball championship as a junior and earning a college football scholarship—both life-changing moments. His advice to students today? “The adversity you overcome will define you. When you get knocked down, get up. When you finally make it, give opportunity to those who follow.”

Adrian’s proudest accomplishment, however, is personal: a 35+ year marriage to his wife Lori, two children (Taylor and Shannon), and five grandchildren. “Of all my accomplishments, the life we’ve built together is what I’m most thankful for.”