Tom Armstrong

Thomas W. Armstrong, Jr. brings more than 40 years of banking, lending, executive leadership, and community development experience to the mission of Viviscent Wellness Foundation. With a career rooted in financial stewardship, business growth, risk management, and relationship-based leadership, Thomas offers a rare combination of institutional banking knowledge and real-world business financing expertise that directly supports VWF’s national housing, infrastructure, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Thomas currently serves as President and Owner of Elite Business Financing, where he helps businesses secure alternative funding solutions when traditional lending options are limited. His work focuses on creating practical financial pathways for business owners, while also building partnerships with banks and lending institutions to develop strategic win-win solutions. This experience aligns closely with Viviscent Wellness Foundation’s need to structure creative, responsible, and scalable funding strategies for affordable housing, entrepreneur empowerment, and community revitalization projects.

Prior to this, Thomas served as President of First National Bank and later Forward Bank, where he led a period of significant growth and financial strength. Under his leadership, the institution expanded from approximately $76 million in assets to over $145 million, while maintaining a delinquent loan ratio under 1.0%. He also developed an employee profit-sharing program, strengthened the institution’s profitability, and implemented asset and liability strategies that positioned the bank for long-term sustainability and performance. His ability to lead with discipline, vision, and measurable results makes him a strong asset to any organization focused on long-term impact and responsible growth.

Throughout his career, Thomas has worked across mortgage lending, compliance, consumer lending, branch operations, and executive banking leadership. He has written compliance policy, managed loan programs, and supervised complex financial operations that included branch offices, insurance services, and investment functions. His broad operational and regulatory experience provides meaningful value to VWF as the organization continues to expand its housing programs, nonprofit funding structures, strategic partnerships, and large-scale development opportunities.

Thomas is also widely respected for his leadership beyond banking. He has served in notable governance and advisory roles, including Board Member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Board Member of the Community Bankers of Wisconsin. His long-standing commitment to community leadership, mentorship, coaching, and service reflects the same people-first values that drive the work of Viviscent Wellness Foundation.

At Viviscent Wellness Foundation, Thomas would be a strong fit in areas related to financial strategy, banking partnerships, capital access, loan structuring, lender relations, underwriting guidance, and community development financing. His background strengthens the Foundation’s ability to build trusted relationships with banks, investors, and funding partners while supporting sustainable pathways for housing, wellness, and economic mobility.