Stronger Together

Gregory A. Noonan & Associates and Bank Strategic Solutions Join Forces to Create Powerhouse in Banking Transformation

Handshake Merger

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. and MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Jan. 8, 2026 – Gregory A. Noonan & Associates (GNA) and Bank Strategic Solutions today announced a merger to create a powerhouse in banking transformation, offering unparalleled expertise in strategic initiatives, mergers, efficiency, and compliance. The combined organization will operate under the new GNA Advisors brand. 

Both GNA and Bank Strategic Solutions share a common mission to deliver superior bank management consulting and add value to financial institutions through improved processes, growth, and increased profitability. This strategic merger furthers that mission, uniting industry-leading specialists in strategy execution, process improvement, mergers & acquisitions, systems implementation, financial management and regulatory compliance. This also enhances GNA Advisors’ capabilities to deliver superior consulting services to financial institutions of all sizes, from community banks and credit unions to national financial institutions. 

Unlike other firms, GNA Advisors is led by a team of experienced bankers, each with more than 25 years of experience and a true understanding for bank operations. GNA Advisors has been involved with over 150 acquisitions, ensuring smooth transitions and maximizing value for all stakeholders.

Greg Noonan, President of GNA, said, “Our firms have worked together over the past several years and Bank Strategic Solutions has significantly increased the services and value we bring to our clients. This merger is a natural fit which expands our ability to help financial institutions navigate the complex challenges of today’s banking landscape. Our combined expertise allows us to be a one stop shop offering more comprehensive solutions, driving improved profitability, growth, and operational efficiency for our clients.”

Noonan has more than 35 years of banking and financial consulting experience and spent 22 years working for both community and multi-state regional banks in the Midwest and Mid-South. His firm was founded in 2005 and has supported numerous acquisitions nationwide, from inception through conversion. His firm’s work also includes the integration of more than 75 community banks and non-bank subsidiaries​.

The merger combines complementary strengths, as well as an enhanced service offering, including strategy planning and execution, mergers & acquisitions support, efficiency and process improvement, compliance services, digital transformation, and customer experience enhancement. It also broadens both organizations’ geographical presence, allowing for more effective service to financial institutions across different regions. GNA Advisors will also now have expanded expertise in areas such as CDFI support, risk management, project management and financial systems optimization. 

Amy Pierce, Founder and President of Bank Strategic Solutions, said, “This union creates a unique value proposition for our clients. Our team’s diverse background, ranging from experienced bank CEOs to specialized consultants, positions us to address the evolving needs of financial institutions with practical, hands-on solutions derived from real-world banking experience.”

Pierce has over 25 years of direct industry experience in addition to seven years of consulting on M&A deals and system and software conversions for community banks, super-regionals, and national banks.​ In 2015, she founded Bank Strategic Solutions, an organization dedicated to providing superior risk assurance and strategic solution services. Her experience includes roles such as Chief Lending Officer and Managing Director of Risk Services. She has assisted organizations to resolve regulatory orders and served as an advisor for several bank-related fintechs and start-up companies through the Little Rock FIS Venture Center.  

About GNA

GNA Advisors is a leading bank management consulting firm specializing in banking transformation, with a focus on strategy, mergers & acquisitions, efficiency, and compliance. The firm is led by a team of experienced bankers, each with more than 25 years of experience and a true understanding for bank operations, helping financial institutions improve profitability, drive growth, and streamline processes.

GNA Advisors boasts a diverse team of professionals with specialized skills in various areas of banking operations, led by executives who have held C-level positions in major financial institutions. With a proven track record, including the team’s involvement with over 150 successful mergers and acquisitions, GNA Advisors offers comprehensive service offerings covering strategy, operations, technology, and risk management.

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