Remembering Medlin

“My involvement with Wake Forest comes because I try to be a caring person, and put something back into the society that has been generous and kind to me.”

Photo: Charlotte Business Journal

John Medlin, a former chairman and CEO of Wachovia Corp. and a life trustee of Wake Forest University, recently passed away unexpectedly. He was 78.

Medlin served four terms on the university’s board of trustees and was one of three chairs of Heritage & Promise: The Campaign for Wake Forest in the 1990s. He was honored in 1990 with an honorary doctor of laws degree. Eight years ago, he was elected to serve as a life trustee.
 
We decided to assemble the highlights of recent quotes and articles honoring Medlin, both as a banker and as a benefactor to the university. He will be greatly missed.

*****

“John was a true friend of Wake Forest and provided tremendous leadership as a trustee, Chair of the Board, and as a life trustee. I will miss his wise counsel and his friendship.”

~ Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch 

"There are many reasons why Medlin's counsel remained so widely prized. He was a courtly and precise decision maker. He was a voracious reader of economic information, current events and military history. ... Mostly, though, he retained what his chosen industry has sadly lost in recent years - unchallenged integrity and trust based on his storied banking credentials."

~ Justin Catanoso, former executive editor, The Business Journal (Triad)

"This is a sad day for North Carolina, as well as Winston-Salem, Wachovia and me. Not only was John a legendary banker and an icon in the business community, but he represented the heart and soul of our company for many of us who grew up with Wachovia. "

~ Stan Kelly, Carolinas regional president at Wells Fargo & Co.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/08/3299745/john-medlin-wachovias-fourth-ceo.html#storylink=

“He had such an incredible mind for banking. He understood demographics. He understood economics. He understood banking fundamentals. He literally pioneered relationship banking and risk management in the industry.”

 ~ Jim Cherry, CEO, Park Sterling Corp.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/08/3299745/john-medlin-wachovias-fourth-ceo.html#storylink=cpy

"Within the banking industry he was known for perpetuating the 'Wachovia Way,' which included principles for customer care and tight financial controls that helped a steady rate of growth in profits, even during downturns."

~ Wall Street Journal obituary