ICBA Names Charles Yi Senior Executive Vice President of Government Relations

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 8, 2026) — The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced that Charles Yi, has been named senior executive vice president of government relations after serving in the role as senior advisor to the president and interim chief of regulatory affairs since August. As head of the government relations team, Yi oversees the department’s strategic direction and related policy development and advocacy initiatives before Congress and regulatory agencies in support of ICBA’s mission to strengthen and preserve the nation’s community banking system.

“Charles has been an invaluable asset to ICBA, providing steady leadership and deep subject matter expertise at a critical time for community banks,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “His ability to navigate complex policy issues and skillfully engage with regulators and lawmakers, has strengthened ICBA’s advocacy efforts and positioned us to build on last year’s progress as we enter a pivotal year for community banking and work to advance our ‘Repair, Reform and Thrive’ agenda.”

Yi brings a wealth of financial service experience to the role, having served as general counsel for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and as staff director and chief counsel on the Senate Banking Committee. Yi also served as a senior executive at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, deputy assistant secretary for banking and finance at the Treasury Department, and counsel on the House Financial Services Committee.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the depth and determination of our talented government relations team in supporting the vital work of the nation’s community banks, which is so critical to the success of the small businesses and local communities that underpin our nation’s economy,” Yi said. “I’m honored to represent this industry and, together, champion policies that promote a strong and resilient financial sector, while helping community banks navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and legislative environment.”

Yi served in the U.S. Army for five years in the Armored Cavalry and led the first American combat troops into Bosnia as part of a NATO peacekeeping force after the signing of the Dayton Accords. He received his JD from Columbia Law School, MPA from Princeton University, MA in Business Administration from Bowie State University, and BS in Electrical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.