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Building Stronger Futures Through the Heartland Bank Community Foundation
Focused on youth development and family enrichment, Heartland Bank’s charitable foundation delivers meaningful results through strategic giving and community partnerships.
Out of Office: Robin McDougald
The chief retail and product officer at $2.3 billion-asset Texas First Bank in Texas City, Texas, is an amateur actress at the Baytown Little Theater in Baytown, Texas.
CFG Bank Uplifts Baltimore's Resilience Following Local Tragedy
From donations to innovative money market accounts, CFG Bank is supporting Baltimore as it rebuilds and recovers from the 2024 Key Bridge collapse.
Powering Potential: ICBA Welcomes Peter Nelson
In February 2025, ICBA welcomed Peter Nelson as senior EVP of member engagement. As a long-time community banker, Nelson brings with him a history of robust involvement with ICBA.
Community State Bank Brings Joy to Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
A breast cancer awareness fundraiser at Community State Bank in Union Grove, Wis., culminated in a $1,000 donation for the Heavenly Locks Foundation.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Coming Together to Address Fraud
When it comes to fraud, it takes a village. That may be in part because fraudsters continue to get more sophisticated, and fraud’s effect on banking is skyrocketing.
Jack E. Hopkins: How Education and Technology Drive Down Fraud Risks
Community banks are battling increasingly sophisticated forms of fraud.
Workplace Culture: A Make or Break for Community Bank Employees?
Culture keeps a workplace and its employees running—whether they know it or not. From values and practices to the way colleagues interact, culture drives a community bank from the inside out.
Lindsay LaNore: Strategic Success Starts with a Thoughtful Plan
It’s hard to believe it’s already May, but since we’re here, let’s talk about planning.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Your Advocacy Impact
Sometimes in life, we’re fortunate enough to see our labor yield results, and that’s precisely what’s been happening with our advocacy efforts.
Jack E. Hopkins: Marching to the Beat of Community Banking
As I take on the role of ICBA chairman, I do so with humility, honor and pride in this industry and our mission as community bankers.
Live Oak Bank's Office Design Is Rooted in Innovation
In June 2024, $12.9 billion-asset Live Oak Bank in Wilmington, N.C., debuted a new office building constructed with mass timber materials.
Strengthening Work Relations Through Bank Employee Surveys
Are your employees happy? Staff surveys are a great way to find out. The key, say community bankers and experts, is following up on what you hear.
Bank of Zachary: Building Financial Foundations
The Bank of Zachary is equipping high school students with real-world banking skills to shape a financially literate future.
Meet ICBA’s 2025/26 Board of Directors
ICBA’s 2025/26 board members hail from all corners of the country and are ready to fight for the continued success of the community banking industry.
Powering Potential: ICBA Certification Q&A with Vance Keller
Vance Keller has built a dynamic career in banking since 1999. Keller shares how his commitment to continuous learning and collaboration drives his success in navigating compliance challenges.
What Makes Customers Trust Community Banks?
Trustworthiness is integral to the success of a bank. And for community banks, it’s more than table stakes—it’s your competitive edge.
Out of Office: Gerardo Munoz
The SVP and chief information officer at $3.4 billion-asset D.L. Evans Bank in Burley, Idaho, collects and refurbishes vintage watches.
Lucas White: Translating Advocacy Into Action
While advocacy has always been a core ICBA pillar, the massive number of new regulations we've faced over the past year is a reminder of the importance of community bankers taking part in advocacy.
Community Bank of Parkersburg Shreds for Security
Community Bank of Parkersburg, partnered with local shredding company Gator Shredding to host a community “shred day,” where members of the community could bring documents to be safely destroyed.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Amplifying the Community Bank Difference
Our 2025 Community Bank CEO Outlook survey revealed that 77% of bank executives believe their greatest opportunity this year will be differentiating their community bank from other financial firms.
ESSA Bank & Trust Is All in on Accessible Homeownership
ESSA Bank & Trust is committed to empowering first-time homebuyers and historically underserved communities with its financial education and loan programs.
Oxford Bank Celebrates 140 Years of Community Support
Oxford Bank in Oxford, Mich., celebrated its 140th anniversary by building relationships, investing in the community and exercising purposeful giving.
Charles Potts: Putting the "Person" in Personalized Banking
Today, personalization reigns supreme. According to Deloitte, about half of Gen Zers and millennials find personalized experiences important in their banking and business relationships.
Incoming 2025/26 ICBA Chairman Jack E. Hopkins Will Bring Small-Town Sensibility to Washington
Jack E. Hopkins, president and CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, S.D., has been a strong voice for community banking for years.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Bridge Gaps With Fellow Employees
In a diverse world, one of the greatest skills a leader can have is the ability to talk to people with different perspectives.
Out of Office: Richard Thiessens
The EVP and chief technology officer at $746 million-asset FinWise Bank in Murray, Utah, makes his own wine, cider and mead.
Why Your Community Bank Needs a Disaster Recovery Plan
Community banks like Countybank face and overcome challenges every day, but what about the events banks don’t expect?
Preparing and Nurturing Future Bank Leaders
How can community banks foster future leaders and make sure they’re prepared to take on a managerial role? It takes a healthy dose of attention, understanding and room for trial and error.
Find Your Rhythm at ICBA LIVE 2025
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of community bankers across the nation heading to Nashville to learn, network and enjoy all Music City has to offer.
Relief From the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Community banks around the country came together to help those affected by Hurricane Helene, assisting with cleanup, donating supplies and more.
Out of Office: Aaron Hines
The commercial loan manager and SVP of $500 million-asset Denali State Bank in Fairbanks, Alaska, has ridden his snowmobile through the state’s vast landscapes.
Insights from ICBA's Minority Bank Advisory Council
Minority depository institutions ensure their communities have access to the financial services that will help them succeed in the long term.
Smart Org Changes That Could Boost Your Bank’s Trajectory
As community banks face increased competition, emerging roles and employees’ desire for advancement, it could be the right time for your community bank to assess its organizational structure.
Lucas White: Why Advocacy Should Be a Top Priority in 2025
The start of the new year brings with it a fresh slate and a collective reset on priorities.
Out of Office: Kati LeBreton
The vice president and director of P.O.W.E.R., a program for women in business, at $1 billion-asset Fidelity Bank in New Orleans, hosts The Big Bad Boot, a podcast.
Community Bank Delaware Salutes Space Heroes
Last July, Community Bank Delaware in Lewes, Del., donated $3,000 to American Legion Post 28.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Nurturing the Community Bank Ecosystem
The start of a new year brings with it opportunities, and as we enter 2025, we do so with an eye toward the potential that awaits.
Charles Potts: The Innovations We'll See in 2025
They say the only constant is change, and 2025 is shaping up to prove that point. We are in for a dynamic year, influenced by customer demand, product accessibility and partner potential.
Stearns Bank Lays Groundwork in Minnesota's Hmong Community
Stearns Bank is fostering trust, financial empowerment and meaningful relationships with Minnesota’s sizable Hmong community by establishing a branch in one of their cultural hubs.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: Nurturing the Community Bank Ecosystem
As I reflect on the impact community banks have had this year, I revel in this notion that we have created something special, a dynamic ecosystem that centers on people.
Commercial Bank of Mott Helps Fund a Home Base for the Community
The Commercial Bank of Mott set out to plan, fund and build a community center that will serve as a new hub for all locals to enjoy.
Powering Potential: ICBA Certification Q&A with Arlene Cooper
Arlene Cooper, internal audit officer at CNB Bank in Carlsbad, N.M., is a certified community bank internal auditor (CCBIA) and certified community bank compliance officer (CCBCO).
Lindsay LaNore: 8 Healthy Habits for Conflict Resolution
We’re all different. We work differently, and we have different opinions, biases and values. Some of us thrive under pressure, while others shy away from confrontation.
ENTER NOW: 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders awards
Nominations for 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders 2025 are now open! 40 Under 40 seeks to recognize community banking’s brightest, most promising young professionals. Winners are featured in...
First Citizens Bank: Playing the Talent Development Long Game
First Citizens Bank’s internship initiative underscores the importance of offering students valuable hands-on industry exposure and nurturing the next generation of banking professionals.
Best Community Banks to Work For 2024
In a tight labor market, current and prospective employees are drawn to good pay, attractive benefits and, importantly, a sense of purpose.
Lucas White: The Heart of the Community Bank
This year’s list of Best Community Banks to Work For made me think about what it takes to be a great employer.
Powering Potential: How ICBA Membership Cultivates a Network of Support
ICBA’s reach extends from the U.S. government all the way to the smallest member bank. We hear from two community bank leaders about how their ICBA membership has helped their banks.
Northwestern Bank's Podcast Brews Up Community Conversation
Enjoying a cold one at work may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of community banking, but that’s the premise of a podcast series from Northwestern Bank.
Out of Office: Michael Hatfield
The applications analyst at $2.2 billion-asset First Western Bank and Trust in Minot, N.D., and his wife, Carissa, co-own Hatfield Handmade, a woodworking business.
High Plains Bank: Making Banking Easier for Spanish Speakers
In partnership with ICBA preferred service provider Jack Henry, High Plains Bank is working to remove financial barriers and enhance the banking experience for Colorado’s large Hispanic community.
Lindsay LaNore: How to Be a Memorable Employee
Last month, we asked what makes a leader memorable. And now, we’re turning the tables: What makes an employee memorable?
Community Bank Tactics for Recruiting Tech Superstars
The battle for tech talent continues to be a difficult one for community banks. But with the right approach, bank leadership can appeal to a segment of tech-savvy individuals fit for the job.
Native American Bank Dedicates a Day to Gratitude
On June 28, Denver-based Native American Bank, N.A., hosted a Customer Appreciation Day at Yellow Bird Woman Park near its Browning, Mont., branch.
Out of Office: Rachell Bilbrey
The senior vice president and director of treasury at $1.8 billion-asset Builtwell Bank in Chattanooga, Tenn., finds creative fulfillment through conceptualizing, creating and styling home interiors.
Lucas White: Staffing for the Digital Future
Digital banking is here to stay, and everything from our online banking to our mobile apps needs to speak to that customer journey.
Ion Bank: A Reflection of the Customers It Serves
Ion Bank makes a point of fostering a diverse workplace and supporting local communities through its multilingual staff, fundraising efforts and inclusive outreach.
Powering Potential: A Guide to In-Person ICBA Events
ICBA’s in-person events offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth.
Rebeca Romero Rainey: AI, the New Frontier
If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Star Trek,” you’ve heard its famous introduction proclaiming we must “boldly go where no man has gone before.”