The Foundation of Trust and Character
A successful career in banking is built on a foundation of personal integrity, trust, and commitment to people. These leaders emphasize that who you are is as important as what you know.
Lead with Humility, Be a Good Person (Miguel Alban, Customers Bank)
Drawing on his journey from immigrant to industry leader, Miguel Alban, Senior Banking Executive at Customers Bank, emphasizes humility and service. His key message? “Be humble… Just be a good person. That’s what’s in your mind. It’s in your heart.” He encourages young professionals to prioritize honesty, giving, and helping others.
Take Ownership, Build Trust (Larry Barker, Machias Savings Bank)
Larry Barker, President and CEO of Machias Savings Bank, credits his early years as the foundation of his relentless work ethic. Yet his leadership philosophy extends beyond effort; it’s grounded in trust and empowerment. Barker emphasizes that understanding people (both employees and customers) enables quick, confident decision-making. “No one will outwork me. And no one should outwork you,” he says.
Culture Is the Long Game: Hire for Character (Dave Hemple, Century Savings Bank)
Century Savings Bank’s 160-year history highlights a timeless truth in banking leadership: strong values drive long-term success. CEO Dave Hemple attributes the bank’s endurance to character-based hiring, cultural consistency, and meaningful community engagement. “There are certain types of people who are intrinsically motivated, who want to make others happy,” Hemple explains.
Leadership is About Showing Up for People (Lars Eller, F&M Bank)
Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M Bank in Ohio, underscores that a successful career in banking involves more than technical skill. “Leadership is about showing up for people,” he says. His message emphasizes empathy and resilience, qualities that build trust and foster lasting professional relationships.
Continuous Learning and Career Trajectory
Growth in the financial sector demands a commitment to professional development, initiative, and deep industry knowledge. These leaders advise on the mindset required for long-term career advancement. [/vc_column_text]
The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Adaptability (Jim Donnelly, Wayne Bank)
Jim Donnelly, President and CEO of Wayne Bank, champions the importance of “lifelong learning and adaptability.” In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, Donnelly urges young bankers to “stay curious and committed.” He emphasizes the value of structured mentorship for navigating industry complexities.
Learn Banking Inside and Out, Then Start Your Own (Keith Costello, Drew Saito, & Corey LeBlanc, Locality Bank)
Keith Costello, Drew Saito, and Corey LeBlanc, co-founders of Locality Bank, urge newcomers to balance technological innovation with genuine human connection. LeBlanc advises, “It’s not about technology being the business; it’s about enhancing relationships with customers.” Costello encourages the bold, “Learn banking inside and out, then start your own community bank.”
Lead Through Service, Discipline, and Decisiveness (Josh Pape, Citizens Bank of Edmond)
Josh Pape, EVP and Chief Lending Officer at Citizens Bank of Edmond, infuses his military background into his leadership approach. His experience taught him that strong leadership in financial services depends on mission clarity and personal accountability. “Leadership doesn’t always come with a title,” Pape reflects. “If you can mentor, guide, and support your teammates, you are leading.”
Empower Purpose and Take Initiative (Ira Robbins, Valley Bank)
Ira Robbins, CEO of Valley Bank, believes that true leadership begins with purpose and initiative. “Take your thumb, put it on the ground, and when you lift it up, it should be ten times the size of what it was when you put it down,” he says, providing a metaphor for making a lasting impact. He also advises executives to use their voices externally: “Silence is the problem. You’re here to have an impact.”
Driving Innovation and Standing Out
In a crowded market, differentiation is key. Success requires creativity, resilience, and a willingness to offer unique value propositions to customers.
Create Value by Offering What Others Can’t (Bob Marino, Trusted Land Transfer)
Bob Marino, Executive Chairman of Trusted Land Transfer, advocates for bankers to have resilience and differentiation. Marino advises young professionals to “create value by offering something others don’t or can’t,” a mentality rooted in a desire to stand out through service and ingenuity.
Innovation Doesn’t Mean Abandoning Tradition (Wade Huckabay, Redneck Bank)
Wade Huckabay, President of All America Bank DBA Redneck Bank, demonstrates how innovation can be intertwined with tradition. When deposits were shifting to larger institutions, Huckabay launched Redneck Bank to serve his community with humor and charm. “Innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition,” he reflects.
Cultivating an Empathetic and Future-Focused Culture
Effective leadership actively manages and shapes culture, fostering environments where diverse ideas, empathy, and positive intent thrive.
Lead with Empathy and a Mission of Inclusion (Ilaria Rawlins, Fortuna Bank)
At Fortuna Bank, CEO Ilaria Rawlins blends competitive drive with empathy and inclusion. Her early work in retail banking taught her the lasting value of understanding others. As one of the few women-owned banks in the U.S., Fortuna reflects Rawlins’ commitment to mission-driven leadership. “It’s not ‘we’ and ‘they’; it’s us,” she says.
Shape Culture, Don’t Assume It (Curt Myers, Fulton Bank)
For Curt Myers, Chairman and CEO of Fulton Bank, culture management is as vital as capital management. Myers believes that leadership in banking must rest on curiosity, empathy, and diversity of thought. “Heart can’t be taught, skills can,” he says. “We hire people who genuinely care; the rest can be learned.”
The Importance of Community Connection & Balance
True success in community banking is measured by the bank’s external impact and the internal sustainability of its employees.
Stick to Core Principles: Balance Tech with Personal Service (Brett McDowell, Victory Bank)
Brett McDowell, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Victory Bank, embodies the spirit of community banking. He advocates for hiring individuals who are not only talented but also empathetic and authentic, fostering a “relationship-driven” environment. His advice for aspiring bankers? “Stick to core principles, day in and day out,” highlighting the importance of balancing technology with personal service.
Building Lasting Bonds with Small Gestures (Tim Schneider, Bank Five Nine)
Tim Schneider, President and CEO of Bank Five Nine, brings warmth and generosity to his community with initiatives like “Tim’s Treat,” where he surprises local businesses and community members with acts of kindness. He remarks, “People are shocked that we’re just out doing these random acts of kindness, without any strings attached.”
The Forgotten Key: Focus on Work-Life Balance (Dan Yates, Endeavor Bank)
Dan Yates, CEO and Co-Founder of Endeavor Bank, shares a lesson he wishes he’d learned earlier: “Relax more and focus on work/life balance.” Yates’ advice highlights the importance of delegating, trusting, and empowering others—a crucial reminder of the benefits of nurturing a healthy balance.
Lessons Worth Sharing
Across all these interviews, recurring themes emerge: trust, empathy, courage, and long-term thinking. These executives offer practical insights to help banking professionals at any stage strengthen their management approach and career trajectory.
When relationships come first and purpose drives decisions, leadership becomes both sustainable and transformative. This collection of wisdom from banking industry leaders reaffirms that the banking profession is as much about personal growth and community impact as it is about finance.
