3 minute read
To all Illinois bankers, associates and partners— THANK YOU!
Linda Koch, IBA President and CEO
With my retirement date fast approaching, I have been reflecting on the past thirty-one years of service to the IBA and Illinois’ banking industry, and the many storied events along the way!
During the past three decades our industry has witnessed and endured remarkable changes and opportunities, and the IBA has been there every step of the way. Structural changes, new banking powers, expansive regulations, and industry consolidation still top the list. We survived Y2K, unsurprisingly without a glitch. We weathered the Great Recession, unfortunately not without massive new regulations and bank failures. The ever-changing world of technology has revolutionized the business of banking and has made our industry more efficient and stronger, and while competition is fierce, we remain vital to our economy and communities. Meanwhile, our industry’s next test of strength is navigating the many challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and our industry has taken on this task, as it always does when facing challenges, with resilience and tremendous leadership.
Like our industry, the IBA has evolved over the years. Our dedicated staff is the most talented staff that we have ever had, and their commitment to serve is exemplary. Our advocacy work dominates the field, and our compliance services are second to none. Our educational programs and events as well as our timely communications are lauded by thousands of bankers and associates, and our ever-growing menu of preferred product offerings directly meet the unique needs of our industry. And without a doubt, under Randy Hultgren’s leadership as President and CEO, the IBA will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our members.
Since I announced my retirement, I have been asked many times what I am most proud of. While I am proud of our industry and the IBA’s role in its success, without hesitation, I am most proud of the culture that we have built within the IBA.
Our boards, committees, and our staff take pride in always putting members first, with integrity and professionalism.
We value the important roles of all our member institutions from every sector and every size We set priorities to deliver programs, services and products that meet the diverse needs of all our members, and we work together to set policies that benefit our entire state’s banking industry and the consumers it serves. We also genuinely believe that a unified banking industry is in the best interests of our industry, and proudly we never speak ill of our adversaries or competing organizations, rather we remain inclusive and invite all members and associates to belong.
Many bankers and associates also have asked me what I will miss the most. The list is long, but the answer is easy. Working closely with our board of directors and officers has taught me the importance of leadership, and without their strong support and vision the IBA would not be where it is today. Visiting bankers throughout the state is one of the best duties of the job, and most fulfilling when we can assist them with their needs. The friendships that my husband Bernie and I have made with hundreds of bankers, associates, association colleagues from across the country and our staff have been gratifying, and I hope they will be lifelong.
Above all else, though, I will miss celebrating our successes and sharing high fives, laughs and cries with our exceptional IBA team, not to the mention the potlucks and fun staff retreats! I am exceedingly grateful to every single IBA staff person for giving me the opportunity to work alongside such talented and committed professionals.
To the many Illinois bankers and associates, please know that the IBA stands with you and looks forward to serving you and your businesses for decades to come. My final ask of you is to please take advantage and utilize the many quality services, programs, products and opportunities that the IBA offers to directly benefit you and your organizations, and I urge you to support and be engaged in all our advocacy efforts! The IBA needs your support, and importantly your financial support, so that it can continue doing what it does best, serving and fighting for our state’s banking industry!
