Paul W. Freeman, CAE, retired executive vice president of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been named a Distinguished Hoosier by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. The award was presented on Oct. 12 by Sen. Travis Holdman at the IBA Mega Conference in Indianapolis in recognition of Freeman’s contributions to the Indiana banking community. The Distinguished Hoosier is regarded as one of the highest tributes bestowed by the state of Indiana.
Paul W. Freeman, CAE, executive vice president of the Indiana Bankers Association, is retiring effective Sept. 30 after 34 years of service. He joined the IBA in 1987 to fill the newly created position of director of member services. In his most recent position as executive vice president, his responsibilities have included serving the Association as chief financial officer.
The Indiana Bankers Association has recognized 17 members of the Indiana banking community with Leaders in Banking Excellence awards, the Association’s highest honor. The awards ceremony took place Aug. 16 at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. Honorees represent both the classes of 2020 and 2021, since last year’s ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic.
Michael S. Zahn, chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb on Aug. 15. The award was presented by State Sen. Andy Zay and Thomas C. Fite, director of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. The Sagamore of the Wabash award is given to exemplary Hoosiers in recognition of distinguished statewide service.
Garry D. Kleer, chairman, president and CEO of First Bank Richmond, has been elected 2022 chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Bankers Association. The election took place Aug. 16 during the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. Kleer currently serves the IBA as first vice chairman and will become chairman effective Jan. 1, 2022.
State Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington, has been named 2021 Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Bankers Association. He was presented with the award on Aug. 15 at the IBA’s annual convention in French Lick.
The members of the Indiana Bankers Association 2021 Board of Directors have assumed positions effective Jan. 1. Board members were elected on Nov. 18 during the virtual IBA Mega Reimagined Conference and Annual Convention. The functions of the board are to guide IBA policy and to establish long-range goals and objectives.
Charles Evans, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will be featured in an economic conversation during a Midwest Economic Forecast Forum scheduled for Jan. 7. Additionally, Craig Dismuke, chief economist of Vining Sparks, will be presenting at the forum.
Members of the media are invited to participate. An online media scrum with President Evans will be held following his remarks.
State Rep. Matt Lehman, R-Berne, has been named 2020 Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Bankers Association. He was recognized on Nov. 24 in an award presentation by Dax Denton, IBA senior vice president of government relations, and Eric Augustus, IBA vice president of government relations.
Michael S. Zahn, president and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank, Huntington, has been elected 2021 chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Bankers Association. The election took place Nov. 18 during the virtual IBA Mega Reimagined Conference and Annual Convention. Zahn currently serves the IBA as first vice chairman and will become chairman effective Jan. 1, 2021.
Alliance Bank, Francesville, and First Savings Bank, Jeffersonville, have been honored with the Indiana Bankers Association C2C (Commitment to Community) Awards in their respective asset sizes for outstanding community service performed during 2019. Alliance Bank won in the category of banks with assets below $500 million, and First Savings Bank won in the category of banks with assets of $500 million and above.
Lucas White, chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. The award was announced on Nov. 16 by Thomas C. Fite, director of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, during the virtual IBA Mega Reimagined Conference. It was presented to White by Michael S. Zahn, incoming 2021 IBA chairman, and president and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank, Huntington.
Officials of Ball State University have dedicated a classroom at the Miller College of Business to the Indiana Bankers Association. The dedication took place during a ceremony Oct. 28 in the Whitinger Business Building with the unveiling of the IBA logo. The ceremony was livestreamed by the University.
Jessica Lehman, director of agribusiness banking at the Portland, Indiana, office of First Financial Bank, Cincinnati, has been honored with the Indiana Bankers Association 2020 Woman on the Rise award, sponsored by SmithAmundsen LLC, Indianapolis. She was presented with the award on Oct. 23 during the virtual IBA Banking on Women Conference.
Karen Gregerson, president and CEO of The Farmers Bank, Frankfort, has been honored with the 2020 Indiana Bankers Association Woman of the Year award, sponsored by Krieg DeVault LLP, Indianapolis. She was presented with the award on Oct. 23 during the virtual IBA Banking on Women Conference. This annual award recognizes a woman in banking who is community-active, achievement-oriented, and who contributes to team success.