Pub. 7 2017-2018 Issue 1

4 O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G C O L O R A D A N S R E A L I Z E D R E A M S Mark Driscoll Takes Helm as 2017-18 CBA Chairman Chairman’s Message I f he’s done anything with his life, Mark Driscoll has solidly banked on Colorado. He has spent his 32-year- long career entirely in the state, having served as President of First National Bank for 18 of those years with the remaining years in various management and lending positions with First National Bank and one other bank. Driscoll, Colorado Market President of First National Bank of Omaha, was elected unanimously in May to serve as chairman of the Colorado Bankers Association for the 2017-18 year. He is a longtime supporter of CBA and says he plans to spend his term building upon the successes of his predecessors. He congratulated outgoing chairman David Kelly, of FirstBank, on a stellar year. “He leaves his chairmanship with the association in great shape – in a very strong position. Our reputation is solid, the finances are strong and most of all, the per- formance and effectiveness of the association is at a high level,” Driscoll said. In the coming year, he said he hopes to see the asso- ciation continue to grow in size and scope, adding new members and increasing participation from bankers of all levels across Colorado. “I’ve watched the CBA and its effective leadership for the industry throughout these years, and am pleased to have a chance to contribute to its ongoing success,” he said. “During this next year I plan to support our terrific staff in their efforts to provide leadership and advocacy for our industry by working hard to grow the bank membership rolls which can provide the team the resources they need to be successful.” Driscoll knows a thing or two about teamwork and success, having led the Colorado State University Rams football team to many a victory as quarterback, before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1976. He later served as assistant coach for the CSU Rams before a three-year stint as the school’s director of athletics. He also provides color commentary during football games for the Colorado State Sports Network radio broadcasts. He added that he hopes his term will continue to usher more up-and-coming bankers into the ranks of industry advocates through education, participation in CBA’s Center for Bank Advocacy Training Practicum and involvement in CBA’s committees and working groups. “With efforts like the Advocacy program, we can contin- ue to reach out to the next generation of bankers to involve them in association work,” Driscoll said, noting that doing so is an effective way to educate others about “The greatness of our industry and its importance to the economy and society.” Driscoll gives of his time to Rocky Mountain Innosphere, The Mountain States Employers Council and Serve 6.8. “Mark’s passion for the banking industry is not only palpable, it’s contagious,” said Don Childears, president and CEO of the Colorado Bankers Association. “He is an excellent and energetic leader and we are delighted to work even more closely with him to further our state’s banks and our industry.” Driscoll’s term will continue through May 2018, when he will hand the gavel to Brendan Zahl, president of Peoples Bank in Colorado Springs, who serves this year as chair- man-elect.  Mark Driscoll FirstBank 2017-2018 CBA Chairman