Pub. 7 2017-2018 Issue 6

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 Chairman’s Message B rendan Zahl, EVP, Director of Residential Banking and Colo- rado Springs Market President for NBH Bank will lead the Colorado Bankers Association as chairman for the 2018-19 year. Learn more about him with a short Q and A below. Brendan W. Zahl has served as NBH Bank’s Executive Vice President, Head of Residential Banking and Market Presi- dent for the Colorado Springs Region since the merger of Peoples, Inc. and National Bank Holdings Corporation on January 1, 2018. He has also served as a Member of NBH Bank’s board of directors since such time. Prior to the merger, Mr. Zahl served as President and CEO of Peoples National Bank. Mr. Zahl began his banking career at FirstBank in Colorado Springs, CO. After a decade at FirstBank, he moved to Peoples Na- tional Bank in 2007 to take over Retail and Lending Management. He was pro- moted to President and CEO of Peoples National Bank in 2012. Mr. Zahl serves on the Board and as the Chairman-Elect of the Colorado Bankers Association and the Board of Partners in Housing. Mr. Zahl has held several board, advisory, and volunteer roles with many commu- nity organizations including Partners in Housing, Junior Achievement, United Way, Rotary International, and Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Zahl attended the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of two national championship football teams and graduatedwithhonors with a Business Administration degree. Why do you think involvement in CBA is so important for banks as well as bankers? CBA represents an opportunity for all banks and bankers to make a difference in their communities and state. Being close to important issues allows bankers, with broad viewpoints of their clients’ needs, help represent their inter- ests in legislative work, but also allows banks to utilize the vast strength, view- points, and connectivity of the CBA team to help align community and economic benefits to many. What benefits have you and your bank exper ienced f rom involvement? Our bank has experienced many benefits from involvement with CBA. From being more closely connected to other very professional and progressive banking leaders in the local industry to, being able to give clear and concise facts to our associate teams to help them in un- derstanding how their vote and industry matters. CBAworks to closely listen to its members and ensure needs for organiza- tions of all sizes are considered and met. What are your goals for your year as chairman? As chairman of the CBA I look to help support the following initiatives that align with the mission of CBA:  Identify and support local legislation that helps to provide affordable housing options in all areas of the state.  Foster partnerships with other industry associations to identify ini- tiatives that have common support and create alignment to get more done through collaboration. Be an advocate for the industry both federally and at the state level. Continue to support education to members and their teams to ensure the high standards and reputation of the banking industry is maintained. Why did you choose career in banking? I grew up associated with banking as my father was a banker at a small rural bank in Nebraska.  The participation, understanding, and connectedness of banking to local businesses and consum- ers was apparent and appealed to me for making a difference.  Inmy opinion, one of the most interesting and rewarding aspects of banking is to see diverse busi- nesses and business models succeed and how partnerships with banks as trusted advisors can enhance these successes. n Get to Know… CBA’s 2018-19 Chairman, Brendan Zahl, EVP, Director of Residential Banking Colorado Springs Market President, NBH Bank