8 Hoosier Banker October 2014 As I was completing my degree in accounting and finance from Lockyear College, my mother suggested that I apply for a job at Citizens National Bank in Tell City. Her advice was simple: “If you pursue a career with the bank, you will have a job for the rest of your life.” She is a very special woman and had always given good advice, so I applied. Unfortunately I was not hired, as the bank had no positions available, but I did find employment out of town as an accountant in the food services industry. By then I was a newlywed, so my wife Barbara and I moved from Tell City, our hometown, to Huntsville, Alabama. In 1978 we had returned home to raise a family, when the president of Citizens National Bank called and offered me the auditor’s position. Of course, remembering my mother’s advice, I accepted. That’s how my banking career started. Banking seemed to be a good fit for me, as it provided an opportunity to make an impact in the community and in people’s lives. Over the years I have had the pleasure of assisting many families plan and reach their individual goals through the purchase of their first homes, providing educational assistance for their children, or assisting in the growth of their businesses. This is very gratifying, and I believe is what a true community banker does every day. Working in a community bank also provided me the opportunity to experience all aspects of banking as I moved from being an auditor to a consumer lender, commercial lender, chief investment officer, chief financial officer, and currently president. This broad background and training would not have been possible in a larger organization. In 1994 I was offered an opportunity to make a larger impact in our community. Mark Schroeder called and asked if I would be interested in assisting German American Bank with the formation of a new bank, First State Bank in Tell City. Of course, I took that leap of faith and served as president and CEO from 1994 to 1999, when I moved into a position with the holding company. Currently my title is president of German American and of German American Bancorp, headquartered in Jasper. I am the chief banking officer and have responsibility for all banking functions. I work closely with our senior management team, located throughout Southern Indiana, providing oversight and guidance. I must say, I have the privilege of working with the most qualified, dedicated and professional bankers in the industry! German American’s corporate culture is critical to our organization, as it identifies who we are. We continuously strive to provide a consistent culture that promotes core values, community involvement and relationship-building, both among our employees and with our customers. While our overall German American culture unifies all of our employees, it also allows each of our regions the autonomy needed to effectively serve their specific markets. Service to our community has always been very important to me and my family. I am honored to serve this community, both through banking and through community organizations. German American encourages strong community involvement and has always supported my efforts. I have been fortunate to have had the flexibility to be involved in various areas of service throughout the years. I very much enjoy helping our communities grow, either by assisting existing businesses to strategize their models, or by working to attract new industry and entrepreneurs. It is deeply satisfying, both professionally and personally, to watch a community develop. Another area of service I enjoy is serving on the Indiana Bankers Association board of directors. Working closely with IBA, I now appreciate more fully the extent to which the Association helps the banking community, especially in the area of government relations. IBA’s advocacy gives Indiana bankers the opportunity to talk with legislators and help them understand the impact of regulations, both in the state arena and on the national level, on our ability to serve our communities. IBA lobbying efforts, combined with grassroots outreach from bankers, gives us a voice in the legislative process. I have come to appreciate the professionalism and respect our lobbying team carries in the industry. This group of individuals works tirelessly for bankers all across the state. Of course other major values of the IBA are the educational and networking benefits available through training opportunities, the Mega Conference and other offerings. The networking I have enjoyed through the IBA has substantially widened my circle of contacts and has certainly opened individual and professional development opportunities. I have also been very blessed in my home life. My wife, Barbara, and I have been happily married for 38 years. She has played a critical role in my success, while pursuing her own professional career as the mayor of our hometown. We are also the proud parents of two fantastic children. Our daughter, Micki (Kidder), is married, has three young children and lives in South Bend. She is an associate vice president of development for the University of Notre Dame. Our son, Matthew, and his wife have recently moved to Boise, Idaho, where he serves as associate vice president of development for Boise State University. Looking back, I didn’t particularly choose banking as a career, as much as it chose me. I must say that I am certainly glad it did, and that my mother was right – in banking, a person has the opportunity for a lifelong career. It’s a career I am proud of. Board Review Clay W. Ewing, IBA Southwest Region Director German American, Jasper FEATURE
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