Bankers are known for being risk averse. What is the biggest professional risk you’ve taken that you’re most proud of? The FMB partnership mentioned previously qualifies as the professional risk I’m most proud of. Taking a historically conservative southern Indiana bank and entering into a partnership that would make Chicagoland our largest market surprised many within our industry. And as I mentioned earlier, partnerships of that size and scope come with inherent risks. What has made the partnership work so well is that both organizations had a passion for serving clients, strengthening communities and developing team members. Old National inked a deal to become the official bank of the Big Ten Conference in 2023. What’s your favorite sport to watch? Did you play any in school? I wrestled and played football when I was young. I don’t watch many sports on television today, but I gravitate toward professional golf and tennis when I find time to watch. My wife, Tricia, and I also enjoy playing tennis and pickleball. Old National is the largest bank headquartered in Indiana and one of the 40 largest in the nation. How do you keep a community focus while continuing to expand in size and footprint? It begins with staying true to the vision and culture that have served Old National well since its founding in 1834. We recognize that our success is directly tied to the communities we serve, and we have team members who are deeply rooted in and committed to their communities. I also firmly believe that being a bank founded in and still headquartered in Evansville gives us a smaller-town perspective even as we are poised to become a $70 billion bank soon. We still operate with what I like to call an “Evansville State of Mind,” in which we take the time to build strong, collaborative relationships with our clients and community partners. Every team member and client is essential to our success and greatly matters. This approach works well throughout our footprint – not just in southern Indiana. I will also add that regularly traveling around the Old National footprint and connecting with our team members keeps me centered and reminds me of the importance of staying connected and the power of community. Tell us about your CEO Council. Where did the idea come from, and how has it benefited your bank and employees? I was focused on succession planning from the very first day of becoming CEO. I realized we needed to cultivate more diverse talent within our industry and at Old National. In 2021, we identified a diverse group of already successful and high-potential emerging leaders to work on projects that support the sustainability of underrepresented clients and communities and accelerate their growth and development. Our second CEO Council cohort graduated in 2024, and a third group began earlier this year. What I appreciate most about our CEO Council is the genuine reciprocal relationship it fosters. Our council members bring unique insights and perspectives that strengthen our executive leadership team and the company. In return, we can offer them unique leadership development opportunities that accelerate their growth within the organization. Between the CEO Council, participating in the IBA’s new statewide apprenticeship program and being named to the board of the Orr Fellowship this year, you’ve demonstrated dedication to cultivating the next generation of the workforce. What made that an area where you wanted to focus so much of your attention? Bob Jones, my predecessor at Old National and my mentor, has always said that banks like Old National have a moral obligation to help grow and develop the communities they serve, including cultivating the workforce of tomorrow. Not only is supporting future leaders the right thing to do, but it’s also something I genuinely enjoy. I am thrilled and honored to have recently joined the Orr Fellowship Board of Directors. One of my daughters was an Orr Fellow, so I witnessed firsthand the significant impact this program can have on the next generation of Hoosier leaders. We recently introduced the Orr Fellowship in the Evansville region, and I am excited about the positive impact we can make here in southwest Indiana. The Indiana Bankers Association’s new apprenticeship program is another example of how banks can support their communities by sponsoring these apprenticeships. This initiative represents a transformative opportunity to engage COVER STORY CONT. 14 HOOSIERBANKER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==