12 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 Please describe your responsibilities with German American. “I am president, chief banking officer and secretary to the board of directors of the bancorp. We are a one-bank holding company, so our holding company is not active from a day-to-day standpoint. “The majority of my day-to-day responsibilities lie at the bank level. As chief banking officer, I am responsible for everything that happens within our banking unit – managing, mentoring and coaching, primarily of our executive management and senior management teams. “I work closely with Mark Schroeder, our chairman and CEO, helping to set strategy for the company and visioning future growth, whether through acquisition or organic market growth opportunities.” Why are mentoring and coaching such a strong part of the culture at German American? “Professional development runs deep in German American’s culture. This is because we believe very strongly in the importance of succession planning. I give Mark credit for setting this culture. There will be a time when Mark and I retire, and our goal is that German American is prepared for whatever the future holds. “A true test of any organization’s success is to have a succession plan in place that allows the company to continue after current leadership retires. Effective planning means preparing people not only for what they know is coming, but also for what they don’t know is coming. “As organizations change and grow, responsibilities change as well, and opportunities present themselves to people who have never dreamed of or been exposed to the possibilities. We are preparing people so that, when those opportunities arise, they are ready to step in. “Each year we conduct talent assessments of our upper-level management and future leaders. We evaluate their abilities and their future growth potential. This is definitely a two-way evaluation, as the employees share with their supervisors both long- and shortterm goals, and the supervisor responds with guidance and direction towards meeting those goals. This has been a wonderful exercise that benefits both the company and the employee.” How does community service factor into your work life? “My family and I have always been extremely involved in our community. One reason I enjoy banking so much is that it allows me the opportunity to work with local organizations and to help our community prosper. In my banking career, I have been blessed over the years with support from directors and executive management who value this type of involvement. “I am a strong believer in being engaged and being active in local not-for-profit and community-based organizations. I have always been taught: As your community grows, so does your business! The only way to ensure things go in the right direction is to get involved. “But that’s only the business reason for community service. I also give back to my community for personal satisfaction. Barbara and I are very fortunate to have lived in and raised our family in our hometown, Clay Ewing confers with Melissa Hafele, executive assistant at the Jasper headquarters of German American Bancorp Inc. German American has won multiple Star Awards from the Indiana Bankers Association in recognition of the organization’s IBA involvement.
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