10 MAY / JUNE 2018 COVER STORY Rob Nichols Forward-looking leader of the ABA On Jan. 1, 2016, Robert S. Nichols became president and CEO of the American Bankers Association. His predecessor, Frank Keating, had been at the helm of the ABA for five years. In Keating’s farewell magazine column, which ran in Hoosier Banker in December 2015, he wrote of Nichols: “I have known Rob for several years and can vouch for his stellar credentials, policy background and established relationships with policymakers – all of which will serve you and our industry well.” In the two-plus years since being named ABA president and CEO, Rob Nichols has consistently provided much-admired leadership. On the political front, from tax reform to regulatory relief to bipartisanship in a competitive environment, the legislative tone has been improving for the industry. Some shifting of policy has been allowing banks opportunity to more fully serve their customers and communities. Nichols is well versed in legislative issues, from a variety of viewpoints. Before joining the ABA, he served for 10 years as the head of the Financial Services Forum, a nonpartisan financial and economic policy organization. Prior to that experience, he was assistant secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs, a position requiring confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Other career highlights include service as communications director for the Electronic Industries Alliance; as communications director to a U.S. senator and as press secretary to a U.S. congresswoman; and in the West Wing as an aide in the office of the chief of staff in the George H.W. Bush administration. Outside of the ABA, Nichols dedicates his leadership skills as vice chair of the board of directors of Food Allergy Research & Education. He also has been named a recipient of the Alexander Hamilton Award, the highest honor of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Nichols is a graduate of The George Washington University, and he claims salmon fishing as a favorite pastime. In the following Q&A, Nichols contributes his views and insights to the readers of Hoosier Banker: What are your responsibilities as president and CEO of the American Bankers Association? “My role is to ensure that ABA continues to provide the resources and advocacy banks need to remain competitive – as the financial services provider of choice – well into the future. That means looking around corners This issue’s cover story featuring Robert S. Nichols, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, is the first in a two-part series highlighting leadership at the national bank trade associations. The upcoming July/August issue of Hoosier Banker is to feature Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America.
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