8 MAY / JUNE 2018 Thank you for the opportunity to serve on the board of directors of the Indiana Bankers Association. It is an honor. My banking career officially began fairly recently – five years ago, when I joined Scottsburg Building and Loan Association as a vice president. Two years later, I was named CEO and president. Prior to banking, I had been an attorney, practicing law for 17 years. Additionally I served as a county chief deputy prosecutor during a majority of my legal career. It is not a standard career path for a banker. I first gained accounting experience as an undergraduate at Indiana University. After graduation, I moved to Chicago to work for the former Arthur Andersen. As a 22-year-old, it was fun to live and work in downtown Chicago, but I was eager to go to law school. After about a year I moved to Indianapolis to attend the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Law school was a bit of a diversion for me, since I’m more of a math person, but I did enjoy it. The law degree led me into the general practice of law initially, then into working as a deputy prosecutor. My position was more quasi-political, because I was appointed, not elected. Even so, my appointment did hinge on whatever party was in control at the time. It was never a major concern, but it was nice when I left that field to not have to think about it every four years. I’ve always liked math and finance, so I decided to continue my education and get an MBA at IU-Southeast, attending evening classes while working. After earning that degree in 2004, I continued practicing law. In 2010, I joined the board of directors of the Scottsburg Building and Loan Association as an associate member. Though I wasn’t a voting board member, the experience gave me a chance to observe and learn about banking. My background in both accounting and law made me comfortable in that role, particularly with regard to the regulatory environment. In 2013, when I was asked to join the bank full-time, I was ready to welcome a career change. By that time I had practiced law long enough to be willing to take a chance, so I joined the bank. I had the good fortune to work under Wayne Deveary, my predecessor, for almost two years, as he transitioned into retirement. The other inducement to join the bank was the staff in place. We have experienced very low turnover through the years, and with a small staff that produces many benefits. They never cease to amaze me with the knowledge they have accumulated with experience and their ability to adjust to a changing banking environment. Needless to say, they have made the transition much easier for me. The responsibilities as CEO in today’s banking environment can be challenging, as the business/regulatory framework seems to be under continual change. I am not sure if it is my age, or the lawyer that still resides in me, but I enjoy the challenge. When I was asked to join the IBA board, I was honored to accept. Over the past few years, I’ve gotten to know several bankers who served at the board level, and I thought it would be a chance to become more involved and broaden my horizons. I also wanted to learn more about the Association and how it operates. With the IBA, I feel I always have somebody to call. Having the IBA staff available to learn about options, whether product-related or training, is a valuable asset for a small community bank. The IBA and the avenue it creates to allow bankers throughout the state to develop relationships is something that is invaluable. I have found other bankers to be more than willing to answer questions and provide guidance. On the political front, I appreciate the expertise of the IBA Government Relations Team. We currently are enjoying an environment that favors regulatory relief, but we are all well aware that everything can be reversed in due time. There will always be a need to be vigilant. Growing up 15 miles from the IU-Bloomington campus, I had the good fortune of many positive influences. My mother worked at the IU Foundation for 27 years, so the campus was just a normal part of life and made my undergraduate choice rather simple. My maternal grandparents lived nearby, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with them, as well. I was blessed with a wonderful family who taught me the value of hard work and the importance of an education. My grandfather loved math and economics, and he took every opportunity to take the time and have the patience to share. He always stressed the importance of an education and the doors it could open and, just as important, he would gently remind me on occasion, “If you are going to spend your time doing something, spend your time doing it right.” Being part of the IBA board has been another bright spot in a fulfilling life and career path. I work with a great team, and I have pastimes I enjoy, including golf, reading and travel. I look forward to the experience of serving on the IBA board and the years I will spend sharing the banking journey with the people of Scottsburg Building and Loan. HB BOARD REVIEW Gregory Inman Southeast Region Director Indiana Bankers Association CEO, President and Secretary Scottsburg Building and Loan Association IBA Cybersecurity Conference This annual conference is ideal for bank associates responsible for cybersecurity, fraud, IT planning, information security, budgeting and compliance. Click on the icon at left in HB Digital to register, or go to indianabankers.org/education-events. Carmel OCT. 45
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