10 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 '3:)6 7836= Mike Zahn Standing tall as IBA chairman When elected as 2021 chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, Michael S. Zahn made history as the first IBA leader elected in a virtual format. Officer elections normally take place during the IBA Annual Convention in September, but pandemic restrictions moved elections to the online Mega Reimagined event in November. Zahn was officially elected 2021 IBA chairman on Nov. 18, 2020, and assumed duties effective Jan. 1 of this year. He is president and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank, Huntington, the third generation of his family to lead the institution. His grandfather, William E. Zahn, was named president in 1963, and his father, Stephen E. Zahn, became president and CEO in 1980. Mike Zahn joined the bank in 1996, was named president in 2005, and became CEO in 2011. Active in the community, Zahn serves on the boards of Huntington County Economic Development and Huntington University Foundation, for which he also is a past president. Additionally, he is a former trustee of Huntington University and has served in leadership capacity with organizations including the United Way of Huntington Capital Campaign, the Bowen Center, the Optimist Club, Parkview Huntington YMCA, Huntington County Junior Achievement, Huntington County Chamber of Commerce and Lime City Economic Development. A longtime supporter of the IBA, Zahn has served the Association as first vice chairman, second vice chairman and northeast region director. He earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Hoosier Banker had the opportunity to interview Zahn last fall. What are your goals as IBA chairman, and how does the pandemic affect plans for 2021? “As the 2021 IBA chairman, my first goal is to continue to build on the solid foundation established by the previous chairs. Through these difficult times, the banking industry has stood tall, served our communities and helped those in need. “The IBA was vital to our industry, providing guidance and direction. It’s really just my job to keep things moving forward. “I’m hopeful that in 2021 we are able to take advantage of everything the IBA has to offer. While Zoom meetings and conference calls were valuable, the opportunity for bankers to meet in person to continue their )QMP] &VSSOW Member Engagement Specialist Indiana Bankers Association ebrooks@indiana.bank
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