58 MAY / JUNE 2021 IBA Board Review Kent Liechty, a member of the Indiana Bankers Association Board of Directors, addresses the following about his life and career: What was your first job? “Right out of high school, I had a great opportunity to work with my father and brother as a grain and livestock farmer here in the Berne area. I did that for four years before I went to college at Purdue University. “Farming taught me that work and effort get rewarded, and how to deal with uncertainty. It’s helped my career to understand that when things don’t go your way, just make the best of it and move forward.” Who has inspired you? “First would be my parents. They inspired me not only in how hard they worked as farmers, but also in their devotion to the church and their faith. That has had a strong impact upon my life. “Also Charles Isch, my predecessor at the bank, modeled servant leadership through strong leadership with a servant-based attitude. Charlie really made an impact on me and my career.” What drew you to banking? “I’ve always enjoyed numbers and analysis, but what really attracted me to banking was the ability to benefit clients and local communities. That’s what defines a community bank.” What advice do you have for those starting careers in banking? “I would tell them it’s a great career, because you get to work with good people and see the fruits of your labor. You see how the investments you’ve made in people and projects are the grease that keeps the wheels moving in the community. “Other advice I’d give is to get involved, whether that’s teaching Junior Achievement, participating as a 4-H leader, coaching Little League, serving on boards or being active with not-for-profits. That’s essential to a successful career in banking.” What do you do for fun when not working? “I love to run. I run to relax, and running helps to eliminate stress. Typically I’m not listening to music, because I just want to be out with God and nature.” What is a motto or quote that you live by? “I have a mission statement: ‘To serve God as a leader, husband and father, and live my life with integrity in all that I do and all that I say.’ I’ve had a personal mission statement for probably 25 years, and I continue to shape it through different stages of life.” What career accomplishment are you most proud of? “First Bank of Berne developed an employee stock ownership program in 2006, and I was a part of that. As ESOP owners, our employees collectively are the largest shareholder in our bank. “When people ask me who I work for, I look to the person to my right and I look to the person to my left – that’s who I work for. This has positively impacted the culture and integrity of our organization.” Please share a bit about family/home life. “My wife Teri and I will celebrate 34 years of marriage in August. She’s been a great partner, and any success I have is directly attributed to her. “We’re proud to have two kids. Our son Evan is 26 and is working on a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the University of Colorado. Our daughter Riley is 23 and lives in the Catonsville, Maryland, area. She’s a business management analyst with Northrop Grumman. “They are great kids who live their lives with integrity. Teri and I are blessed.” HB Kent A. Liechty At-Large Director Indiana Bankers Association President/CEO First Bank of Berne HB Digital: Click to view a biography of Kent Liechty, or visit Indiana.bank/about. The Liechty family, from left: Evan, Kent, Teri and Riley.
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