58 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 had on mine. I will always be grateful for these past 34 years and will carry the memories forever. Retirement Reflections Paul W. Freeman: 34 years at the IBA I think that it would be fair to say that I was an accidental banker. What started as a summer job at the old AFNB turned into nine years. What started as an unsolicited resume turned into four years with RMA in Philadelphia. In 1987, the Indiana Bankers Association brought us back home, and here we are 34 years later. I never planned on being a banker, nor did I plan on being at the IBA for 34 years, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Working for a trade association is a little foreign to most folks. I have been asked by friends and neighbors a thousand times, “Which bank do you work for?” My answer has always been, “All of them!” It has been my privilege to serve Indiana bankers for the past 34 years. The road has had many turns and a few bumps along the way, but the one constant has been the people that I have had the honor to work with and for. I am sure that every association employee believes that their members do good things. I know for a fact that bankers do great things. From being the drivers of the macro economy to the pillars of their local communities, bankers play a crucial role in all our lives. To have contributed in some small way to this industry has been a distinct privilege. I have been able to serve with five different CEOs – Bob Nelson, Bill King, Jim Cousins, Joe DeHaven and Amber Van Til. Each demonstrated a commitment to the industry Paul and Jo Eva Freeman gather with family for Christmas 2020. Shown in front (from left) are grandchildren Grant and Becca. Pictured in back (from left) are Paul, Jo Eva, daughter Jessica Iselin, grandson Adam, and son-in-law Michael Iselin. and their staffs. They provided me and my colleagues with the leadership and resources to best serve the membership. I consider each to have been a true mentor and friend. The IBA staff has been part of my family for 34 years. We have shared both joys and sorrows – weddings, births, graduations, sickness and death. I have spent more than half my life at the IBA. Many of my dearest friends have been within these walls. I will miss you dearly. Lastly, there is the IBA membership at large. I have no idea how many members I have met over the years. Board members, committee members, associate members and anyone participating in IBA activities became colleagues, and many became close friends. I am often surprised when greeted by someone who remembers me from many years ago. I would like to think that I made some small impact on their lives. Thank you for the impact that you
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