Pub. 12 2015 Issue 2

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G N E W M E X I C O R E A L I Z E D R E A M S 20 Rob Nichols Named New ABA President and CEO Succeeds Frank Keating, whom ABA says is “owed a tremendous debt of thanks” W ASHINGTON – The American Bankers Association (ABA) Board of Directors announced that it has unanimously selec ted Rob Nichol s as the ABA’s new President and CEO. Ni chol s , a former Senate con f i rmed Trea sur y Depar tment of f icia l , current ly heads the Financia l Ser v ices Forum. “Rob Nichols will be a superb leader of the ABA,” said Board Chairman John Ikard. “The banking industry is undergoing a great deal of change. We sought a visionary, strategic leader with demonstrated public policy acumen, a keen understand- ing of the entirety of the banking and financial system, and a strong track record of both strategic management and biparti- san advocacy. Rob Nichols hits the mark on all counts, and we are delighted that he will be leading our organization.” Ikard is also president and CEO of the FirstBank Holding Co., Lake- wood, Colo. Nichols said, “I am deeply honored to take on the responsibil- ity of leading the ABA. The nation’s economic growth prospects depend on banks of all sizes and models in order to effectively serve the needs of local communities, clients and customers. Community banks, mid-size, regional, and large banks all play a critically important role as part of a diverse and interdepen- dent financial ecosystem that both supports and depends on a thriving U.S. economy. “The ABA is uniquely positioned to rigorously make this case to legislative, regulatory, and administration audiences. I look