The IBA’s Future Leadership Division was fortunate in 2024 to have experienced another successful year that brought about many new banks and individuals experiencing FLD for the first time. Tried-and-true programs that have long been staples of the FLD offered consistency resulting in continued growth and momentum for the future.

The FLD held its always-popular FLD Leadership Conference that continues to grow while providing leadership development, networking and idea-sharing. The FLD Day at the Statehouse continued its mission to provide a crash course in grassroots advocacy and to explain the power that bankers can have by telling their stories to lawmakers. Other networking events like a reception at IBA’s Mega Conference and the FLD Topgolf Networking Lunch were held. The FLD also held a highly successful series of FLD Lunch and Learns that brought several new banks and individuals to the table. By the end of the year, the FLD had added more than 120 new members to its membership list, and we hope to keep growing in the new year.

The FLD is pleased to provide numerous opportunities for members to network with other peer bankers as well as learning opportunities through roundtable conversations based on industry, leadership and professional development topics submitted by attendees. On behalf of the FLD Advisory Board and myself, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all the banks who made FLD participation a part of their year. As you make plans for 2025, I encourage all banks to continue their support of FLD events or make a commitment to participate in FLD for the first time this year.

As 2025 begins, the FLD Advisory Board is under new leadership as a new president and vice president assume their positions for the year. Amanda Morris-Feldman of First Federal Savings Bank, Rochester, will now serve as president of the FLD. This position also gives her a seat on IBA’s Board of Directors as the FLD representative. Greg Barnes Jr. of STAR Bank will serve as vice president. This position grants him a non-voting position on the IBA Board.

Coming off a tremendous 2024 as immediate past president is Michael J. Clampitt of North Salem State Bank. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Michael for his leadership of the FLD in 2023-2024.

In addition to leadership changes, the FLD is welcoming new members to the Advisory Board in 2025. Learn more about them in the upcoming March/April issue of Hoosier Banker.

The FLD continues to offer worthwhile opportunities for today’s emerging leaders, from educational events to a deep network of peers. We encourage you to check out the FLD for yourself. Our next event is the FLD Day at the Statehouse on March 4.