It’s hard to imagine James “Jim” Ryan III may have seen himself as one day becoming the chairman and CEO of a nearly $70 billion regional bank when he started his first job as a dishwasher at a 1950s and 60s-themed restaurant in Michigan, singing and performing the “Hand Jive” periodically throughout the night for customers (an experience he still remembers vividly). That job, though, reinforced what his parents had already taught him about the value of hard work: Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what your job is; if you work hard, success typically follows.

After time at a mix of community, regional and national financial institutions, Ryan joined Old National Bank, Evansville, in 2000 as senior vice president, treasurer. He worked his way up through several key positions before being named CEO in 2019. Ryan has used his position to invest in his community, his employees through innovative programs like the bank’s CEO Council,¹ and the next generation of bankers overall. 

Hoosier Banker recently asked him about his experiences, his dedication to developing the next generation of the workforce, keeping a community mindset while managing a Top 40 financial institution² and more.

What attracted you to banking as a career?

As a finance major at Grand Valley State University, my finance professor asked me if I was interested in a well-paid internship at a bank, which led to an internship at Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Old Kent Bank. Old Kent Bank later became part of Fifth Third. From the beginning, I loved being part of an industry that helps people achieve their dreams. Once I got that initial taste of being a banker, I never considered doing anything else. I have worked in banking continuously since my junior year in college.

What do you enjoy most about banking?

The aspects I enjoy today are the same things that drew me to a career in banking three decades ago. I truly value the ability to help people reach their financial goals and achieve their dreams. It’s gratifying whenever you can play a role – however large or small – in helping someone else succeed.

I also love leading an organization that is committed to strengthening the communities we serve. Building strong, sustainable communities is not only the right thing to do but also strengthens Old National. 

I’m also grateful to be part of an organization with a long history of fostering the growth and development of its team members. When you identify emerging leaders and empower them with the right tools and resources, you will see them blossom.

Tell us about a pivotal moment in your career.

Two things come to mind: First, when I was still early in my career with Old National, we entered the Michiana market through a partnership with St. Joseph Capital, headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana. At the time, my family and I were living in Evansville, and I volunteered to relocate to South Bend as a market leader to ensure that we hit the ground running and find success right away. I spent my entire career working at headquarters, mostly in finance roles, so this opportunity and experience was an eye-opener about different parts of banking away from HQ.

Another pivotal moment that comes to mind is Old National’s transformational partnership with Chicago-based FMB in 2022.³ Bringing together two successful banks of roughly equal size is definitely not without risk, but we also knew a huge reward was waiting when we pulled it off. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say we knocked it out of the park. Today, as a direct result of this partnership, Old National is objectively a stronger bank with an even stronger leadership team and a more effective board of directors.

What ties these two examples together is that both require the willingness to take a chance. I’ve said it many times, but good things happen when you have faith in yourself and your team and aren’t afraid to dream big.

Bankers are known for being risk averse. What is the biggest professional risk you’ve taken that you’re most proud of?

The FMB partnership mentioned previously qualifies as the professional risk I’m most proud of. Taking a historically conservative southern Indiana bank and entering into a partnership that would make Chicagoland our largest market surprised many within our industry. And as I mentioned earlier, partnerships of that size and scope come with inherent risks. What has made the partnership work so well is that both organizations had a passion for serving clients, strengthening communities and developing team members.

Old National inked a deal to become the official bank of the Big Ten Conference in 2023. What’s your favorite sport to watch? Did you play any in school?

I wrestled and played football when I was young. I don’t watch many sports on television today, but I gravitate toward professional golf and tennis when I find time to watch. My wife, Tricia, and I also enjoy playing tennis and pickleball.

Old National is the largest bank headquartered in Indiana and one of the 40 largest in the nation. How do you keep a community focus while continuing to expand in size and footprint?

It begins with staying true to the vision and culture that have served Old National well since its founding in 1834. We recognize that our success is directly tied to the communities we serve, and we have team members who are deeply rooted in and committed to their communities.

I also firmly believe that being a bank founded in and still headquartered in Evansville gives us a smaller-town perspective even as we are poised to become a $70 billion bank soon. We still operate with what I like to call an “Evansville State of Mind,” in which we take the time to build strong, collaborative relationships with our clients and community partners. Every team member and client is essential to our success and greatly matters. This approach works well throughout our footprint – not just in southern Indiana.

I will also add that regularly traveling around the Old National footprint and connecting with our team members keeps me centered and reminds me of the importance of staying connected and the power of community.

Tell us about your CEO Council. Where did the idea come from, and how has it benefited your bank and employees?

I was focused on succession planning from the very first day of becoming CEO. I realized we needed to cultivate more diverse talent within our industry and at Old National. In 2021, we identified a diverse group of already successful and high-potential emerging leaders to work on projects that support the sustainability of underrepresented clients and communities to accelerate their growth and development. Our second CEO Council cohort graduated in 2024, and a third group began earlier this year.

What I appreciate most about our CEO Council is the genuine reciprocal relationship it fosters. Our council members bring unique insights and perspectives that strengthen our executive leadership team and the company. In return, we can offer them unique leadership development opportunities that accelerate their growth within the organization.

Between the CEO Council, participating in the IBA’s new statewide apprenticeship program and being named to the board of the Orr Fellowship this year, you’ve demonstrated dedication to cultivating the next generation of the workforce. What made that an area where you wanted to focus so much of your attention?

Bob Jones, my predecessor at Old National and my mentor, has always said that banks like Old National have a moral obligation to help grow and develop the communities they serve, including cultivating the workforce of tomorrow. Not only is supporting future leaders the right thing to do, but it’s also something I genuinely enjoy.

I am thrilled and honored to have recently joined the Orr Fellowship Board of Directors. One of my daughters was an Orr Fellow, so I witnessed firsthand the significant impact this program can have on the next generation of Hoosier leaders. We recently introduced the Orr Fellowship in the Evansville region, and I am excited about the positive impact we can make here in southwest Indiana.

The Indiana Bankers Association’s new apprenticeship program is another example of how banks can support their communities by sponsoring these apprenticeships. This initiative represents a transformative opportunity to engage young people in their education and careers, ultimately helping to develop future talent for the banking industry.

What do you look for when deciding which organizations to volunteer your time and expertise with? What advice would you give to a young banker looking to start getting involved with board work and other volunteer experiences?

It’s important to follow your heart and concentrate on topics that genuinely resonate with you. We live in a busy, fast-paced world and have limited time and resources to allocate effectively.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider where and how you can make the greatest impact, as this can guide your choices moving forward.

Please describe the impact of an influential person in your life.

My parents were instrumental in shaping me into who I am today. In addition to instilling in me the value of hard work and giving back, they set a personal example – every day – of what genuine compassion and selfless leadership can look like.

Bob Jones has also been a highly influential person in my life. Not only did he help me more fully appreciate the importance of strengthening and supporting the community, but he trusted me to play a lead role in fundamentally reshaping our franchise. We wouldn’t be the bank we are today, and I wouldn’t be the CEO I am today if Bob hadn’t instilled that trust and confidence in me.

Tell us about your home life/hobbies/time away from the office.

I’ve always loved the water, and Tricia and I enjoy boating and spending time on the beach whenever possible. It’s even more special when our two adult daughters can join us.

Tricia and I also enjoy playing tennis and pickleball. My wife is an avid tennis player and routinely beats me, but I even the score on the pickleball court. We love getting some exercise and spending time with family and friends.

What is one of your hidden talents?

I’m not sure if it qualifies as a hidden talent, but I’ve always had a knack for seeing opportunities that others may not be able to visualize. Throughout my career, I’ve had a gift for recognizing a path forward that may initially seem unconventional, but which ultimately bears fruit.

How do you define success?

I have always viewed success as a team sport – a collective endeavor – and I am absolutely convinced that there is no such thing as individual success. When the team wins, we all win as members of that team.