The IBA Future Leadership Division is excited for 2025 and the new opportunities it will bring to help benefit emerging leaders in the industry. A major benefit of FLD is the opportunity to grow your peer network. There are hundreds of FLD members making the Indiana banking industry thrive, and FLD is a great place to connect with others like you who are interested in a long-term career in banking.
As you plan your year, be sure to add FLD events to your calendar and make plans to attend. These events include the FLD Networking Reception at the IBA Mega Conference, scheduled for the evening of May 28; and the FLD Leadership Conference, July 9-10, at the Renaissance Indianapolis North in Carmel. More events including FLD Lunch and Learns will be scheduled, so be sure to sign up for FLD membership to stay updated throughout the year – it’s free to all employees of any IBA-member bank.
FLD Advisory Board Names 2 New Members
Vanessa Spicer is a vice president, core banking support analyst for Community First Bank of Indiana, Kokomo. With 16 years of banking experience, Spicer is a key leader in the bank’s operations department, focusing on operations and digital banking. In her role, she collaborates with various departments to leverage technology for creating efficiencies, develop new products that meet customer needs and ensure seamless integration of the bank’s systems to enhance the overall customer experience. Her extensive background spans retail, operations, Treasury management and digital banking. Outside of work, she enjoys a lively home life with her house full of boys. Spicer is a 2013 graduate of Ivy Tech and a lifelong resident of Kokomo.
Ashley Burns is vice president, chief retail banking officer for First National Bank, Cloverdale. With 18 years of banking experience, she is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in banking and finance who possesses a wealth of knowledge in lending, BSA compliance, retail banking and customer service. Burns has held multiple leadership positions at the bank while spearheading major initiatives, driving retail growth and improving operational efficiencies. She currently serves as an officer of the Putnam County Youth Development Committee, and a board member for Fuller Center of Putnam County, 100 Women of Putnam County, Cloverdale Clothe a Child, Cloverdale Community Housing and the Putnam County Housing Steering Committee. She graduated from Marian University. Outside of work, Burns enjoys spending time with her family and friends, golfing and volunteering in her community. She is deeply committed to her core values of supporting community banking and giving back to her community through her volunteer work. She is honored to serve on the FLD board, where she can contribute her knowledge and learn from other fellow bankers.
FLD 2 LDP Scholarship Winner Announced
Lauren Harmon, vice president of Treasury management with Citizens Bank, Mooresville, has been awarded the 2024 IndianaBankers Association FLD 2 LDP scholarship. Sponsored by Amundsen Davis LLC, this scholarship provides $1,500 toward registration fees for the IBA Leadership Development Program. The FLD 2 LDP scholarship was created to provide an additional benefit to FLD members with the goal of helping develop and inspire new leaders in the banking industry through participation in the IBA Leadership Development Program.
Since 2012, Harmon has led the development of the bank’s Treasury management services, officially establishing the department in 2018. Throughout her 20-year career at the bank, Harmon has worked closely with large commercial clients and borrowers, focusing on municipal partnerships. She is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Johnson County and holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, along with an Indiana Bankers Diploma in Commercial Lending. Outside of her professional role, Harmon is an active parent within her children’s school, where she volunteers and supports both the boys and girls soccer teams. She is also a dedicated board member of the Humane Society of Johnson County, serving since 2016.
Josh Myers, Vice President – Member Engagement, Indiana Bankers Association
Josh is responsible for leading the Future Leadership Division, overseeing IBA grassroots advocacy and coordinating member engagement strategies. He first joined the IBA staff in 2009 after serving as an intern with the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus, legislative intern for Bose Public Affairs Group and field manager with the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Email Josh at JMyers@indiana.bank
