In January 2019, TBA member CEOs and presidents were presented with an opportunity to recognize an individual in their bank for their exceptional work and contribution to their bank and the community they serve.
With the 50-Year Banker Award already in place for decades, the Foundation wanted to honor younger banker leaders, thus creating the Emerging Leader Award.
In an email to bank leaders, TBA CEO and President Chris Furlow asked:
Which of your employees do you believe has the potential to be a future leader, not only at your bank, but for our industry?
Who is making a positive professional and community impact in exceptional ways?
Who represents the best values of Texas community banking?
In the ensuing five years, TBA member bank CEOs, presidents and chairmen have identified and nominated numerous future leaders for the award. After reviewing all the applications, the Foundation Board selected a total of 48 bankers to be honored as Emerging Leaders over the five year span.
The recipient’s job titles and responsibilities have included operations manager, BSA coordinator, branch manager, applications solutions, consumers officer, team resource manager, HR director, lender and trust officer.
The nominees are involved in their community in several ways, including as members or leaders of various community organizations; teaching financial education classes and serving as mentors; organizing food, clothing and Christmas gift drives; coaching youth sports and supporting agriculture groups; and serving on their church committees.
When asked about what makes their nominee an outstanding leader, CEOs noted their leadership by example and teamwork, problem-solving skills, service to the community and their development of new products and procedures to support customers. In 2021, many of the CEOs noted their nominee’s leadership and tirelessness during the SBA’s PPP loan program.
Recipients of the Emerging Leader Award are given the opportunity to serve one year on TBA’s Bank Leadership Council, whose role is to increase emerging bank leaders’ involvement in TBA by creating networking and leadership development programs and encouraging involvement in the political process and advocacy through grassroots programs.
Many now serve on almost every TBA board and council — Ag & Rural Affairs Committee, Community Bank Council, Foundation Board, Future of Banking Task Force and the TBA Services Company (TBASCO) Board. In fact, 2020 Emerging Leader Hazel Davis is now serving as chair of the Foundation and is a member of the TBA Board of Directors.
The Emerging Leader Awards are presented during the TBA Annual Convention. It has been thrilling to see the diverse faces of these future bank and industry leaders. On a side note, of the 48 winners, 28 have been women!
This award is more than just recognition — it is also a pathway to leadership. We look forward to seeing the next generation of nominees from your bank.
The Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Emerging Leader Award. To download the application, visit texasbankers.com/EmergingLeaders. Member banks may nominate one eligible individual. View the 2023 Emerging Leaders Awards videos at vimeo.com/showcase/10415596.
If you have questions regarding the Emerging Leader Award — or any other Foundation program — please contact Jocelyn Carby at [email protected].