The Indiana Bankers Association recognized five members of the state’s banking community with Leaders in Banking Excellence awards, the Association’s highest honor. The awards were presented at a ceremony on Monday, Sept. 14, as part of the IBA’s Annual Convention at the French Lick Springs Resort.
State Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty, has been named 2026 Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Bankers Association. The award was presented Sunday, Sept. 13, at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick.
The Legislator of the Year award recognizes Rep. Teshka for his stewardship of a strong banking environment in the Hoosier State. He currently serves as chairman of the House Financial Institutions Committee.
David M. Findlay, chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Mike Braun. The award was presented by Rep. Craig Snow, R-Winona Lake, on Sunday, Sept. 13, during the chairman’s banquet at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. The Sagamore of the Wabash is given to exemplary Hoosiers in recognition of distinguished statewide service.
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, 39 state bankers associations announced the formation of BankChain Alliance to provide customers across the country secure, modern banking services at financial institutions of all sizes.
Gov. Mike Braun has appointed Amber R. Van Til, president and CEO of the Indiana Bankers Association, to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Her term will run through June 30, 2030.
Van Til is a past chair and current trustee of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and its Herbert V. Prochnow Educational Foundation.
Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Crawfordsville; JCBank, Seymour; and Centier Bank, Merrillville, have been honored with Indiana Bankers Association C2C (Commitment to Community) Awards for outstanding community service performed during 2025.
Hoosier Heartland State Bank won the Small Banks category. The bank’s vision is to have every customer say, “My banker treats me like family and has changed my life!”
Christina M. Bennett retired from the Indiana Bankers Association effective Dec. 31, 2025.
Bennett started with the Association in 1990 as a member of the government relations team. She later shifted to the education department, working her way up to vice president-meetings & events. She also served as corporate secretary to the Board of Directors.
David M. Findlay, chairman and CEO of Lake City Bank, Warsaw, and its holding company, Lakeland Financial Corporation, has taken his seat as 2026 chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association Board of Directors.
Kristin Pruitt, president of Lake City Bank, Warsaw, has been honored with the 2025 Indiana Bankers Association Woman of the Year award, sponsored by Krieg DeVault LLP. She was presented with the award on Thursday, Oct. 23, during the IBA Banking on Women conference.
The annual award recognizes a woman in banking who excels at her profession, is active in her community and supports other women to reach their full potential – whether in banking or other fields.
Ashley Ahrens, senior vice president-retail banking at North Salem State Bank, has been honored with the Indiana Bankers Association 2025 Woman on the Rise award, sponsored by Amundsen Davis LLC. She was presented with the award on Thursday, Oct. 23, during the IBA Banking on Women conference.
This honor recognizes a woman in banking age 40 or younger who is making a significant impact in her industry and community through engagement, drive and teamwork.
The Indiana Bankers Association recognized four members of the state’s banking community with Leaders in Banking Excellence awards, the Association’s highest honor.
State Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, has been named 2025 Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Bankers Association. The award was presented Sunday, Sept. 7, at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. It was the second time Holdman received the award, making him the only lawmaker to be honored with the recognition more than once.
Matthew W. Howrey, chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been honored as a Distinguished Hoosier by Gov. Mike Braun. The award was presented by Tom Fite, director of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, on Sunday, Sept. 7, during the chairman’s banquet at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick.
Home Bank, Martinsville; Community First Bank of Indiana, Kokomo; and 1st Source Bank, South Bend, have been honored with the Indiana Bankers Association C2C (Commitment to Community) Awards for outstanding community service performed during 2024.
Home Bank won the category of banks with assets below $750 million. “Making lives better” is in the bank’s vision statement.
Matthew W. Howrey, president and CEO of North Salem State Bank and its holding company, North Salem State Bancorporation, has taken his seat as 2025 chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association Board of Directors.