Leadership

Here to Stay, Here for Good: Supporting Iowa’s Community Banks

As an Iowa community bank, you know that serving local families, businesses, and communities is at the heart of what you do. At Community Bankers of Iowa (CBI), we’re here to help you protect that mission and navigate an increasingly complex industry.

Our focus is simple: to secure an environment where Iowa’s community banks can succeed. Through dedicated advocacy, we work tirelessly to shape favorable legislation and regulatory environments for independent banks like yours. We also provide the resources and services that support your profitability and growth, along with public education initiatives that highlight the essential role community banks play in Iowa’s social and economic well-being.

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Together, we can build a stronger future for Iowa’s communities and the banks that support them.

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Mike Gathman

CEO
With over 25 years in financial services, including leadership at both SHAZAM and State Bank in Spencer, Iowa, Mike brings extensive experience in banking and advocacy. His strategic focus ensures that CBI’s members are well-positioned for growth.
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Pretty Patel

Vice President of Operations
A 23-year veteran with CBI, Pretty is the go-to expert in association operations, coordinating communications, member relations, and event planning to ensure seamless support for all members.
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Ross Dickinson

Vice President
Ross serves as the primary contact for members and partners, bringing over a decade of experience in financial services to support and grow our partnerships.

Board of Directors

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Luke Brady

President
Community Savings Bank, Edgewood
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​​Chad Hudson

Immediate Past President
Danville State Savings Bank, Danville
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Jeremy Bunkers

President Elect
​American Bank, Remsen
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​Heidi Brown

Treasurer
Citizens State Bank, Sheldon
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Mike Gathman

Corporate Secretary
Community Bankers of Iowa, Des Moines
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Verlin (Gus) Barker

Member - ICBA Board of Directors
First Community Bank, Newell
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Mandy Fielder

Member Director
First Heritage Bank, Shenandoah
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​Jeff Goetz

Member Director
Central Bank, Urbandale
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​Josh Gran

Member Director
Community Bank, Dunlap
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Todd Mather

Member Director
West Bank, West Des Moines
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Ryan Milligan

Member Director
Commercial Savings Bank, Carroll
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Nicole Olson

Member Director
First Citizens Bank, Mason City
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Anne O'Neill

Member Director
Quad City Bank & Trust, Bettendorf
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​Brad Sporrer

Member Director
​Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, Clive
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Dan Stocker

Member Director
First Iowa State Bank, Albia
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Doug Truex

Member Director
​Iowa Falls State Bank, Iowa Falls
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​Alan Weiss

Member Director
​​United Bank of Iowa, Ida Grove
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Wade Gort

Member-ICBA Delegate
CEO, Premier Bank, Rock Valley
Michele Werner

Michele Werner

Member Director
Farmers Savings Bank & Trust – Traer
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Bob Allen

Member Director
Home State Bank, Jefferson
Rudy Fors

Rudy Fors

Member Director
Twin Cedars Bank – Des Moines

Executive Committee

Luke Brady

President
Community Savings Bank, Edgewood

​​Chad Hudson

Immediate Past President
Danville State Savings Bank, Danville

Jeremy Bunkers

President Elect
​American Bank, Remsen

Heidi Brown

Treasurer

Mike Gathman

Corporate Secretary
Community Bankers of Iowa, Des Moines

ICBA Federal Delegate and Director

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Wade Gort

Member-ICBA Delegate
CEO, Premier Bank, Rock Valley
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Verlin (Gus) Barker

ICBA Director
First Community Bank, Newell

Your legacy, our mission.

You fuel your community’s success. We provide advocacy, education, and connections to help you do it better.

To advocate for, educate, and connect Iowa’s community banks, so they can continue building strong local economies and strong communities. As Iowa’s only trade association exclusively for community banks, we partner with you to overcome obstacles and amplify your impact.

Empowering You to Succeed

  • 1

    Your Voice, Heard

    Your work matters, and we make sure policymakers know it. CBI fights for legislation and regulations that protect your ability to serve your community effectively.

  • 2

    Tools to Sharpen Your Expertise

    You’re dedicated to excellence, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Our professional development programs and resources ensure you stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.

  • 3

    Connections That Fuel Growth

    You understand the power of relationships. That’s why we bring together like-minded peers and industry leaders through exclusive events, creating opportunities to share ideas and find innovative solutions.

  • 4

    A Champion for Community Banking

    Your commitment to local banking strengthens Iowa. We work to raise awareness about the critical role community banks play, building public trust and support for your efforts.

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Become a Member Today
Membership Application

Young Bankers of Iowa

The Young Bankers of Iowa Scholarship, presented by the Community Bankers of Iowa, supports the next generation of community leaders. Each year, two outstanding high school seniors receive a $1,000 scholarship to help further their education.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on character, academics, community involvement, and essay quality.

Apply Today!

Eligibility

To apply, students must:

  • 1

    Have a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian employed at a CBI member bank (secondary relatives are not eligible).

  • 2

    Submit a completed application by May 4, 2026 (11:59 PM CDT).

  • 3

    Write a one-page essay on the role of community banks in their hometown.

  • 4

    Provide a high school transcript and two letters of recommendation (non-relatives).

  • 5

    List community and extracurricular involvement.

Award Presentation

Winners will be recognized at a special ceremony during CBI’s 55th Annual Convention (July 15-17, 2026, in Arnolds Park, Iowa). They will also be featured in CBI’s CommonCENTS e-newsletter and the Community Banker Update magazine.

Why Join Young
Bankers of Iowa?

  • 1

    Build Connections

    • Join a network of future community bank leaders across Iowa.
    • Participate in quarterly meetings and the annual Leadership Development Conference to share ideas, learn best practices, and tackle industry challenges together.

  • 2

    Gain Knowledge

    • Access expert-led training and insights into leadership, emerging trends, and industry innovation.
    • Learn from peers and industry leaders to grow your expertise and stay ahead of the curve.

  • 3

    Develop Leadership Skills

    • Hone your leadership skills while contributing to meaningful initiatives that benefit your community and career.

Joining Young Bankers of Iowa isn’t just about career growth—it’s about building relationships and contributing to the success of Iowa’s independent community banks.

Take the next step toward leadership.

Join Young Bankers of Iowa today and be part of the future of community banking in Iowa.

Contact Us to join