Honoring Vision and Celebrating Success: Idaho Business Leader of the Year

Idaho, the land of stunning landscapes and thriving industries, is home to exceptional individuals who drive the state’s economic growth and foster innovation. Each year, the prestigious Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) business organization recognizes one outstanding business leader who has made significant contributions to Idaho’s business landscape. Influential figures from the business community, distinguished guests, and aspiring entrepreneurs gather annually to celebrate the Idaho Business Leader of the Year (IBLOY), an individual whose vision, leadership, and accomplishments have set them apart in their communities. For the 63rd year, AKPsi honorably awarded Amy Kawahara Rhoads, President and CEO of Citizens Community Bank (CCB) as the 2023 Idaho Business Leader of the Year. Rhoads’ contributions have been paving the business landscape not only for her company, but for Idaho citizens.

(Continued from page 9) AKPsi collaborates closely with the College of Business to honor these exceptional individuals every year. Their shared commitment to promoting excellence, integrity and growth within the business community makes this award an esteemed recognition among industry peers. Held at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, the event serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the recipient and to inspire others to strive for greatness.

Rhoads has had experience in what seems like nearly every corner of the banking world. She started her journey as a Credit Tech Clerk at the Bank of Idaho, and then managed to climb the ranks to Branch Manager at First Interstate Bank, all in under 20 years of her career.

In 1997, Rhoads was asked to be a part of the upbringing of a de novo bank. She worked as Branch Administrator until 2000, helping build the bank from the ground up. She then became Senior Vice President until 2015 when she was officially promoted to President and CEO of Citizens Community Bank.

From the start of her career with CCB in 1997 to her retirement in July 2023, Rhoads has fundamentally impacted every individual that has been led by her and all organizations she has been a part of are better because of her knowledge. She is the first female President of Citizens Community Bank while simultaneously being the first to achieve such a position without a college degree. Rhoads was originally enrolled in Boise State College, but attended Lincoln School of Business, receiving an Executive Secretary certificate at the top of her class.

With the goal of offering beneficial opportunities for students, Rhoads coordinated the effort with the Idaho State University College of Business and Idaho State University Foundation to create the first endowment to fund financial literacy courses. The CCB management team, Rhoads and College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Dr. Shane Hunt have used their passion for improving their communities to bring financial awareness to their students before entering the job market. Dedicated to creating a positive impact beyond the CCB boardroom, Rhoads has invested time to be a part of more than ten organizations that support Idaho communities such as Pocatello Housing Authority, Bannock Development Corporation, Historic Downtown Pocatello and United Way.

To be honored with the Idaho Business Leader of the Year award is not only a testament to the recipient’s exceptional accomplishments, but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders across the state. By recognizing their achievements, we encourage the next generation to strive for excellence, pursue innovation, and contribute to Idaho’s thriving business landscapes.

Have someone in mind? Email Lydia at lydiabishop@isu.edu for information on how to submit nominations for the 64th Idaho Business Leader of the Year.