ANNUAL 2024 REPORT
STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS
ABOUT OHIO BANKERS LEAGUE
The OBL is the trade association for the Ohio banking industry – and is Ohio’s only organization focused on meeting the needs of all banks and thrifts in the Buckeye State. The OBL is the voice of the Ohio banking industry fostering a cooperation that has made it one of the strongest and most reputable financial trade associations in the country.
By linking banks, bankers, and industry experts – and by pooling their intellectual and capital resources – the OBL serves as a powerful creator of knowledge and collective resources.
OBL MISSION
ADVOCATE
Inspiring members to connect with the shared intention of advancing the common good by building consensus around issues upon which the industry can agree in the public and governmental arenas.
COLLABORATE
Bringing scale by building on the common needs and interests of member banks, OBL pursues strategic partnerships that provide value to the industry and the communities they serve. Giving members a platform with peers to share is vital for ensuring informed decision making.
EDUCATE
Keeping members on the leading edge of industry knowledge and trends through expert education timely delivered in professional learning environments.
MICHAEL ADELMAN
President & CEO
madelman@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7616
GAURI AIRI
Executive Director, Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust gairi@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7598
BRENDA ARNOLD
Products & Services Manager, OBL BankServices barnold@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7620
DON BOYD
Vice President of State Government Relations and General Counsel dboyd@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7608
MICHELLE CRUME
Senior Vice President, Executive Director of OBL BankServices mcrume@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7622
TAYLOR DANIEL
Executive Assistant tdaniel@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7602
STEPHANIE ELAM
Plan Coordinator, Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust selam@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7591
MEET THE TEAM
RITA HINKLE
Administrator, Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust rhinkle@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7609
DANIEL HOLSTEIN, CPA
Senior Accountant dholstein@ohiobankersleague.com 614-340-7604
PAIGE HOULIHAN
Products and Services Coordinator, OBLBankServices phoulihan@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7613
SARAH HUSK
Education Manager shusk@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7610
AUDRA JOHNSON
Director of Communications ajohnson@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7621
SUSAN POLING JONES
Professional Development Director spoling@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7611
JULIE KIPLINGER
Education Manager jkiplinger@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7612
EVAN KLEYMEYER
Senior Vice President of Government and External Relations ekleymeyer@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7605
ANTHONY LAGUNZAD
Manager, Government Relations and BankPac alagunzad@ohiobankersleague.com 614-340-7614
KIMBERLEY MASON
Higher Education Partnership Manager kmason@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7601
STEPHEN MENTZER
Database Manager smentzer@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-76017
JENNIFER OSBURN, CPA
CFO, Chief Administrative Officer josburn@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7606
MEGAN PEIFFER
Education Specialist mpeiffer@ohiobankersleague.com 614-340-7618
CHRISTINE ZEEK
Employee Benefits Manager, Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust czeek@ohiobankersleague.com (614) 340-7617
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2024
OBL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
OBL SCORES SIGNIFICANT VICTORY WITH HOMEBUYER PLUS PROGRAM
OBL worked with the Ohio Treasurer of State’s Office and the Legislature to create the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program, a new state linked deposit program, which has been beneficial to banks and potential homebuyers throughout the state. Additionally, when capacity concerns arose, OBL, with the help of member grassroots activism, pushed back on severe changes to the program that would have negatively impacted participating banks, coming to a more palatable solution. This will ensure the long-term success of the program.
PUBLIC DEPOSITORY BILL A WIN FOR THE OHIO BANKING INDUSTRY
OBL worked with the legislature to ensure that banks were not unreasonably disqualified as public depositories in Ohio for reasons unrelated to the actual safety and soundness of the institution.
RECORD MODERNIZATION
OBL successfully advocated for a fix to address issues with the electronic titling of motor vehicles in Ohio. OBL also supported legislation to require counties to offer electronic real estate recording and the scanning of past documents, thereby modernizing the processes for the state.
FANNIE MAE BACKS DOWN FROM ISSUING LIMITS FOR SELLER STATUS
Over the last two years, Fannie Mae contacted Ohio community banks letting them know that if they did not sell at least 12 loans to the agency in that calendar year the institution would lose their approved seller status. The OBL worked both in 2023 and 2024 to oppose this change and thankfully Fannie Mae reversed their decision for a second year in a row.
OBL BANKSERVICES
COMPLIANCE ALIANCE
Compliance Alliance continues to enhance the services provided to banks with 36 state bankers associations supporting the program. Compliance Hub is designed to redefine what bank compliance support and guidance means for financial institutions. The easy-access system gives banks four avenues for better compliance management:
Access to licensed/certified advisors through a hotline chat, email, and phone
Array of educational offerings including webinars, huddles, compliance minutes, and tool segments
Unlimited review of policies, advertising, and more
Open access to online tools, products, articles, and webinars
Assurance Services offers audits in 21 days from start to issuance of the draft report. Audits and specialized services are available for every area, department, and function. Virtual Compliance Officer Program is a service which offers compliance monitoring, on the job training, and a shared service approach to compliance management.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS
OBL BankServices has partnered with Banc Card of America as an Endorsed Business Partner for merchant services. Since inception in 1997, Banc Card of America believes in face-to-face customer interaction, and representing their partner banks in a professional manner with their appearance, their service and their consultative sales presentation. They are committed to "Old-Fashioned" service, while providing cutting edge technology. They partner with over 700+ community financial institutions and processes more than $12B annually with more than 100,000 merchants. The company employes local representatives in 31 states, processes merchants in all 50 states, and are also endorsed by seven other state banking associations.
OBL BankServices, Inc. and Voya Investment Management, the asset management business of Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), announced they have entered into a commercial and industrial (C&I) loan growth partnership program known as the Voya Senior Loan Bank Advisory Program.
Under the Voya program, community and regional bank commercial credit professionals, working with Voya professionals, build portfolios of senior secured commercial and industrial loans. Banks may work individually to build portfolios, one loan at a time, or cooperatively, with peer banks, to share in a portfolio of select loans. All portfolios benefit from Voya’s access to the new loan and secondary markets as well as strong and ongoing loan underwriting and monitoring processes, stressing compliance with regulatory guidelines and prudent risk management standards. Through up front and continuing education, banks learn about the implementation and continuous monitoring of compliant portfolios that deliver unique and core objectives, including diversification, relative values accretive to bank economics and importantly, default and loss avoidance.
OBL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
NEW MOODY’S PARTNERSHIP
OBL became the first state bankers association to partner with Moody’s Learning Solutions for the joint presentation of the Commercial Credit School and the Advanced Commercial Credit School in Fall 2024. The partnership will expand throughout 2025 and beyond.
CONVENTION PARTNERSHIPS A SUCCESS
The OBL continued its partnership with the Illinois Bankers Association to present the Annual Convention in Amelia Island, FL in June. The OBL will next join the North Carolina Bankers Association “Together at the Homestead” in Hot Springs, VA, June 23 – 26, 2025.
OBL WOMEN IN BANKING CONFERENCE CELEBRATES 10TH YEAR
The annual Women in Banking Conference celebrated its 10th year with nearly 200 energized attendees. Future forward, this program, traditionally held in October, will be held in spring, beginning with the next WIB Conference on March 28, 2025.
OHIO BANKERS BENEFITS TRUST
TWO NEW BANKS ADDED TO THE TRUST
OBBT welcomed Fortuna Bank and Minster Bank to the Trust in 2024.
BANKING IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE 2024 OBL MAIN EVENT
The OBL rolled out the red carpet at the 2024 OBL Main Event where more than 400 industry leaders gathered to shine the light on trends and topics via general sessions and 10 learning tracks across many areas of the bank, including three new tracks for Wealth & Trust, Risk Management & Compliance, and Technology & Innovation. An expanded OBL BankServices Expo, CEO Roundtables and a BankPac Silent Auction were additional program highlights –while the presentation of the first OBL Industry Awards were featured over an awards lunch. Members were recognized for: Bank of the Year, Banker of the Year, Next Generation Leadership Award, Woman in Banking Award, Woman in Banking Rising Star Award and an OBBT Wellness Award, while xx bankers joined the Milestone Club to recognize 40 or more years of service to the industry. Details were also shared about the OBL Pillar Awards, which will be presented for the first time at the 2025 OBL Main Event, November 10 – 12, 2025 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
FIRST EVER WELLNESS AWARD WINNER RECOGNIZED
At the OBL Main Event in November, OBBT was proud to recognize First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Newark as the recipient of the OBBT Wellness Award.
NOTABLE QUOTES
FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
“Whether it’s working with a single mother to buy her first home or extending a small business loan to a veteran entrepreneur, in Ohio we are fortunate to have a three-tiered banking system that fulfills a critical role in the economic growth of our state and local communities. The Ohio Bankers League, much like the three-tiered banking system it represents, stands out amongst its peers for a membership that spans the entirety of the banking sector—ranging from community banks, to Ohio’s three regional banks, and some of our nation’s largest banks. Since I was named to the Senate Banking Committee, the Ohio Bankers League has proven to be a valuable resource and shown its dedication to ensuring the continued success of their members, our state’s three-tiered banking system, and the economic successes of Ohio."
REP. DAVE JOYCE
U.S. CONGRESSMAN (OH-14)
“Ohio is home to a robust banking system that fosters economic growth and opportunity across the state. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, I understand firsthand the important role local banks play in helping the community, from a family buying a home to a small business owner needing a loan. The Ohio Bankers League has been an invaluable partner in supporting these efforts. I look forward to continuing to work with them to strengthen our financial system and expand economic opportunity throughout our community.”
“Since coming to Congress, the Ohio Bankers League (OBL) has been instrumental in providing my office with insightful and unmatched expertise on the issues facing our financial institutions. Ohio and its banking ecosystem provide essential access to capital and credit for people to live their version of the American dream. As a new member of Congress and small business owner, I look forward to working with the OBL to ensure that the great State of Ohio is the best state in the Union to buy a home and a car and to grow or start a thriving business.”
SEN. BILL REINEKE
“Ohio’s financial institutions provide a vital role in our communities, from helping families buy homes to providing opportunities to local businesses. The League is a fantastic partner of our legislature, connecting us to the expertise and insights of its members so we can work together to keep our state prosperous and successful.”
SEN. JD VANCE
U.S. VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT
REP. MICHAEL RULLI
U.S. CONGRESSMAN (OH-6)
MEET OUR LEADERS
JENNY SAUNDERS, CHAIR President FCBank, a divison of CNB
2025 OBL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TONY DAVIS, VICE CHAIR President & CEO Peoples State Bank
DALE LUEBKE, TREASURER President & CEO Minster Bank
Tammy Bobo, President & CEO The Hocking Valley Bank
William Elliott, Jr., EVP, Regional Lending Director Dollar Bank, FSB
Mark Erslan, CEO Vinton County National Bank
Craig Fortin, President & CEO First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Delta
Kyle Hamilton, President & CEO The Home Loan Savings Bank OBL BankServices Board - Vice Chair
Michael Lewis, President & CEO Hometown Bank
LARS ELLER, SECOND VICE CHAIR President & CEO F&M Bank
RON ZIMMERLY, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR President & CEO The Middlefield Banking Company
William Martin, President & CEO Fidelity Federal
Jeneen Marziani, Ohio Market President Bank of America
Eric Meilstrup, President & CEO LCNB National Bank OBL BankServices Board - Chair
Jordan Miller, President & CEO Adelphi Bank
Jim Nicholson, President & CEO North Valley Bank
Ben Norton, President & CEO Buckeye Community Bank
Kendall Rieman, President & CEO The Croghan Colonial Bank
Mary Snider, President & CEO Fairfield Federal S&L Association of Lancaster
Michael St. John, President & CEO The Cincinnatus Savings & Loan Company
Robie Suggs, President & CEO Warsaw Federal
Matt Tomb, General Counsel & CRO
First Commonwealth Bank
Michael Toth, President & CEO
Westfield Bank, FSB
Nichole Zesiger, President
First National Bank of Dennison