Executive Letter: Recognizing Our Leaders
By Rose Oswald Poels
For the last several years, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has had the honor of recognizing bankers from around the state on our Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall. In addition to demonstrating excellence in their positions, these bankers have helped shape the Wisconsin banking industry into what we know today.
With 2023 marking the fourth year of honoring prominent bank leaders, I invite you to consider nominating yourself or another Wisconsin banker who has had a significant impact on their community, their institution, or the greater banking industry.
The Wall of Excellence, which now profiles 26 Wisconsin bankers, some who were recognized posthumously, highlights the faces and stories of those individuals and families who have made strides to ensure the economic security of Wisconsinites. As the Association’s most esteemed honor, joining the WBA Leaders in Banking Excellence Wall denotes one’s excellence in banking, community service, and civic involvement. The plaques honoring these leaders are centrally located in the Engagement Center at the WBA headquarters in Madison and seen by thousands of bankers annually.
This recognition is open to all current and former bankers who exemplify the highest ethics, professionalism, and enthusiastic service. Upon selection by the Association’s Board of Directors, nominators make a $10,000 contribution to either the WBA or its public charity, the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF). A celebration recognizing the selected individuals and families will be organized for this fall and include guest speakers from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and Congress. To nominate an individual or family for this prestigious honor, please complete the form by May 12 or contact me to learn more.
Generations of bankers have, and will continue to, excel in their service to their bank and neighbors, and we are proud to celebrate the bank leaders in Wisconsin who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the success of Wisconsin’s economy and communities throughout the state.
