Alex Okerman

— Josh Hogue, Immediate Past Chairman of ICBSD & ICBA Federal Delegate, President, Reliabank Dakota Years of persistent advocacy, grassroots engagement, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our customers have led to a remarkable milestone: the inclusion of the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act in the current federal tax […]

COVID accelerated the digital banking landscape, and as a result, community banks have embraced front-facing technology that’s user-friendly for our small-business customers, offering a better experience. From remote deposit capture and digital banking to electronic payments, we’re seeing much higher adoption of technological products because they meet the needs of today’s customers. Once our small

— James Reber, President and CEO, ICBA Securities We are suddenly mid-decade of the 2020s, and if there’s a recurring theme, it’s “anomaly.” First, record low yields and rates. (Remember the 10-year treasury note hitting 0.55% in July 2020?) Then, record rate hikes of 525 basis points concentrated in a torturous 16-month window, followed by

In a rapidly evolving banking industry where foresight and strategic planning are more critical than ever, Michael Klinger stands out as a trusted guide. As Vice President and BankValue Manager at United Bankers’ Bank (UBB), Michael helps community banks navigate complex valuation challenges, ownership transitions, and succession planning with a forward-thinking, people-first approach. While valuations

For many community bankers across South Dakota and the surrounding region, the seamless experience of a business debit card swipe or a reliable ATM transaction is something they—and their customers—count on without a second thought. But behind those moments of convenience is a network of dedicated professionals ensuring everything works as it should. One of

For Mike Kobbervig, helping people plan for retirement isn’t just a profession—it’s a passion rooted in purpose, personal connection, and a good dose of Midwestern practicality. As the Senior Vice President and Retirement Plan Services Division Manager at Bell Bank, Mike brings nearly three decades of experience, an innovative approach to financial education, and a

— Dixie K. Hieb, Partner, Davenport Evans Law Firm In recent years there have been a number of high-dollar penalties imposed by regulators in connection with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering enforcement actions. While the related consent orders generally lay out a list of required actions, as opposed to a list of the

Charles Potts, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, ICBA About Charles E. Potts Charles E. Potts is executive vice president and chief innovation officer for the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA). In this role Potts drives ICBA’s innovation initiatives, and financial technology strategies, working with ICBA leadership to develop impactful, value-added solutions that

AN UPDATE FROM ICBA, JACK HOPKINS, CHAIRMAN, ICBA About Jack: Jack E. Hopkins is chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), the only national organization that exclusively represents community banks. He also serves as president and CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, S.D. Hopkins holds many leadership roles at ICBA. He is

For Jack Hopkins, CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls and Chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), community banking isn’t just a career—it’s a legacy. As a third-generation South Dakota banker, Hopkins has lived and breathed the values of independent banking his entire life. Now, as ICBA Chairman, he is channeling that