Community Bank CEOs to Watch in 2024

Our selections are tied to turnaround stories, a game-changing acquisition, a hostile takeover bid and a possible buying spree. Also, another BaaS bank hit with a reg order.

Good morning, Bank Slaters!

It is hard to believe we’re near the end of 2023. What are your priorities for next year?

I continued to stay busy heading into the holidays. I recorded a conversation with Charles Potts, the ICBA’s chief innovation officer, for SRM’s Firmer Ground podcast. Next, I will discuss banking trends with Keith Daly for Travillian’s podcast.

Let’s talk about potential newsmakers in the year ahead.

I wanted to use this year’s penultimate newsletter to highlight five community bank CEOs that I believe will make headlines in 2024. I combed through news from the past few months to decide who to include. If you believe someone was omitted, let me know at info@thebankslate.com.

Several storylines jumped out at me, including a hostile takeover attempt at a minority depository institution, big turnaround jobs in Virginia and New York, a one-time serial acquirer who just lined up $500 million for deals, and a CEO who inked his company’s first-ever bank acquisition.