ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., and ChoiceOne Bank are pleased to announce CEO Kelly Potes has been elected to the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks.
“We are pleased to announce Kelly’s appointment to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board,” said ChoiceOne Chairman of the Boards Jack Hendon. “Kelly has a distinct leadership style guided by his remarkable financial acumen. He will provide thoughtful and strategic insight to the Federal Delegate Board as he advocates for community banks in Michigan and across the country.”
"With nearly 40 years as a community banker, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that local banks make in people's lives," said Potes. "Community banks are essential to building stronger, more resilient local economies, and I’m pleased to be part of an organization that advocates for policies that support local businesses, families, and our communities."
In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Potes’ duties include engaging in grassroots activities in Michigan and serving as a liaison between independent community bankers and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. Potes will also work to recruit new members to ICBA.
ICBA is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With trusted financial expertise and high-quality customer service as their hallmarks, community banks offer the best financial services option for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises.
“Kelly is an esteemed leader within his community and a passionate advocate for the community banking industry,” said ICBA Chairman Lucas White, president of The Fountain Trust Co. in Covington, Indiana. “We are fortunate to have Kelly serving as a volunteer on the ICBA Federal Delegate Board where his wealth of experience and unique insights will undoubtedly benefit not only our industry but also the customers and communities we proudly serve nationwide.”
ICBA is the only national advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With the high-tech, high-touch banking services that consumers expect, community banks offer the best financial-services options for millions of consumers, small businesses, and agricultural enterprises.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.
As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.
About ChoiceOne
ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, with assets over $4 billion, and the parent corporation of ChoiceOne Bank. Member FDIC. ChoiceOne Bank operates 56 offices in West, Central and Southeast Michigan. ChoiceOne Bank offers insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “COFS.” For more information, please visit Investor Relations at ChoiceOne’s website choiceone.bank.