Independent Banker Magazine Unveils 2025 “40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders”

Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2025) — Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), has announced its seventh annual 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders list, recognizing the rising stars transforming community banking through innovation, leadership, and service.

Drawn from banks across the country, this year’s honorees represent a diverse mix of emerging leaders who are streamlining operations, mitigating risk, championing customer education, and building strong community ties. Their efforts highlight how community banks continue to lead with integrity and ingenuity in an increasingly complex financial environment.

“ICBA’s ’40 Under 40’ honorees are advancing the mission of their community banks and having a meaningful impact in the communities they serve,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “These forward-thinking bankers exemplify the values that make community banking unique and indispensable. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and leadership.”

The June issue of Independent Banker features the honorees and explores the key themes that define their work—such as embracing technology to improve efficiency, investing in risk mitigation strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. The full list is available online at independentbanker.org.

Candidates were judged on character, leadership, community involvement, and innovation. The article organizes the winners into the following community banking categories: efficiency strategists, digital leaders, community changemakers, risk mitigators, creative thinkers, and personal bankers. This year’s program is sponsored by FIS, a global leader in financial services technology.

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.