ABA Names Russell Davis Chief Member Engagement Officer

Russell Davis has been named Chief Member Engagement Officer for the American Bankers Association, the voice of the nation’s banking industry. Davis will lead ABA’s Office of Member Engagement, aligning the association’s membership and member experience strategies to ensure ABA continues delivering exceptional value to banks of all sizes as the industry evolves amid technological change, increasing competition and consolidation. He will also oversee efforts to grow and strengthen relationships with member banks, ensure the relevance and value of ABA products and services, and advance initiatives focused on innovation, member engagement and long-term growth.

Davis, who joined ABA in 2022, previously served as the association’s Executive Vice President for Member Experience. In that role, he increased the value ABA delivers to its members, helping to develop the highly successful ABA Partner Network and Product Assessment team while reimagining ABA products, schools, training programs and events.

“Russell has demonstrated a deep commitment to our members, our mission and his colleagues since joining ABA,” said ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols. “He has helped modernize and strengthen the wide range of programs and services ABA offers to banks of all sizes, while building a culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement. As our industry navigates rapid technological change and new competitive pressures, Russell’s strategic vision, business leadership and passion for serving America’s banks make him ideally suited to lead ABA’s Office of Member Engagement.”

“I am honored to take on this new role and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving ABA’s members,” Davis said. “Banks of all sizes are facing tremendous change, creating both challenges and opportunities. I look forward to working alongside our talented member engagement team to deepen relationships with our members, further strengthen ABA’s value proposition and ensure bankers have all the resources, insights and support they need to help their customers and communities thrive.”

Prior to joining ABA, Davis held senior leadership positions at Optum (formerly Advisory Board Company) for 12 years, leading strategy, growth and business development initiatives. Before that, he served in leadership roles at Corporate Executive Board, marchFIRST (formerly Mitchell Madison Group) and USF&G Insurance. Over the course of his career Davis has built and managed high-performing membership, research and advisory businesses, launched new products and services, and helped organizations identify and pursue innovative growth opportunities.

Davis earned a Master of Business Administration from Loyola College of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from The Ohio State University.