Iowa Banker Elected as Chair of ABA's Community Bankers Council

WASHINGTON — The American Bankers Association has elected Matt Lujano as chair of ABA’s Community Bankers Council for the 2026-2027 association year. Lujano is president and CEO of Westside State Bank in Westside, Iowa.

The Community Bankers Council consists of bank presidents and CEOs from across the country who meet twice a year in person to strategize around banking policy issues, banking trends and competitive priorities, providing guidance to ABA on numerous community banking issues. As CBC chair, Lujano will lead the Council’s efforts and represent its collective viewpoint in meetings with lawmakers, at conferences and during high-level industry meetings.

“Matt is a passionate advocate for community banking whose leadership and industry engagement have earned the respect of bankers across the country,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “Through his service at both the state and national levels, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening the community banking sector. We look forward to working with him as the Council continues to advance policies that help community banks better serve their customers, businesses and local economies.”

“Community banks remain a trusted source of financial guidance and economic support in towns and cities across America,” Lujano said. “I’m honored to serve as chair of ABA’s Community Bankers Council and to represent community bankers from coast to coast. At a time of rapid change in our industry, it’s important that community banks have a strong voice in policymaking discussions, and I look forward to working with my fellow Council members to ensure our institutions can continue meeting the needs of the communities we serve.”

Lujano began his banking career in 1999 after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa. He is a graduate of the Iowa School of Banking and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School of Banking.

A dedicated advocate for community banking, Lujano has held numerous leadership positions with the Iowa Bankers Association, including serving as chair, treasurer and board member during six years of service. Nationally, he has served on ABA’s Government Relations Council, ABA’s Deposit Insurance Working Group, as vice chair of ABA’s Community Bankers Council and as a member of the Council’s Administrative Committee.

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About the American Bankers Association

The American Bankers Association is the voice of the nation’s $26.5 trillion banking industry, which is composed of small, regional and large banks that together employ over 2 million people, safeguard $20.7 trillion in deposits and extend $13.9 trillion in loans.

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