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ABA Emerging Leader Awards

The ABA Emerging Leader Awards identify and recognize the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to the industry and their communities. Developing and guiding future leaders is critical to our industry’s success, as today’s emerging leaders are tomorrow’s decision-makers.

The ABA Emerging Leader Awards recognize forward-thinking, adaptable and innovative bankers who inspire and influence others toward achieving a common goal.

By our definition, emerging leaders have the desire, capacity and initiative to make significant contributions toward the success of their bank. They are driven to grow as leaders and develop new skills to strengthen both the banking industry and their community.

Introducing the 2025 ABA Emerging Leader Awards Winners

Allison Winters

SVP, Director of Marketing and Client Experience
Columbia Bank, Fair Lawn, New Jersey

Brenna Morlan

Vice President - CDFI/CRA Officer
First Southwest Bank, Durango, Colorado

Christina Choi

SVP & Banking Manager
Hanmi Bank, Los Angeles, California

Christopher J. Estrade

Vice President / Business Banking
Hancock Whitney Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi

Emily Cauzillo

VP and Director of Mercantile Community Partners
Mercantile Bank, Grand Rapids, Michigan

James Ramson

Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Payments Product Management Leader
First Horizon Bank, Memphis, Tennessee

Jessica Lovell

Senior Vice President, Director of Customer Experience
First National Bank Texas, Houston, Texas

Jodi M. Kruse

SVP, Learning & Development Experience Manager
WesBanco Bank, Inc., Morenci, Michigan

Jonathan Gilbode

Senior Vice President, Chief Digital & Product Officer
Thomaston Savings Bank, Thomaston, Connecticut

Lacy Samples

SVP/Compliance Officer/CRA Officer
NBT Financial Bank, Fort Worth, Texas

Sam Drennen

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
First American Bank & Trust, Athens, Georgia

Sarah E. Grooms

Chief Administrative Officer, Banking Strategies
Wintrust Financial Corporation, Chicago, Illinois

Prior Years

View 2024 winners

View 2023 winners 

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