CLOSING THE DISTANCE The 2021/22 ICBA executive committee understands that community banks are at a turning point due to changing customer expectations and the ongoing eff ects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They tell us why technology and grassroots advocacy are critical to a thriving industry. By Molly Bennett his year's ICBA executive committee is being convened during one of the most challenging periods in living memory. Not only have all community banks been forced to overhaul their own operations; they've had to do it while helping customers navigate the complexities of life during COVID-19. Community banks now fi nd themselves at an infl ection point. The challenge now is to anticipate and stay ahead of the permanent changes the pandemic will make to the banking landscape. While the remote services some banks fast-tracked to meet customers' needs will stand them in good stead as product and service expectations evolve, there's more to do. The 2021/22 executive committee members are ready to help the nation's community banks T continue to rise to this challenge-and they'll do it through advocacy, innovation and education. " As we lead this industry and association forward, we know there will be challenges, " says Rebeca Romero Rainey, ICBA president and CEO. " But with this group of passionate, engaged and creative leaders, I know we will conquer those challenges with a spirit of optimism that will ensure we create and promote an environment where community banks fl ourish. " 44 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q April 2021