JOHNSTON, IOWA (April 29, 2024) — John Sorensen, president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA), recently announced plans for his retirement at year-end 2024. He will continue leading the IBA until a search process is completed for a successor. Sorensen joined the IBA in 1986 and has served as President and CEO since 1997.
“It has been an honor to serve Iowa bankers for nearly four decades. The IBA is a unique 137-year partnership of professional staff and volunteer bankers working for the common good,” said Sorensen. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from some incredibly talented, hardworking people dedicated to creating jobs and growing Iowa’s economy.”
Under Sorensen’s leadership, the IBA grew into the largest state banking association in the U.S. With a team of more than 200 professional staff, the IBA provides advocacy, workforce development and community bank solutions in insurance, mortgage and regulatory compliance. The IBA has 265 member banks with a presence in nearly every Iowa community. Ninety-eight percent of Iowa banks and many of their industry-related service providers are IBA members.
Sorensen has chaired the national Alliance of State Banking Associations, the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin and the Iowa Society of Association Executives. He has served on the boards of the American Bankers Association, SHAZAM Inc., the Iowa Business Council, the Iowa PBS Foundation, and many other community and economic development organizations. He is an executive advisory board member emeritus of the University of Northern Iowa’s David W. Wilson College of Business and a past recipient of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s Leadership for Iowa Award.
“As a leader, John has displayed an unwavering commitment to the advancement of community banking across Iowa and throughout our industry,” said Mary Kay Bates, IBA board chair and president and CEO of Bank Midwest, Spirit Lake. “His retirement leaves big shoes to fill but also provides an opportunity for us to build upon the strong foundation he has laid. His upcoming retirement is both a moment of reflection and a time to celebrate his many achievements in shaping the future of the Iowa Bankers Association.”
About the Iowa Bankers Association
The Iowa Bankers Association represents Iowa banks and savings institutions. Iowa bankers are committed to the values of honesty, hard work and community service and have been a trusted resource for Iowans for more than 135 years. Iowa banks offer FDIC insurance and lend nearly $84 billion to help individuals, business owners and agriculture. Nearly 40,000 Iowans work at an Iowa bank, and bank employees volunteer more than 300,000 hours to support local communities each year. To learn more, visit www.iowabankers.com.