SpiritBank CEO elected ABA Chairman
WASHINGTON — Albert C. Kelly, Jr. was today elected chairman of the American Bankers Association for the 2011-2012 association year. Kelly is president and CEO of SpiritBank, in Bristow, Okla., where he has been with the bank for 25 years.
"At this point in our nation's history, I can't think of a better person to lead the banking industry," said OBA President & CEO Roger Beverage. "He has a passion for the industry and its mission, and that's precisely what's needed right now. Banks are absolutely indispensable to our nation's economic recovery, and no one understands this reality better than Kell Kelly. His leadership could not be more perfectly timed."
Kelly has a diverse and strong background in the banking industry serving as the past chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association and the ABA Community Bankers Council, and served on the ABA’s Board of Directors. He has testified before Congress on ABA’s behalf and currently serves as the Oklahoma Bankers Association Coordinator for banking advocacy.
“It is an exciting opportunity to serve as ABA chairman this year. It’s critical that bankers be champions for the industry and have the industry be a champion itself,” said Kelly. “The banking industry is important to the country. We need to stand up together to work to preserve charters, preserve capital, and support individuals, businesses and communities.”
Kelly has also been active serving on the boards of the Oklahoma State Chamber, Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Policy Institute, Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits, Salvation Army and Opportunity Oklahoma.
Prior to his banking experience, Kelly was an assistant district attorney for Creek and Okfuskee counties, a partner in the law firm of McMillan,Vassar & Kelly, and served in the U.S. Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Captain.
Kelly replaces outgoing ABA Chairman Stephen P. Wilson, chairman and CEO of LCNB National Bank in Lebanon, Ohio.
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About American Bankers Association
The American Bankers Association represents banks of all sizes and charters and is the voice for the nation’s $13 trillion banking industry and its two million employees. The majority of ABA’s members are banks with less than $165 million in assets. Learn more at aba.com.
About SpiritBank
SpiritBank, a community bank based in Bristow, Okla., has branches statewide. The bank, founded in 1916, has assets exceeding $1 billion and more than 350 employees. For more information, visit www.SpiritBank.com .
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