James “Jim” C. Ryan III, chairman and CEO of Old National Bancorp, has been named vice chair of the American Bankers Association (ABA). The announcement was made at the ABA’s annual meeting in Charlotte.
Ryan has served as chairman and CEO of Old National Bancorp since 2019, having joined the company in 2005. Over his tenure, he has held several executive leadership roles, including senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, director of corporate development and mortgage banking, integration executive and treasurer. Prior to Old National, Ryan held senior finance positions at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Old Kent Financial.
Ryan is deeply committed to industry and community leadership. In addition to his new role with the ABA, he is the past chair of the ABA’s American Bankers Council and serves of the board of directors of the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America. Locally, he is chair of Deaconess Health Systems, vice chair of the Evansville Regional Business Committee, and a member of the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. Additionally, his board memberships also extend to the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, the Orr Fellowship and Golf Gives Back.
The ABA’s officers for 2025 – 26 include:
- Chair: Kenneth Kelly, chairman and CEO, First Independence Bank, MI
- Chair-Elect: Catherine Owen, executive chair, Eagle Bank, and chair and CEO, State Holding Company, Little Rock, AR
- Vice Chair: James C. Ryan III, chairman and CEO, Old National Bancorp, Evansville, IN
- Treasurer: K. Wayne Wicker, chairman and CEO, South Atlantic Bank, Myrtle Beach, SC
“I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of the ABA and to work alongside such an exceptional group of leaders,” Ryan said. “Banking is about helping people achieve their dreams and strengthening the communities we serve. I look forward to advancing the industry’s priorities and supporting our nation’s banks as they drive economic growth and opportunity.”
Rob Nichols, president and CEO of ABA, said, “These bank leaders will bring unique experiences, skills and perspective to the board, and we will work hard to make sure America’s banks have the technology, resources and policy environment they need to serve their customers and communities and drive the U.S. economy forward.”
