California Banker Issue 3 2025

As Chair of the California Bankers As sociation, what are your top goals and priorities? A Conversation with Martin E. Plourd Q:

nurturing future talent. To support this initia tive, CBA offers a robust scholarship program for its members. Adapting to Industry Changes: The banking landscape is constantly evolving, influenced by shifts in client behavior, competition, technol ogy and emerging industry trends. CBA actively supports its members by hosting educational conferences and knowledge-sharing events that are both flexible and responsive to these chang es. How do you envision strengthening the as sociation’s advocacy efforts at the state and federal level during your chairmanship? Let me start by saying I believe CBA has the leading state advocacy program in the nation. To further strengthen our advocacy efforts during my chair manship, it’s crucial that our members fully grasp the importance and benefits of a robust advocacy program. By emphasizing this value proposition, I hope to inspire more members to engage actively, be it through contributions to our political action committee or by participating directly in our ef forts to connect with lawmakers and regulators at both the state and federal levels. Collaboration and communication will be key, and together, we can amplify our voice and impact. Member engagement is always a priority. What new strategies or initiatives do you hope to ex plore to ensure all members feel represented and connected? Member engagement is crucial. It’s essential for members to understand the value that the Cali fornia Bankers Association brings not just to individual members but to the broader banking community in California. We can enhance mem

As CBA chair, my foremost priority is to lead our board effectively and advance the inter ests of our member banks. I am committed to upholding our high standards of governance, transparency, accountability, and ethical prac tices. A key goal during my term is to support the CBA President and CEO in executing the as sociation’s mission and strategic plan. I plan to actively engage with various stakeholders — member banks, regulators and legislators — to advocate for our industry and promote initia tives that benefit both our member banks and the communities they serve. What do you see as the most pressing chal lenges facing the banking industry in the com ing year, and how can the association support members in addressing them? Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: We op erate in a highly regulated industry, and CBA is committed to advocating for our members as they navigate both state and federal regula tions. These regulations can often be burden some, especially for smaller community banks, potentially stifling economic growth and limit ing the ability of banks to effectively serve their communities. Talent and Succession Planning: Developing the next generation of banking leaders and ensur ing effective succession planning are ongoing priorities for banks. CBA understands the cru cial role of mentorship, leadership development, and sponsorship in tackling these challenges and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

7

CaliforniaBanker | Issue 3 2025