Randy Hultgren, a former U.S. representative, has been selected to succeed Linda Koch as president and CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association. He will start with the IBA on April 6, and will assume the role of president and CEO on July 1.
“We selected Randy to lead our organization after a nationwide search,” said IBA Chair Kevin Olson of Grundy Bank, Morris. “His outstanding reputation, demonstrated leadership skills and proven ability to connect with all Illinois bankers as well as our other important stakeholders truly stand out. We are confident Randy is the right person to lead us into the next decade.”
Hultgren, an Illinois native, has served in a number of elected offices for over 24 years. Most recently, he served in the United States House of Representatives from 2011-2019, representing the 14th Congressional District of Illinois. In Congress, he served on both the House Financial Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
“I’ve known Randy since 1999, when he was first elected to the Illinois House,” said Koch. “From the beginning, I was impressed with his understanding of how important the banking industry is to our local communities and his genuine interest in helping to advance banking.”
Prior to his time in Congress, Hultgren served as a member of the Illinois Senate from 2007-2011, and as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1999-2007, while also serving on the financial institutions committees in both chambers.
In addition to his public service, Hultgren has worked in finance, banking and law. He currently is a senior vice president of commercial lending with Wintrust Financial, and, before being elected to Congress, he was a vice president of Performance Trust Investment Advisors.
Hultgren has a Bachelor of Art degree in political science and speech communications from Bethel University, Arden Hills, Minn. He has a law degree from the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.
“I am truly honored to have this opportunity to represent the Illinois banking industry at the helm of the IBA,” Hultgren commented. “I have always admired this organization’s outstanding work, and, in particular, its integrity in dealing with our elected officials and its bipartisan approach to representing the entire banking industry. As the IBA enters its 130th year, it is a privilege to be the next in a long line of stewards for this venerable organization, and I will take this responsibility to heart every day.”