Iowa Bankers Association President and CEO John Sorensen plans to retire at the end of this year. He is expected to continue leading the association until a search process for his successor is completed.
Sorensen joined IBA in 1986 and has served as president and CEO since 1997. He is credited with leading the IBA’s growth into one of the largest state banking associations in the country. He chaired the national Alliance of State Banking Associations, Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin and the Iowa Society of Association Executives. He has also served on the boards of the American Bankers Association, SHAZAM, Iowa Business Council, Iowa PBS Foundation and other community and economic development organizations.
“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,” he said in the April 29 announcement.
Sorensen “has displayed an unwavering commitment to the advancement of community banking across Iowa and throughout our industry,” said Mary Kay Bates, IBA chair and president of Spirit Lake, Iowa-based Bank Midwest. “His retirement leaves big shoes to fill but also provides an opportunity for us to build upon the strong foundation he has laid.”
The IBA retained Madison, Wis.-based human resources advisory firm The QTI Group to conduct a search for the new president and CEO.