Debra Cope

3 weeks ago | bankingjournal.aba.com | Debra Cope

By Debra CopeAs Millbury National Bank marks its 200th anniversary in 2025, it is celebrating a legacy of independence, community service, and multigenerational stewardship — and preparing for a big transition. This article is from the May-June 2025 edition of ABA Banking Journal Directors Briefing. Subscribe here. CEO Kate Marcum, who joined the $132 million-asset Massachusetts bank in 1992, will retire on August 1.

2 months ago | bankingjournal.aba.com | Debra Cope

By Debra CopeWhat are the advantages and drawbacks of a small board? Trey Maust, executive chairman of Lewis and Clark Bank, believes the benefits far outweigh the challenges. This article is from the March-April 2025 edition of ABA Banking Journal Directors Briefing. Subscribe here.

Nov 6, 2024 | bankingjournal.aba.com | Debra Cope

By Debra CopeJoe Williams thought he was closing the chapter on a long banking career when he joined the board of Michigan’s County National Bank, viewing a director’s seat as a capstone to his journey. However, just two years later, he was asked to step into the CEO position, transforming what he believed was a final act into a new leadership challenge. This article is from the November-December 2024 edition of ABA Banking Journal Directors Briefing. Subscribe here.

Sep 23, 2024 | bankingjournal.aba.com | Debra Cope

By Debra CopeOn July 19, 2024, IT chaos flowed across the global business landscape — but not because of a malicious act. The culprit was a faulty software update from CrowdStrike — ironically, a company that specializes in protecting businesses from cyberthreats. The glitch grounded commercial airlines, disrupted 911 emergency call centers and wreaked havoc with the banking system. Many banks were unable to complete transactions or field incoming calls.

Oct 4, 2023 | bankingjournal.aba.com | Debra Cope

‘We recruit some of our best customers to serve on our advisory boards. It’s a business feeder.’By Debra CopeVeteran Kentucky banker Luther Deaton Jr. says even the best boards need to be open to changing as the banking industry evolves. That’s why he is looking to add one or two directors to the board of Central Bancshares Inc., from seven at present. This article originally appeared in the September-October 2023 issue of ABA Banking Journal Directors Briefing. Subscribe now.