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2026 General Election Recap

11/04/26

The Ohio Bankers League’s 2026 Main Event brought Ohio’s banking industry together for three days of education, networking and celebration, welcoming more than 500 attendees to Columbus for one of OBL’s signature annual events.

With a record number of exhibitors, engaging educational sessions and opportunities to connect with colleagues and industry partners, this year’s Main Event demonstrated the strength, innovation and collaboration that continue to define Ohio banking.

The event featured eight learning tracks, 32 educational sessions, keynote presentations and the OBL BankServices Expo, where 54 service providers showcased solutions and resources to support Ohio’s financial institutions.

A special highlight was the opportunity to welcome Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, the 32nd Comptroller of the Currency. Appointed in July 2025, Gould brings extensive experience in banking law, financial regulation and public service. His appearance provided attendees with a valuable opportunity to hear from the leader of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and gain perspective on the national banking landscape.

Celebrating Excellence in Ohio Banking

A highlight of Main Event was the recognition of outstanding individuals and institutions whose leadership, dedication and commitment exemplify the very best of Ohio banking.

Congratulations to our 2026 OBL Industry Award recipients:

  • BankPac Shining Star: Portage Community Bank

  • OBBT Wellness Award: First Citizens National Bank of Upper Sandusky

  • Friend of the Industry Award: Melissa Dallas, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati

  • Next Gen Leadership Award: Sara McCarty, Portage Community Bank

  • Women in Banking Rising Star Award: Kelsey Wells, Citizens National Bank of McConnelsville

  • Exceptional Women in Banking Award: Mary Snider, Fairfield Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lancaster

  • Banker of the Year, Over $500 Million in Assets: Dennis Shaffer, Civista Bank

  • Banker of the Year, Under $500 Million in Assets: Paul Reed, The Farmers Bank and Savings Company

  • Bank of the Year, Over $500 Million in Assets: Mechanics Bank

  • Bank of the Year, Under $500 Million in Assets: North Valley Bank

These honorees represent the leadership, service and commitment that strengthen Ohio’s banking industry and the communities it serves.

Recognizing Industry Milestones

The OBL Milestone Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated at least 40 years of service to the banking industry. Seven outstanding bankers received this distinction in 2026:

  • Carol Sue Thompson, Citizens Federal Savings and Loan Association of Bellefontaine

  • Carol Champion, Citizens Federal Savings and Loan Association of Bellefontaine

  • Amy Barnhisel, The Citizens National Bank of Bluffton

  • Kimerly Farling, The Citizens National Bank of Bluffton

  • Renee Hopkins, The Citizens National Bank of McConnelsville

  • Calvin Gebhart, First Citizens National Bank of Upper Sandusky

  • Larry Miller, The Ohio Valley Bank Company

OBL also recognized Ross Stambaugh, Vice President of Branch Operations at First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Delta, as the recipient of a partial scholarship to the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin for his work at the 2026 OBL Bank Management School.

The event also celebrated nine additional graduates of the Graduate School of Banking program, recognizing the continued investment Ohio banks make in developing the next generation of banking leaders.

Celebrating the OBL Five Pillars Award Winners

The OBL Five Pillars Award recognizes member banks that demonstrate outstanding engagement across the five pillars of the organization: Professional Development, Governmental Advocacy, Products & Services, Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust and support of the Ohio BankPac and Ohio Bankers Foundation.

This year, 17 OBL member banks earned this distinction, demonstrating their commitment to the League and the strength of Ohio banking.

Congratulations to the 2026 Five Pillars Award recipients:

  • Buckeye Community Bank

  • F&M Bank

  • First Federal Community Bank, N.A.

  • Hocking Valley Bank

  • Hometown Bank

  • LCNB National Bank

  • Mechanics Bank

  • North Valley Bank

  • Park National Bank

  • Peoples State Bank

  • Southern Hills Community Bank

  • The First National Bank of Pandora

  • The Killbuck Savings Bank Company

  • The Ohio Valley Bank

  • The Union Bank Company

  • Valley Central Bank

  • Vinton County National Bank

These banks exemplify the value of active engagement and investment in the resources, advocacy and programs that strengthen the entire banking industry.

Recognizing Leadership in Advocacy

Ohio BankPac also recognized banks that made extraordinary contributions to support the League’s advocacy efforts. Contributions from more than 600 bankers representing 52 banks helped strengthen OBL’s voice on behalf of the industry.

The following organizations received recognition for their outstanding BankPac support:

Park National Bank; The Ohio Valley Bank Company; F&M Bank; Civista Bank; First Federal Community Bank, N.A.; Mechanics Bank; Ohio Bankers League; North Valley Bank; The Croghan Colonial Bank; Wesbanco Bank; Vinton County National Bank; First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Newark; LCNB National Bank; Buckeye Community Bank; The Union Bank Company; Hometown Bank; The First National Bank of Bellevue; The Andover Bank; The Farmers Bank and Savings Company; The First National Bank of Pandora; and Portage Community Bank.

In addition, OBL recognized the late Jack Kerber on the OBL Wall of Excellence, honoring his lasting contributions to the League and Ohio banking. Kerber’s leadership, dedication to member relationships and instrumental role in bringing together the Ohio League of Financial Institutions and Ohio Bankers Association helped shape the organization that serves Ohio banks today.

Thank You for Making Main Event a Success

The success of Main Event would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees. Their continued investment in Ohio banking and in the professional development of its leaders makes this event a valuable opportunity for the entire industry.

With a record number of exhibitors showcasing their products, services and expertise, this year’s event highlighted the strength of OBL’s industry partnerships and the many resources available to support our member banks.

The Ohio Bankers League extends its sincere appreciation to our presenting sponsor, OBL BankServices, our keynote sponsors, all of our event sponsors and the 54 service providers who participated in the BankServices Expo. We are equally grateful to every banker and industry partner who joined us in Columbus.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to bringing Ohio’s banking community together to learn, connect and lead.

Thank you for making the 2026 Main Event one to remember. We look forward to seeing you November 8–10, 2027, back at the Columbus Convention Center!