The OBL recently held a Diverse Directors College, where more than 100 diverse individuals interested in serving on an Ohio bank board of directors received valuable insights into the role from speakers including FDIC Director of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion Nikita Pearson, Ohio Superintendent of Financial Institutions Kevin Allard and FDIC Ohio Field Supervisor Jim Meyer.
Director Pearson emphasized the importance of increasing diversity at bank boards of directors, pointing out that just seven percent of Ohio bank boards are currently made up of women and 11 percent are made up of diverse individuals. "Think about how you may be able to make a difference as a bank director," she told attendees. "You can help make the banking system safer, fairer and more inclusive."
Also on the agenda was a high-value panel of current or former bank directors who shared their experience on bank boards and several relevant lessons. The panel was moderated by OBL President & CEO Mike Adelman and included First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood Director Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper, Union Savings Bank’s Eric Kearney and former Huntington National Bank Director Kathy Ransier. "We were pleased to offer this innovative program," commented Adelman. “The OBL has a longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and ensuring Ohio banks have talented diverse individuals to serve on their boards is a great step in the right direction.”