The Michigan Bankers Association (MBA) announces the election of William B. Kessel, president and CEO of Independent Bank, as chairman of the Board of Directors.
“Brad is a talented business leader and an experienced board member,” stated T. Rann Paynter, president and CEO of MBA. “Brad’s breadth of industry knowledge will be an essential asset and valuable resource to the MBA and our members.”
Kessel joined Independent Bank in 1994 as vice president of finance. Since that time, Kessel has held several senior level positions within the Company including senior vice president of Branch Administration, president and CEO of Independent Bank (affiliate bank level) and chief operating officer. Kessel was appointed to serve as the company’s president, effective as of April 1, 2011. The Board of Directors of Independent Bank announced Kessel as chief executive officer in 2013.
“I am honored to have been elected by my peers to serve as MBA chairman,” Kessel said. “I look forward to working closely with such a talented, respected group of officers and board members to ensure the Michigan Bankers Association remains a strong resource for the state’s banks, their customers and Michigan’s communities.”
Kessel earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Miami University of Ohio and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Grand Valley State University.
Kessel has held numerous leadership positions in the communities he has lived and currently serves on the MiBankPAC Board, served on the MBA Perry School of Banking Board of Trustees, and served on the MBA Service Corporations board of directors.
The 2021-2022 Michigan Bankers Association executive committee includes in addition to Kessel, Jerome Schwind, chair-elect, president, Isabella Bank; Roxanne Daust, treasurer, president and CEO, Range Bank; J. Grant Smith, immediate past chairman, Michigan president, Waterford Bank N.A.; Rann Paynter, president and CEO, Michigan Bankers Association.
The Michigan Bankers Association (MBA), the voice of the banking industry since 1887, consists of Michigan financial institutions with more than 2,800 branches located throughout the state. The MBA promotes strong communities and economic activity in Michigan by advancing a positive business environment. MBA assists banks by offering products and services to reduce expenses and increase profitability through the strength of the association.
For additional information, visit www.mibankers.com.
