The staff of Community Bankers of Iowa has extensive experience in serving bankers as well as professional association experience. From the association's offices in Des Moines, Services and Advocacy exclusively designed for Iowa's independent community banks are developed and delivered. The CBI office also features a conference room available to member bankers by reservation. Iowa's community bankers are always welcome to visit, and the coffee is free!
Mike Gathman, CEO
Mike joined Community Bankers of Iowa in March of 2024 having over 25 years of broad experience in the financial services and banking industry. Mike is a graduate of Iowa State University holding a BBA in Finance. He served eight years as a Captain in the United States Air Force before deciding to pursue a different career that allowed him to spend more time with his family instead of deployed overseas. Since that time, he was a licensed producer in the investment and insurance sector, and among other leadership positions for 18 years, was the SVP at a community bank in Spencer, Iowa; State Bank. In 2018, Mike joined SHAZAM as a Senior Regional Director, building client relationships with financial institutions around the country before bringing his leadership and banking experience to CBI.
Mike joined Community Bankers of Iowa in March of 2024 having over 25 years of broad experience in the financial services and banking industry. Mike is a graduate of Iowa State University holding a BBA in Finance. He served eight years as a Captain in the United States Air Force before deciding to pursue a different career that allowed him to spend more time with his family instead of deployed overseas. Since that time, he was a licensed producer in the investment and insurance sector, and among other leadership positions for 18 years, was the SVP at a community bank in Spencer, Iowa; State Bank. In 2018, Mike joined SHAZAM as a Senior Regional Director, building client relationships with financial institutions around the country before bringing his leadership and banking experience to CBI.
Pretty Patel, Vice President of Operations
Pretty joined CBI in 2002 and assists all areas of the association with projects, communications, data support, coordination and execution. As the resident CBI expert--and, as of 2024, a 22-year veteran--Ms. Patel manages and maintains association operations, databases and other critical information. She coordinates Board of Directors' meetings, event planning and registration, relations with CBI's member banks and Leaders of Tomorrow group, auditing, accounting/billing, and much, much more. Her experience prior to CBI includes information management and administration for the State of Iowa.
Pretty joined CBI in 2002 and assists all areas of the association with projects, communications, data support, coordination and execution. As the resident CBI expert--and, as of 2024, a 22-year veteran--Ms. Patel manages and maintains association operations, databases and other critical information. She coordinates Board of Directors' meetings, event planning and registration, relations with CBI's member banks and Leaders of Tomorrow group, auditing, accounting/billing, and much, much more. Her experience prior to CBI includes information management and administration for the State of Iowa.
Ross Dickinson, Director of Member Services
Joining CBI in October 2021, Ross Dickinson is the primary point of contact for our Endorsed, Associate and Affiliate Services members, and will also work with these partners on sponsorship opportunities. Ross comes to us with a wealth of experience in sales and financial services, having managed sales accounts for both AT&T and Nortel Networks, and as a Financial Advisor for R.W. Baird for more than the past decade.
Ross currently serves on the Des Moines Airport Authority Board and is a former President of Des Moines Golf & Country Club. He is also the co-owner of a design/build construction company concentrating on residential remodeling that is operated by his wife, Mindi. He holds a BBA from The University of Iowa and an MBA from Drake University.
Joining CBI in October 2021, Ross Dickinson is the primary point of contact for our Endorsed, Associate and Affiliate Services members, and will also work with these partners on sponsorship opportunities. Ross comes to us with a wealth of experience in sales and financial services, having managed sales accounts for both AT&T and Nortel Networks, and as a Financial Advisor for R.W. Baird for more than the past decade.
Ross currently serves on the Des Moines Airport Authority Board and is a former President of Des Moines Golf & Country Club. He is also the co-owner of a design/build construction company concentrating on residential remodeling that is operated by his wife, Mindi. He holds a BBA from The University of Iowa and an MBA from Drake University.
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