The American Bankers Association today applauded the bankers honored by the American Banker newspaper in its “Best in Banking” year-end awards. Named Community Banker of the Year was Mary Ann Scully, founder, chairman and CEO of Howard Bank, Ellicott City, Md. Scully has spoken at numerous ABA events and is a member of the ABA Community Bankers Council. Also recognized among community bankers were Richard Ware, chairman and president of Amarillo National Bank, Amarillo, Texas; and Dominic Ng, chairman and CEO of East West Bancorp, Pasadena, Calif.
Beth Mooney, chairman and CEO of Cleveland-based KeyCorp, was recognized as Banker of the Year for “bold dealmaking and a relentless commitment to doing what’s right for customer, employees and communities.” Honored for lifetime achievement was John Kanas, chairman of Florida-based BankUnited. Kanas spent 30 years growing New York’s North Fork Bank to a $56 billion institution, and after selling it to Capital One, he led a group of investors to buy the failed BankUnited and turn it around.
“On behalf of ABA, I salute these remarkable leaders,” said ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols. “They demonstrate that it takes banks of all sizes and shapes to fuel growth in America’s diverse economy.”