Longtime community banking leader honored for his service to the banking industry
JOHNSTON, Iowa, — The IBA has presented banking leader Tom Pohlman with the 2024 James A. Leach Leadership Award.
Pohlman had a successful 46-year banking career, including leadership roles at First National Bank of Ames and Ames National Corporation. He joined First National Bank of Ames in January 1998 as senior vice president. He was promoted to executive vice president in December 1998 and to president in 1999. Pohlman was named president and CEO of Ames National Corporation in 2007. He retired in 2018 but continued to serve on Ames National Corporation’s Board of Directors until 2023, serving as chairman for several of those years. Throughout his career, Pohlman demonstrated a commitment to his fellow team members, customers, shareholders and community.
“Early on in his career, Tom learned the value of being an advocate for his community and industry,” said John Sorensen, IBA president and CEO. “Our industry’s highest honor is a fitting tribute to someone who worked for the good of his customers, fellow team members, colleagues and community.”
“Tom is a gifted leader who understands the importance of community banking and its role in the success of our local economies. His leadership at a local, state and national level to favorably impact our communities, and his influence on the banking industry is a testament to his ability to guide organizations in a positive direction,” said John Nelson, president, Ames National Corporation.
Under Pohlman’s leadership, Ames National Corporation’s assets and profitability grew significantly through various economic cycles. Pohlman has served the industry through leadership roles with both the IBA and American Bankers Association (ABA). He also served on the boards of the Iowa Bankers Mortgage Corporation and the Iowa Commission for Volunteer Service. Pohlman’s extensive work with local- and state-wide initiatives is an example of his commitment to community betterment and improving the local business climate. Through his work as a banking leader, his career was spent finding ways to help businesses and retail customers succeed.