Old National Bank CEO Appointed Chair of ABA’s American Bankers Council

The American Bankers Association today announced that James C. Ryan III has been named chair of ABA’s American Bankers Council for the 2024-2025 membership year. Ryan is the chairman and CEO of Old National Bank and Old National Bancorp, which has dual headquarters in Chicago and Evansville, Ind., and ranks among the top 30 banking companies based in the United States. Ryan began serving a three-year term on ABA’s Board of Directors in 2023.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as ABC chair in the year ahead and look forward to working alongside my peers to tackle the opportunities and challenges facing our industry,” said Ryan. “Midsize banks play an indispensable role in our economy, and this banker-driven council is a vital platform for CEOs of these institutions to unite in advocating for policies that help banks better serve their communities.”

“Jim Ryan has distinguished himself as a dedicated and compassionate leader at Old National, in his community and in the banking industry as a whole,” said ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols. “We’re pleased that he’s stepping into this new role as ABC chair and look forward to working with him on behalf of midsize banks and the entire industry in the year ahead.”

Ryan joined Old National in 2000, rising through several key positions before being named CEO. Under his leadership, the bank has posted three consecutive years of record earnings-per-share growth and has ranked in the top quartile of the KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index. In 2022, Old National completed a merger of equals with First Midwest Bank and in 2024 successfully acquired CapStar Bank, partnerships that have helped the bank to grow to $53 billion in total assets.

In addition to his position at Old National, Ryan is the immediate past chair of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, vice chairman of the Evansville Regional Business Committee and a member of the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. He is also vice chairman of Deaconess Health Systems, Inc., a board member for Golf Gives Back, a member of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Inc. and serves on the board of the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America.