Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

The entry period begins March 1, 2024. Applications are accepted through July 1, 2024. Click here to apply.

To complete your application, you’ll need to have handy:

• Your resume/CV
• Your biography
• One letter of recommendation. This professional letter of recommendation must include the recommender’s name, affiliation, email address, and direct phone number.

How does ABA define an Emerging Leader?

An Emerging Leader is an identity. There is no one size fits all, age requirement, level of expertise, or exact definition.

ABA defines Emerging Leaders as forward-thinking, adaptable, and innovative bankers who have the innate ability to inspire and influence others toward achieving a common goal. They have the desire, capacity, and initiative to make significant contributions toward the success of their bank, and they are driven to strengthen both the banking industry and their community by developing new skills to grow as leaders.

Who can be nominated and/or apply?

The ABA Emerging Leader Awards are open to all bank employees (at member-eligible banks). Applicants must have been employed for at least 12 months by their current employer as of October 1, 2024.

What is the difference between being nominated or applying?

If a banker is nominated by a colleague, mentor or industry leader, the nominee will be notified by ABA that he or she was nominated. The nominee must then fill out an application to be considered for the award.

If a banker applies directly, he or she will fill out the same application as those who are nominated.

Nomination status does not impact scoring in any way.

Do I need to be nominated to apply?

No. In fact, many applicants are not nominated by others. Most applicants apply directly.

What else do I need to do if I am nominated?

If you are nominated, you must complete and submit your full application by July 1, 2024.

Does my bank have to be an ABA member to apply?

No.

Is there an application fee?

No.

What are the criteria for selecting the 2024 honorees?

A diverse steering committee will judge nominations. Some of the qualities and characteristics the committee will be looking for include (in no particular order):

• Dedication to the profession
• Inventiveness
• Leadership skills
• Mentoring ability
• Sustained career progress
• Personal integrity

How will I be notified if I am selected? 

After you apply to the program, you will receive a notification that your submission was received. Following the application period, the applications will be reviewed by several panels of judges. Winners will be notified via email on or around August 23, 2024.

Is there public recognition of the awardees?

Yes. The Emerging Leader Award recognition event will occur at ABA’s 2024 Annual Convention, October 27-29, 2024, in New York City, NY. All winners receive a complimentary conference registration, as well as a complimentary guest/spouse level conference registration (please note that guest/spouse level registrants do not have access to all conference sessions and events). All awardees are encouraged to attend ABA’s conference. Honorees will also be profiled on ABA’s website and in ABA publications.

FAQ on Nominating Someone

Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes.

Will the nominee know that he or she has been nominated?

Yes. The nominee will receive an email notifying him/her that a nomination has been submitted. The nominee assumes all responsibility for completing his/her application.

Is there a fee for nominating someone?

No.

Why should I nominate someone?

Below are a few reasons you may want to consider nominating someone:

• Celebrate the achievements of professionals who are tomorrow’s leaders
• Highlight rising stars in the profession
• Identify future leaders
• Offer honorees a chance to be featured at ABA events, in ABA publications and on ABA’s website
• Provide honorees with exclusive networking and recognition opportunities, as they are invited as ABA guests to special recognition events
• Help advance the future of the banking profession

Do nominees have to be members of ABA?

No.

How do I know if my online nomination form went through? Will I receive confirmation? 

After submitting your nomination, you will get a message thanking you for your nomination.

When are nominations due?

There is no set deadline for nominations. However, all nominees must complete their application by July 1, 2024. Nominating early is recommended so your nominee has time to complete their application.