I marvel at my good fortune. When I was a child, I do not remember dreaming about growing up to be a banker or drawing pictures of vaults. Even in high school when my entrepreneurial father started a tiny bank in my hometown, I had no thoughts of ever working there.

Through a significant amount of serendipity, I had the opportunity to lead my hometown bank and enter the community banking world. In doing so, I was admitted to a very select society composed of the most kind, thoughtful, generous, friendly, principled, and selfless professionals to be found anywhere. The West Virginia Bankers Association was my gateway to that society.

My admission to the banker society provided me with friendship, mentorship, counsel, and resources that proved invaluable to me both personally and professionally. The list of bankers from banks large and small to whom I owe a debt of gratitude is a long one.

The West Virginia Bankers Association is a critical resource for all banks serving West Virginia businesses, citizens, and communities. Through thoughtful, consultive and vigorous advocacy, the Association has protected and improved the banking environment in West Virginia. It has helped meet bankers’ changing professional development needs with innovative programs. Perhaps most importantly, the Association strives to increase collegiality among competing banks and bankers to improve the industry’s quality and bankers’ ability to work together for the benefit of all West Virginians.

To say that I am thrilled to begin my role as the Association President & CEO and participate in the Association’s evolution as a premier banking association is an understatement. I am humbled to join the leadership traditions defined by Sally Cline and Joe Ellison. Through their professionalism and passionate commitment, they transformed the Association and enhanced the banking environment in this state. I am grateful to join the Association’s professional team who is so committed to efficiently, effectively, and vigorously working every day to create value for our members and the State of West Virginia. I am proud to work for an industry that I love and that creates so much good in the state.

I am honored that the Association board has entrusted me with a leadership role in the Association. I am committed to earning that trust each day and hope you will join me in helping to write the next chapter in the Association’s proud history of service to bankers, communities, and all West Virginians.

Sincerely,
Mark Mangano