Kevin Shivers has always thrived in roles that require problem-solving, team building, and the ability to see complex challenges from multiple perspectives while building consensus around a common strategy. These attributes are what aid the second-year Titan 100 in his role as the president and chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB).
The organization empowers community banks to positively impact their communities by delivering a host of products and services, including professional development, legislative advocacy, and peer networking opportunities, to make a positive impact on community bank employees and the customers they serve.
Under Shivers’ leadership, in the past year, the firm has shifted its focus away from engagement to belonging, taking cues from the titan model. “We constantly are looking for opportunities to be more inclusive to community bank employees at all levels of the financial institution and to serve the width and breadth of our industry,” said Shivers.
Shivers said he is especially proud that the association’s members continue to see value in the mission and work of PACB. “Despite a consolidating industry, PACB continues to welcome new bank members and associate members, which is quite an accomplishment,” he said. “Our industry and the economy continued to face challenges stemming from the pandemic, but our work together this year in support of their customers and the community banking industry has drawn us closer.”
The organization is financially strong and continues to make member voices heard in the halls of Congress and the state Legislature, said Shivers. In addition, efforts toward mentorship and professional development continue to thrive.
Last year, increased contributions to the PACB Foundation grew by 175%, allowing the foundation to provide scholarships to become stronger financial leaders in the community, foster career advancement and create attachment to the industry. “Our industry is as strong as the next generation of bank leaders,” said Shivers. “Our association believes therefore a vital responsibility is to help prepare these banking professionals at all levels to take on the responsibilities at the next level.”
This includes expanding the association’s suite of world-class professional development, partnering with the Barret School of Banking providing affordable graduate-level career education for bankers, and creating a new learning track for bank directors to navigate their fiduciary responsibilities in an ever-changing economic and financial environment.
As a leader, Shivers said that remaining resilient in the face of challenges helps to foster growth and development within teams. “Successful leaders are self-aware, empathetic, and capable of effectively managing their own emotions and those of others,” said Shivers. “Strong leaders are open to change, flexible and willing to adapt strategies when necessary.”
