Des Moines, Iowa — August 2026 — Community Bankers of Iowa (CBI) announced its 2026-27 board leadership and welcomed four new directors following its 55th Annual Convention, held July 15-17 at the Majestic Pavilion/Roof Garden in Arnolds Park, Iowa.
Jeremy Bunkers, CEO of American Bank in Remsen, has been appointed President of the CBI Board of Directors. Bunkers succeeds Luke Brady, President of Community Savings Bank in Edgewood, who served as Board President during the 2025-26 term.
“Luke has been a strong advocate for Iowa’s community banks, and I’m grateful for the leadership and perspective he has brought to CBI,” Bunkers said. “I’m honored to build on that work and look forward to working alongside our board and members to ensure Iowa’s community banks have the advocacy, resources and connections they need to continue serving their communities.”
Brady will remain on the board as Immediate Past President.
“It has been a privilege to serve as President and work alongside community bankers who care deeply about the people and communities they serve,” Brady said. “Jeremy understands both the opportunities and challenges facing community banks today, and I’m confident his leadership will continue moving CBI and our members forward.”
Bunkers has served on the CBI Board of Directors since 2017, bringing nearly a decade of board experience to his new leadership role.
“Since joining the CBI Board in 2017, Jeremy has consistently demonstrated his commitment to community banking and the people who make this industry strong,” said Mike Gathman, CEO of Community Bankers of Iowa. “He brings valuable experience and a collaborative approach to leadership, and we’re excited to see him step into this role.”
CBI also welcomed four new directors to the board:
Alison Urbina, President and CEO, BankIowa
Sean Willett, President and CEO, Lincoln Savings Bank
Mike Drees, President, CUSB Bank
Travis Simpson, Regional President, Northwest Bank
Additionally, Heidi Brown, Executive Vice President of Citizens State Bank in Sheldon, was appointed President-Elect, and Todd Mather, Central Iowa Market President at West Bank, was appointed Treasurer.
Together, CBI’s board leaders and directors will help guide the association’s efforts to advocate for independent community banks, provide relevant education and strengthen connections among community bankers across Iowa.
About Community Bankers of Iowa
Community Bankers of Iowa (CBI) is Iowa's only association exclusively dedicated to community banks. For more than 50 years, CBI has provided advocacy, education, and connections that help locally-owned banks navigate regulation, stay ahead of industry trends, and remain a strong, trusted presence in the communities they serve. Learn more at cbiowa.bank.
