Pub. 8 2013-2014 Issue 6

www.nebankers.org 24 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. i n JanUarY, the neBraska Bankers Association announced the selec- tion of Richard J. Baier of Lincoln, Neb., as successor president and CEO. Baier begins his responsibilities at the NBA on March 17. He will succeed George Beattie, current president and CEO of the NBA, upon Beattie’s retire- ment on Jan. 2, 2015. Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your family. A: First and foremost, I would like everyone to know what an honor it is to be selected as the next president and CEO of the NBA. Since watching the 1980’s farm crisis up close and per- sonal in a small farming community in western Kansas, I have had a profound respect for the role America’s financial institutions play in the growth and success of their communities. I look forward to working with the members and staff of the NBA to help position the banking industry for continued growth and success in our great state. Duringmy high school years, I spent time working inmy parents’ heating/air conditioning and plumbing business. That’s where I learned the true mean- ing and value of exceptional customer service—even if it meant changing out a hot water heater on Christmas Eve. Since 2011, I have served as ex- ecutive vice president of the Forging Nebraska’s Future (FNF) initiative at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Through that initiative, I have been focused on developing a strategic and long-term vision for Nebraska with the goal of enhancing Nebraska’s busi- ness climate, economic competitive- ness, and overall quality of life. Prior to the State Chamber, I was director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development from 2003 to 2011, where I worked to design and implement theNebraskaAdvantage and Super Advantage tax incentives as well as the Talent & Innovation Initiative; completed several trade missions and organized the state’s first reverse trade mission; opened the Nebraska Center in Tokyo; and participated in various efforts in China, Taiwan, and Cuba. I’ve also served as executive direc- tor of the Development Corporation of North Platte (DEVCO), executive vice president of the Greater York Area Chamber of Commerce, and assistant city administrator for the city of La Vista. My experience in economic develop- ment includes many direct dealings in finance. I have financed various real es- tate projects and spent 8½years chair- ing the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) Board of Directors, where we issued $500million in afford- able housing bonds used by Nebraska bankers for first-time home buyer lending. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with multiple not-for-profit organizations across the state. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science fromFort Hays State University Meet Richard Baier, NBA Successor President & CEO Richard Baier (left) will succeed George Beattie (right) upon Beattie’s retirement in January 2015.