Community Banker Elected to the 2019 ICBA Federal Delegate Board

WASHINGTON, Oct. 02, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced that local community banker James Hughes, President & CEO of Unity Bank (NASDAQ: UNTY), Clinton, New Jersey was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks.

“I am honored to be elected to represent our industry and help share the positive story of community banking with policymakers,” Hughes said. “Community banks are trusted, relationship-based lenders that deliver personalized service and invaluable financial expertise to local consumers and entrepreneurs. We drive positive economic prosperity both nationally and at home.”

In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Hughes’s duties include being a liaison between independent community bankers in New Jersey and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. He will also work to recruit new members to ICBA.

ICBA is the only organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With trusted financial expertise and high-quality customer service as their hallmarks, community banks offer the best financial services option for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises.

“James is a dedicated community banker who is highly respected in his community and by his industry peers,” said ICBA Chairman Preston L. Kennedy, president and CEO Zachary Bancshares Inc. “We are delighted James has generously offered his time and valuable professional talents to the service of the community banking industry.”

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. With more than 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 750,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5 trillion in assets, nearly $4 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.