Following a comprehensive search, the Maine Bankers Association has recruited its next leader from a national banking trade group to succeed outgoing President Jim Roche.
Aaron Stetter, an executive vice president for affiliate and volunteer relations with the Washington, D.C.-based Independent Community Bankers of America, will move to Maine to start his new role on Monday, July 6.
The Westbrook-based organization, founded in 1893, provides advocacy, education and resources for its 34 member institutions.
Roche, set to retire on June 30 after five years at the helm, told Mainebiz he plans to spend lots of time in Minneapolis with family, write a book and speak at regional and national gatherings of chamber and trade association leaders.
Roche’s advice to his successor at the Maine Bankers Association: “In carrying out your mission, pay attention to all aspects of the operation, not just the area or areas you’re most comfortable with,” he said. “Also, remember it’s not your company. You’ve been given the privilege of leading it day-to-day, but it’s owned by your members.”
Roche said he’d give the same guidance to any trade association or chamber of commerce leader, noting that “it’s served me well.”
Community banking cachet
Stetter brings more than two decades of experience in government relations, grassroots engagement, advocacy and association leadership.
In his current role, he has helped develop and implement strategies to enhance the organization’s volunteer relations and engagement with community bank leaders and state-affiliated partners.
“Throughout his career, Aaron has managed teams, overseen ICBA’s Political Action Committee and built extensive relationships across the community banking landscape,” said Androscoggin Bank CEO Neil Kiely, who chairs the Maine Bankers Association board of directors.
“He has a proven record of successful strategy creation and implementation, navigating challenges, strengthening member engagement and advancing organizational goals,” Kiely added.
Stetter holds bachelor’s degrees in English and political science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a master’s in public management from Johns Hopkins University.
