Robert M. Fisher, President and CEO of Tioga State Bank in Spencer, N.Y., was elected chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for 2021-22. His term begins March 11 at the conclusion of ICBA Connect, a virtual community banking event.
 
“I’m honored to serve as ICBA chairman and to represent the nation’s community banks in supporting the financial needs of their customers during this important stage of our nation’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Fisher. "Community banks stepped up as financial first responders over the past year with their unwavering support to their customers through PPP lending, and I’m proud to continue ICBA’s efforts to ensure their important work continues for the benefit of American’s nationwide.”
 
Fisher serves in many leadership roles at ICBA. He is chairman of the ICBA Executive Committee and the board of directors. He is a member of ICBA’s Federal Delegate Board and its Policy Development and Nominating committees, and he serves as the Executive Committee liaison to the Legislative Issues Committee and the Minority Bank Advisory Council. He is also an ex-officio member of ICBA Securities, Consolidated Holdings and Services Network board of directors.  
 
A fifth-generation community banker, Fisher served on the New York State Banking Board from 2007 to 2011. He also is a current member and past chairman of the Independent Bankers Association of New York State.  
 
In addition to his banking affiliations, Fisher serves as chairman of the Lourdes Ascension Hospital board in Binghamton, N.Y., and sits on the board of the Pursuit, formerly known as the New York Business Development Corp.  
 
“Bob is a dedicated community banker and staunch advocate for our industry,” said ICBA Immediate Past Chairman Noah Wilcox, president, CEO and chairman of Grand Rapids State Bank and its holding company Wilcox Bancshares Inc., in Grand Rapids Minn. “His passion and commitment make him ideally suited to lead our association and the community banking industry at this pivotal time. I’m honored to serve beside him on ICBA’s Executive Committee as we amplify ICBA’s mission to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish.”
 
ICBA is the only national advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With the high-tech, high-touch banking services that consumers expect, community banks offer the best financial-services options for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises.