North Salem (Sept. 25, 2026) – Matthew W. Howrey, president and CEO of The North Salem State Bank, was honored by the Indiana Bankers Association with the IBA Leaders in Banking Excellence award, presented on Sept. 14 during a ceremony as part of the IBA’s Annual Convention at the French Lick Springs Resort. This award celebrates exceptional leaders who have positively impacted Indiana banks and communities. Four other members of the Indiana banking community were also inducted into the class of 2026 leaders.

Indiana dignitaries presented the awards, including Indiana Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville; Director Thomas C. Fite, Indiana Department of Financial Institutions; IBA Chairman David M. Findlay, chairman and CEO of Lake City Bank, Warsaw; Amber R. Van Til, IBA president and CEO; and a video message from U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind. Honorees were invited to offer their own comments in reflection on their career and the industry.

The Leaders in Banking Excellence awards are the Association’s highest honor. This year’s honorees represent a range of industry leaders. Each was nominated by IBA-member organizations and approved by the Association’s Board of Directors. Honorees are chosen for their positive impact not only on Indiana’s banking industry but on the communities they serve.

CLASS OF 2026 HONOREES

Alvin "Al" Fritschle, First Bank, Carmi, Ill.
Travis Holdman, KeyState, Markle
Mark "Doc" Holt, First Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Converse
Matthew W. Howrey, The North Salem State Bank
D. Grant Whaley, The Farmers and Merchants Bank, Boswell

“Matt is an outstanding banker. I’ve been in banking for 61 years, and I’ve never met anyone who knows this business better than he does. He’s as good a banker as they come. Matt is very community minded. He’s right there with everyone else, helping out and doing his part. I’m very proud of him and it’s no surprise to me that he has received this award,” said John Colvin, Chairman of the Board of The North Salem State Bank.

A permanent Wall of Excellence at the Indiana Bankers Association’s office in Indianapolis displays plaques commemorating all 52 Leaders in Banking Excellence inducted since the award’s inception in 2018.

ABOUT NORTH SALEM STATE BANK

North Salem State Bank (NSSB) is a locally owned community bank located in North Salem, Indiana. NSSB was founded in 1923 and is committed to providing its customers and its communities quality products and quality service through a dedicated and professional staff, while enhancing shareholder value. Learn more at www.nssb.bank.