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Like many in the banking industry, Dave Martin was an accidental banker. After early careers as a radio morning man, marketing director for an oilfield industry supplier and a stretch working in the finance department of a university research facility, Dave was recruited by a friend to join a bank. Specifically, he was hired to run that institution’s first in-store branch location.
Given more freedom (and less guidance) than most people hired to run a bank branch, Dave quickly learned that banking is a people business. If a bank is going to differentiate itself, it will be through its people – the moving parts of the organization.
With in-store banking in his DNA, Dave also developed strong opinions on the power of small, talented teams and their abilities to outperform the status quo. He was preaching the advantages of "Universal Bankers" long before the concept became cool.
Two decades and stints as senior bank executive and trainer/consultant later, Dave's core beliefs about banking remain intact. Banking remains a people business, and organizations with good people win.
Dave Martin has become one of the most prolific writers in the banking industry. His columns and newsletters are read in thousands of financial institutions each month. His keynote presentations, seminars and podcasts have an authenticity and humor that brings teams of all sizes and seniority levels together.
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Christopher Williston is the President and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, the largest state association dedicated exclusively to community bank advocacy. Prior to leading IBAT as President and CEO, Williston served the association for nine years in numerous roles, including Chief Operations Officer.
Williston has been recognized for his service to the association industry. He is a Past Chairman of the Texas Society of Association Executives, an organization that also honored him with its Young Professional Leadership Award and Chairman’s Award.
In service of the community, Christopher and his wife, Michelle, founded The Mary Claire Project. Since 2016, the project has assisted hundreds of families in celebrating the lives of their children lost before birth. Williston also serves on the board of directors of a small, classical school in the Austin area.
He is a graduate proud Horned Frog – a graduate of both TCU and Brite Divinity School at TCU. He and Michelle, live in the Austin area and have six children. |