Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) leaders Rebeca Romero Rainey and Paul Merski have been recognized for their advocacy efforts by being named to The Hill’s Top Lobbyists List for 2024. This marks the seventh consecutive year that both executives have received this acknowledgment, highlighting ICBA's significant role in advocating for community banks.

Romero Rainey, ICBA President and CEO, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This honor underscores the essential role of community banks as engines of economic growth and pillars of local communities across the nation.” She emphasized her commitment to advocating on behalf of community banks alongside her team at ICBA.

Romero Rainey is a third-generation community banker from Taos, New Mexico. Her experience includes serving as chairman and CEO of Centinel Bank of Taos before taking on leadership roles within ICBA. She has been involved with ICBA since 2016 and became its top lobbyist in May 2018.

Paul Merski, Group Executive Vice President of Congressional Relations and Strategy at ICBA, also acknowledged the importance of their advocacy work. He said, “It is a privilege to advocate for community banks alongside Rebeca and ICBA’s talented government relations team.” Merski brings over thirty years of experience in legislative and economic policy development to his position at ICBA.

The Independent Community Bankers of America focuses on creating an environment where community banks can thrive through advocacy, education, and innovation. They aim to support local economies by channeling deposits into neighborhoods to foster job creation and economic prosperity.