Kenneth Kelly Named 2024 Banker of the Year by Michigan Bankers Association for Leadership and Community Impact

Kenneth Kelly, the Chairman & CEO of First Independence Bank, was honored as the 2024 Banker of the Year by the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA). Kelly, who has spearheaded the bank’s leadership since October 2017, was recognized by the MBA Board of Directors for his exceptional dedication to the association, his impactful contributions to the banking sector, his role in the success of First Independence Bank, and his distinguished record in community service. Throughout his career, Kelly has garnered a multitude of accolades and held significant positions that underline his expertise and commitment to the banking industry. Notably, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2023 Award for Michigan and Northwest Ohio. His engagement with influential banking committees and councils, including a three-year term on the FDIC Chairman’s Advisory Committee on Economic Inclusion, the vice-chairmanship of the American Bankers Association, and previous membership on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s CDIAC, exemplifies his active participation in pivotal banking discussions. Moreover, his expertise was recognized at a national level when he served as an expert witness before the U.S. Congress, testifying on consumer protection and financial institutions. Expressing his gratitude for the award, Kelly highlighted the collective...