Banking on level playing field New OBA chair wants to end inequities

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), May 3, 1996 by Jessica Danker

Leveling the playing field for all financial institutions will be one of the main focuses this year of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, according to the group's new chairman.

"One of my personal concerns is the inequities that exist among financial institutions, which include banks, credit unions, thrifts, brokerage firms, insurance companies and now even financial providers on the Internet," said Stan White, president of Stillwater National Bank and Trust Co. in Stillwater.

"I am all for free and open competition, but I want everyone to play the same roles," he said.

White was named the 1996-97 chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association last month at its annual convention. White succeeds Steve Burrage, chairman and chief executive officer of the First National Bank in Antlers.

White has been president of the Stillwater bank since 1991, after joining the institution in 1974. He also serves as the bank's chief lending officer and chairman of its executive loan and trust investment committees.

The Oklahoma Banking Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1997. Throughout the year, the group plans to review the achievements in the banking industry.

The longevity of the association "reflects its commitment to professional banking and demonstrates its loyalty and integrity to build the association and industry," White said.

Also on the association's agenda is pursuing legislative courses of action to streamline banking laws.

Keeping members current on the latest technology so they can provide the best convenience and service to their customers will continue to be an important focus of the association, White said.

During his career, White has chaired and served on various Oklahoma Bankers Association committees. He most recently served as vice chairman of the association's board of directors and chaired its government relations council.

White currently is a member of the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, a senior member of Robert Morris Associates and a past director of the group's Texas chapter.

He also serves as chairman of the board of trustees for the Oklahoma State University Foundation, director of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and a member of the board of the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals.

White is a past director of Leadership Oklahoma and a member of its charter class. He has also served as a director of the OSU Alumni Association and the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce.

A native Oklahoman, White has been active in the Stillwater community, having served as president of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and the Stillwater Industrial Foundation as well as other organizations. He is past chairman and currently serves as a trustee of the Stillwater Medical Center.

The Oklahoma Bankers Association's annual convention was April 18- 20 in Oklahoma City. Next year's convention is scheduled in Tulsa.

In addition to White's appointment, two bankers were elected to the association's board of directors. Those were John Goad, president and chief executive officer of American Bank and Trust in Edmond; and Charles Nelson, president, chief executive and chairman of Liberty Bank & Trust Co. of Oklahoma City NA.

The association also elected Okmulgee banker W. Carlisle Mabrey III as vice chairman and elected five other new board members.

Those include Alan G. Anderson, president of the First Bank of Owasso; Nevyle R. Cable, president of the First National Bank & Trust Co. of Okmulgee; Terry M. Hague, chief executive officer of the Farmers Exchange Bank in Cherokee; Dennis D. Jett, president and chief executive of Oklahoma National Bank of Duncan; and Greg Massey, president of Durant Bank and Trust Co.

The Oklahoma Bankers Association is a trade group for the Oklahoma commercial banking industry, representing more than 330 banks with nearly 17,000 employees.