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Contact:	Robert Schmermund (202) 857-3104 Jim Eberle (202) 857-3145	Jim Eberle (202) 857-3145 (work) (703) 893-2593 (home) [email protected]	For Immediate Release October 14, 2004 #04-52
E-mail: [email protected]

ACB’S DIANE CASEY-LANDRY DISCUSSES NEED TO KEEP THE DOOR OPEN FOR WOMEN IN BANKING

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NEW YORK, N.Y. — While women have come a long way in banking, the door needs to remain open for other women to follow, said Diane Casey-Landry, president and CEO, America’s Community Bankers, in the keynote address at a recent event here honoring women in banking.

Her remarks were made at a dinner hosted by U.S. Banker magazine, which announced its choices of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking and the 25 Women to Watch.

“Looking around the room, it’s clear that, as women, we have come a long way, yet we still have a ways to go if we’re going to keep the door open to other women and to all who want to join us,” Casey-Landry said.

“Three-fourths of the people who work in banks are women, yet the executive ranks boast a mere one in four, some say even less,” she added. In 2000, Casey-Landry became the first women to run a national bank trade association — and still is the only woman to do so.

“There are other women and men with great ideas and abilities. Tonight, our focus is on women. We need to get their ideas and their willingness to serve. Women who are leaders in their banks also need to be willing to serve in their state and national trade associations as well.

“Every barrier needs to be torn down and the doors of opportunity opened wide,” she added.

“This really isn’t about gender. It’s about adding the energy, passion, knowledge, commitment and creativity of those who are not at the table and giving them a seat there. Expanding our talent pool will benefit our industry, our economy and our country.

“As powerful women in this room, you need to be a continuing part of that so we can create more opportunities. Banking reaches out and touches every industry. Our example will open still other doors,” she said.

However, Casey-Landry added: “Power carries responsibility and so does tonight’s recognition. Your challenge is to carry the message that the doors must be opened and the barriers must be broken. Look for the opportunity to break down barriers, and to expand the talent pool. Look for the opportunity to promote the most qualified person on your staff or in our industry.”

Several members of America’s Community Bankers were honored by U.S. Banker. Listed among the Most Powerful Women in Banking were: Peyton Patterson, chairman, president and CEO, NewAlliance Bancshares, New Haven, Conn.; Constance Lau, president and CEO, American Savings Bank, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Pamela Montpelier, president and CEO, Strata Bank, Franklin, Mass.

Listed among the Women To Watch were: Marion Sandler, co-CEO, Golden West Financial, Oakland; Lorraine Boston, executive vice president, commercial services, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Kennebunk, Maine; Deanna Oppenheimer, president, banking and financial services, Washington Mutual Bank, Seattle, Wash.; and Heidi Stanley, vice chair and COO, Sterling Savings Bank, Spokane, Wash.

America’s Community Bankers is the national trade association committed to shaping the future of banking by being the innovative industry leader strengthening the competitive position of community banks. To learn more about ACB, visit www.AmericasCommunityBankers.com.

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