During the IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference held last month in Round Rock, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) presented its annual Excellence in Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Brett Murphy, audit partner, partner-in-charge of the financial institutions industry and Austin market president at Whitley Penn LLP.

To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one must selflessly promote, support and serve independent bankers in Texas. In addition, the recipient must be a member of the IBAT Leadership Division, demonstrating a personal commitment to, and financial support of, the 450-member group, which was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to the development of tomorrow’s leaders in community banking.

Throughout his years of service, Murphy has become one of IBAT’s most dedicated volunteers and advocates. A two-term Leadership Division region president, at-large associate member, associate member advisory council member, associate member executive committee advisor and legislative committee member, he has consistently invested in developing future leaders and strengthening the community banking industry.

Murphy has recruited more than 50 individuals to join the IBAT Leadership Division, attended nearly 70 IBAT events over the past 14 years and helped establish the Congressional Visit Scholarship Program, which provides travel assistance for emerging community banking leaders to participate in IBAT’s annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C.

“It is difficult to imagine someone who better represents the spirit of this award than Brett Murphy,” says Christopher Williston, IBAT president and CEO. “Brett leads with authenticity and inspires others to become engaged in strengthening community banking. His unwavering commitment to IBAT, the Leadership Division and independent bankers across Texas has made a lasting impact on our association and the future of our industry.”