The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Robb Temple with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. Temple, chief government affairs officer at McKinney-based Independent Financial, was presented this prestigious award during the 2020 IBAT unCONVENTIONal, the association’s 46th annual Convention presented virtually in early October. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, selected solely at the discretion of the IBAT chairman. It is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the community banking industry, going above and beyond the call of duty.

“Robb is a humble man and not one to seek out the spotlight,” says IBAT  2019–20 Chair Richard Scanio, vice chairman of Corpus Christi-based American Bank Holding Corp. “It is my pleasure to put the spotlight on him. He is passionate about several very important things—his faith, family, community, advocacy and IBAT. There is no doubt where he stands on any of these issues, and his word is his bond. What you see is what you get with this impressive gentleman.”

Temple serves on the IBAT board of directors, as well as the association’s legislative and political action steering committees. He is active nationally with the Independent Community Bankers of America, spreading the word about the importance of effective advocacy. Temple has joined the IBAT staff in Washington, D.C., for many meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, bringing relationships and real-world observations on community banking to the process.

Temple is active in his church and involved with numerous civic and charitable groups in his community. He is especially passionate about the faith-based nonprofit organization Good Father Ministries he and his wife, Lisa, founded. It serves underprivileged areas in the Dominican Republic. He spends a significant amount of his time and treasure serving those less fortunate in that country.

Formed in 1974, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas represents Texas community banks. The Austin-based group is the largest state community banking organization in the nation with membership comprised of more than 2,200 banks and branches in 700 Texas communities. Providing safe and responsible financial services to all Texans, IBAT member bank assets range in size from $27 million to $39 billion with combined assets statewide of $256 billion. IBAT member banks are committed to supporting and investing in their local communities.