SALEM, Ore., Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the American Bankers Association's (ABA) annual convention held October 19-22 in New Orleans, Linda Navarro, president and CEO of the Oregon Bankers Association (OBA), was elected Chair of the Alliance of Bankers Associations. The Alliance of Bankers Associations is a partnership between 53 autonomous state bankers associations across the United States and Puerto Rico and the ABA. While serving in this role, Navarro will concurrently serve a one-year term as a member of the ABA board of directors.

ABA, representing banks of all sizes and charters, is a voice for the nation's $14 trillion banking industry and its two million employees. The ABA represents the industry in Washington, DC  and speaks on behalf of the industry in the press. ABA's board of 29 is the association's governing body between annual meetings and is made up of CEOs from banks of all sizes. 

The Alliance of Bankers Associations is a longstanding collaboration to promote the varied interests of its participants' member banks, particularly in the area of federal advocacy. The ABA and state bankers associations work together to support the industry, advocate policy positions based on industry consensus, and improve the competitive positions of America's banks. Navarro is the first chair of the Alliance from the western United States since 1998.

During her term as Chair of the Alliance of State Bankers Associations and on the ABA board, Navarro hopes to strengthen the voice of Oregon's banks. Lauding the Alliance of Bankers Associations as an "invaluable resource" during her tenure at the Oregon Bankers Association, Navarro says, "We are so much stronger and more effective working together, especially advocating on regulatory matters and legislative policy. I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to chair this important group."

"It takes a collective and coordinated effort to raise awareness and move the needle when it comes to streamlining overly complicated or outdated regulation," added Navarro. "And it takes that same strong, united approach to effectively tackle major policy issues like housing reform and the continued encroachment of government-subsidized entities, like credit unions and the Farm Credit System, into traditional commercial banking."

Navarro has worked for the OBA for 17 years and has served as president and CEO of the organization since 2006. In conjunction with her role as CEO of OBA, Navarro also serves as president and CEO of the Independent Community Banks of Oregon and as CEO of Synergy by Association, Inc., OBA's wholly-owned subsidiary company.

About The Oregon Bankers AssociationEstablished in 1905, the Oregon Bankers Association is Oregon's only full-service trade association representing state and national commercial and savings banks chartered to do business in Oregon.  More information is available at www.oregonbankers.com.

SOURCE Oregon Bankers Association

RELATED LINKShttp://www.oregonbankers.com