Vernon banker appointed to national council

VERNON — The American Bankers Association has selected Steven C. Ackmann, president and chief executive officer Highlands State Bank to serve on ABA's Community Bankers Council.
Ackmann attended the ABA Community Bankers Council meeting in Washington on Oct. 3-5.
During this meeting, bankers talked at length about the current challenges facing community banks across the country, including recent regulations, pending legislation and fintech innovations.
David Wasserman, house editor for The Cook Political Report, was one of the featured speakers at the meeting.
"Community banks play such an important role in our banking industry," Ackmann said. "This appointment gives me the opportunity to represent New Jersey and advocate for the continued success of America 's hometown banks."
The ABA Community Bankers Council, which meets twice a year, is made up of approximately 100 bankers from institutions with generally less than $3 billion in assets. Members are appointed by the ABA chairman.
Ackmann serves as CEO and president of Highlands Bancorp, Inc. and Highlands State Bank since September 2014, previously president and chief operating officer of Highlands State Bank since 2012. His 40 years of banking career includes 14 years as president, chief operating officer and director of Prornistar Financial Corporation in Johnstown, Pa. Other previous duties have included service as the CEO, President and Director of Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank in Scranton, Pa. He also served as president of Ti1e Bank of Princeton, N.J. Mr. Ackmann is active with several non-profit organizations and has served as the chairman and as board member for various non­ profit community and business organizations.