LaRose to advance collaboration with ICBA's affiliate association partners

Washington, D.C. (Oct. 27, 2026) - The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the hire of Julie LaRose as executive vice president, affiliate relations. In this role LaRose will work with ICBA's State Relations team and affiliate association partners to strengthen collaboration, advance shared priorities, and amplify the collective voice and impact of the nation's community banks. LaRose will also work across ICBA departments to bring affiliate insights, industry perspectives and emerging trends into organizational planning and decision making.

"Strong relationships with our affiliate association partners are essential to advancing the priorities of community banks," ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. "Julie's experience and track record of building teams and strong coalitions will help deepen relationships, align diverse perspectives, and leverage our coordinated efforts to produce meaningful results."

Prior to joining ICBA, LaRose served as senior vice president of membership and state association management for the Self Storage Association, where she oversaw the organization's membership and association management divisions. She worked closely with the association's executive leadership and 24 state association boards on organizational strategy, governance and long-term growth initiatives.

"I'm excited to get to work and contribute to the important, mission-focused work of ICBA and its affiliated state partners, LaRose said. "Together, we can build on opportunities to support community banks that power local communities."

LaRose holds a Bachelor of Science in education from State University of New York at Corland.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation's community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America's community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers' financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA's website at icba.org.