News Summary
Jessica Diaz has been appointed as the Assistant School Director for the Alabama Banking School, enhancing leadership in banking education. With over 25 years in banking and a history as an alumna, she aims to improve banking education. Alongside her, Jason Windham becomes President of Bank Independent, while CJ Ryan leads Interstate Billing Service. The school also announced a scholarship partnership with the University of North Alabama, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the banking sector in Alabama.
Florence, Alabama – Jessica Diaz has been appointed as the Assistant School Director for the Alabama Banking School, a prominent position aimed at bolstering the leadership in banking education within the state. This appointment follows her current role as Vice President and Director of Learning & Development at Bank Independent, where she has made significant contributions since joining the organization in January 2024.
In her new capacity, Diaz will assist the Chairman and School Director with the overall management of school operations. The announcement of her appointment was met with enthusiasm from Jason Windham, President of Bank Independent and Director of the Alabama Banking School. Windham highlighted Diaz’s leadership qualities and strong work ethic, noting that she is a positive influence within the organization.
Diaz is not new to the Alabama Banking School; she is an alumna who previously served as President of the Class of 2015 and as Class Director for the Class of 2023. Her extensive background in the banking sector spans over 25 years, positioning her as a valuable asset to the institution. In accepting her new role, Diaz expressed her honor and commitment to enhancing the quality of banking education, stating that she views this appointment as both a privilege and a responsibility.
Leadership and Management Developments
Alongside Diaz’s promotion, Jason Windham has also been designated as the President of Bank Independent. Windham brings 29 years of banking experience to his role and has been part of the executive team at Bank Independent since 2009. His professional journey includes previous experience in sales management, credit risk, as well as roles as a commercial lender and examiner.
Windham holds an MBA from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, which he earned in 2001, and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Troy University. His leadership is expected to further enhance Bank Independent’s position within the competitive banking landscape of Alabama.
New Appointments in Banking
Additionally, CJ Ryan has been appointed as the President of Interstate Billing Service, a subsidiary of Bank Independent. Ryan, who has been with the bank since 2010, has formerly served as Director of Operations for Interstate Billing Service and VP of Project Management. He is recognized as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds an agile certification (PMI-ACP).
Scholarship Partnership and Banking Landscape
In conjunction with these leadership changes, Bank Independent has recently formed a scholarship partnership with the University of North Alabama. This initiative offers a 20% scholarship for eligible customers enrolling at UNA across various undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. To qualify, participants must maintain an active checking account with Bank Independent. The scholarship is not stackable with other UNA institutional awards and is available to new enrollees who meet specific criteria.
The banking sector in Alabama continues to evolve, particularly in the Huntsville market where new banks and branches have been introduced. Institutions like Local Bank, Merit Bank, Nova Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and Bank47 are emerging in the area, indicating a growing competition within the industry.
Conclusion
As the Alabama Banking School prepares to enhance its educational offerings, the appointments of Diaz, Windham, and Ryan signal a commitment to fostering future banking leaders and responding to the evolving needs of the financial sector. With their combined experience and dedication, these leaders aim to shape a robust banking community in Alabama.
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Additional Resources
- Huntsville Business Journal: Assistant School Director for Alabama Banking School Named
- Google Search: Alabama Banking School
- Huntsville Business Journal: Bank Independent Announces Leadership Transitions
- Wikipedia: Banking in the United States
- WAFF: Bank Independent, University of North Alabama Announce Scholarship Partnership
- Business Alabama: 22 Honored as Rising Stars of Banking 2024
- Hville Blast: 5 New Banks That Entered the Huntsville Market
- Google Scholar: Huntsville Banking News
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
