BAI Names Extraco Banks Executive, James Geeslin, BAI Maverick Banker of the Year

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Oct 14, 2011) - BAI named Extraco Banks' James Geeslin BAI Maverick Banker of the Year. The award, presented by Thomas K. Brown, former leading Wall Street analyst and now chief executive officer at Second Curve Capital, recognizes James' leadership role in transforming retail branch operations in the Temple, TX-based financial institution. James, vice chairman and chief sales officer for Extraco Banks, received the honor at the BAI Mavericks in Banking award ceremony held at BAI Retail Delivery 2011 in Chicago, IL.

James was awarded the distinction for his innovative ideas and vision in driving a top-to-bottom transformation in Extraco Banks' retail branch operations. His mission was to simplify the existing retail branch model to make it easier for customers and staff to do business -- and do it more efficiently. The comprehensive strategy ranged from floor plan layout to deposit-handling technology to employee training. Through his leadership and willingness to re-think old ways of doing business in the branch, the changes delivered significant results, including maintaining quality customer service levels, reducing employee turnover by 60 percent, increasing efficiency and gaining customer approval.

"James and his team at Extraco Banks exemplify the breakthrough thinking that helps financial institutions stand out from others in the market," says Debbie Bianucci, president and chief executive officer of BAI. "Innovation is so critical for banks as they seek to differentiate themselves through a renewed emphasis on the customer experience. We commend James for his achievement and ability to energize and motivate those around him," added Bianucci.

James became chief sales officer six years ago when he set out to transform the branch. "A bank is going to have to be a lean, finely tuned machine and a little bit flashy to generate retail business," says James. "By streamlining our branch operations, we're able to look for new ways to improve the customer experience. That's been one of our key successes as a bank -- we're always thinking."

Finalists for the BAI Maverick Banker of the Year award also included Trent Spurgeon, senior vice president of Consumer Product & Segment Management, U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis; and Linda Verba, executive vice president, retail operations and service recognition, TD Bank Group.

About BAI
BAI is the financial services industry's partner for breakthrough information and intelligence needed to innovate and stay relevant in an evolving marketplace. For more than 80 years, we have focused on advancing the industry by offering unbiased education and research. Our offerings are as diverse as the industry, and include premier events such as BAI Retail Delivery, groundbreaking research and performance metrics, professional learning and development programs, and in-depth editorial coverage through the online publication, BAI Banking Strategies. Learn more at www.BAI.org.
BAI is Bank Administration Institute and BAI Center.