The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) proudly recognizes Jim Roolf, Senior Vice President and Corporate Relations Officer at Old National Bank, as the 2023 Banker of the Year. Roolf received the award during the IBA's Annual Convention held in Chicago on Friday, June 23, 2023.
The Banker of the Year award is the highest honor the IBA bestows on an individual whose dedication to excellence has profoundly enhanced the banking industry. This annual award recognizes the individual's leadership and service qualities, applied not only to the banking industry but also to promoting civic, community, and charitable causes.
“Jim Roolf exemplifies everything we hold dear about banking in Illinois. His drive and commitment to the industry and his community have created a lasting legacy,” said Randy Hultgren, President and CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association. “We are honored to recognize Jim as our 2023 Banker of the Year and thank him for his years of exceptional service.”
Roolf began his banking career in 1974 with Union National Bank & Trust Company of Joliet which then evolved into First Midwest Bank in 1982. He has served at the same organization, now operating as Old National Bank, for more than 48 years. Known as a well-respected “face” of the company with the community, banking associations, and governmental bodies in Illinois as well as Old National's regional footprint, Roolf’s consistent presence and leadership are part of the bank's long-term success in the community banking industry throughout our state and the other states where Old National operates.
He is known for mentoring and developing bankers throughout Illinois and has made numerous contributions to the banking industry at the state and federal levels. He served as a former member of the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, representing Illinois, and as the ABA State Chair for Membership. He also served as Chair of the IBA Government Relations Committee from 1993-1996 and continuously served on the IBA’s Government Relations Committee for over 30 years. In 1995, he worked with the IBA on the Illinois Banking Act, which permitted statewide branch banking, regional reciprocal interstate banking, and national interstate banking.
Roolf is also a dedicated community servant, sitting on numerous boards, including the Will County Center for Economic Development, Silver Cross Hospital, American Red Cross, Chicago Regional Growth Corporation, and the Joliet City Center Partnership Board. He also served on the Illinois State Tollway Highway Authority Board of Directors for seven years, serving as the Chair of the Engineering Committee. He was the lead Director in support of the I-355 extension in Will County between Bolingbrook and New Lenox and led the effort to build the I-57 & I-294 interchange.