the Dream Max & Cindy Cook reflect on 32 years with MBA


A young couple quietly sat in their car as they traveled east along Interstate 70 to St. Louis. It was February 1991, and it had been a long day for the couple. Tey had just made their first visit to Jefferson City, Missouri, and each was contemplating the day’s events in their minds. A simple, lone question broke the silence.


“What are we going to do if they offer you the job?”


Tat moment still vividly stands out for Max and Cindy Cook. Aſter more than 30 years with the Missouri Bankers Association, the Cooks have resoundingly answered that question.


Max was first introduced to the banking world while he was a student at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He began as a part-time teller before finding himself working almost full time while still attending OU. Max was promoted to the bank’s loan department, where he earned a reputation working in loan collections.


“I wouldn’t make a loan to my own mother,” Max joked.


Soon Max found himself broadening his skills into commercial banking that led to more educational opportunities, including banking schools facilitated by the Oklahoma Bankers Association. One particular school, the Bank Operations Management School, would change Max’s life. He clicked with a fellow banker at the school, Cindy Cooper. A year later, they were married.


Just starting out in their life together, Max and Cindy shared their dreams for their future. Max was overseeing education programs and product services for OBA, and he envisioned something more.


“I always aspired to lead an association, and Cindy supported my dream,” Max said. “She willingly gave up her career to allow me to chase my dream.”


Max also shared his aspirations with his mentor, OBA President Bob Harris. Max told Bob that his goal was to be sitting in Bob’s chair in 10 years. Bob smiled and told Max, “I hope you can.”


It would take a decade for Max to achieve his goal. Various roles at both OBA and the Texas Bankers Association led Max to MBA in 1991. It was at MBA that Max found his opportunity to fulfill his dream.


Max Cook is just the sixth individual to lead MBA in its 132-year history. Although Max has held various titles as the association’s leader, his overarching goal for MBA has remained constant for 32 years.


THE MISSOURI BANKER 15


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32