Max is just the sixth individual to lead MBA in its 132-year history. Although he has held various titles as the association’s leader — executive director, president, CEO — his overarching goal for MBA has remained constant for 32 years.
“Banks play a vital role in strengthening economic prosperity for their customers and communities,” Max said, “and MBA’s role is to provide tools and resources to help banks be better, resourceful and profitable.”
Building on the experience of MBA’s staff and the relationships he and Cindy developed with bankers throughout the state, Max created a culture focused on ensuring that Missouri banks had the tools and resources to promote financial services to their customers. Essential
to fostering this culture was continuing the mission of MBA’s founders — advocacy.
“Te primary purpose of our association is advocacy, and we can’t lose sight of that,” Max says.
Under Max’s guidance, MBA developed programs in which bankers had more opportunities to actively engage with elected officials. One of the most successful is the Target Banker program in which bankers from across the state visit their state lawmakers at the Missouri Capitol to discuss legislation affecting their customers and communities.
“To be effective at our core mission, we need to be actively engaged with elected officials,” Max said.
Equally as important was providing educational opportunities for bankers to enhance their skills and knowledge of the industry. For Max, mentorships were the cornerstone of his career, and he understood that educational opportunities were key to career growth. Two MBA programs established during his tenure have shaped the careers of bankers throughout the state — the Young Bankers Leadership Division (now Next Generation in Banking) and Banking Leadership Missouri.
“Tese MBA programs provided avenues for men and women to develop a better understanding of our industry and association,” Max said. “Many of these individuals now lead various departments in their banks, and some are now executive leaders of their banks.”
Max is proud of the role MBA has had in the careers of many bankers, especially seeing “hundreds of bankers serve on committees and councils” within MBA, as well as state, regional and national levels. Numerous community bankers from Missouri have served on various committees for the American Bankers Association, and two have served as ABA chairman. Jim Smith with OakStar Bank in Clinton served from 2001- 2002 as ABA chairman, and Dan Robb with Jonesburg State Bank is the current ABA chairman.
“All banks have contributed to the success of MBA,” Cindy said, “and you see that at the national level. MBA and Max are known throughout the state associations.”
For Max and Cindy Cook, retirement brings more time to spend with their
daughters, sons-in-law and their three grandsons.
Andrew and Amanda Carroll with their sons, Cooper and Tripp
Evan and Ashlyn Johnson with their son, Rhett, and their dog, Baylor
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