Community banking association head Yeakel to retire; successor named

Steve Yeakel, president and CEO of the Henrico County-based Virginia Association of Community Banks, announced Tuesday he will retire at the end of the year, and will be succeeded by Corey Connors, executive director of the Virginia Forestry Association.

Connors will join the professional organization in September and assume duties as president and CEO of VACB beginning Oct. 8, according to a news release. Founded in 1977, VACB represents more than 100 community banks and vendor partners. Yeakel departs the organization after 13 years, 12 of which he spent as VACB’s leader.

“Corey’s strategic drive and his long, distinguished career in the association management community make him the perfect choice to further define the VACB’s value proposition, expand its professional development programs, and engage a new generation of community bankers,” VACB Chair Joseph Witt said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to welcome Corey aboard.”

Connors was executive director of the forestry association for nearly five years and was responsible for its direction and annual budget, and before, he served in senior management positions at several other state and national associations, according to Tuesday’s announcement.

“I am excited to join VACB,” Connors said. “Having advocated on behalf of small businesses throughout my entire career, I understand the importance of community banks as the lifeblood of local cities and towns across Virginia. I look forward to working with the board, staff and key stakeholders to uphold the organization’s strong priorities while expanding VACB’s reach.”

VACB advocates for smaller community banks, many of which are merging or being acquired by larger banks in recent years, and representing their interests in state and federal legislature.