Michael Graf took over as the new presidient and CEO of GBC Bank on Wednesday, April 12.
GREENFIELD — A changing of the guard took place this week at GBC Bank, where longtime president and CEO John Kennedy handed over the reins to his successor, Michael Graf.
Kennedy retired Tuesday, April 11, capping off a lengthy career in finance culminating in more than 20 years service at the Greenfield bank. He’s led GBC Bank since 2012, and will continue to serve as the bank’s chairman of the board.
His successor is no stranger to neighborhood banking institution, which has been serving the community for over 150 years.
Graf started out as vice president and commercial credit manager at the bank in 2015, and was appointed executive vice president and board member in 2021.
Prior to that, Graf worked as a senior underwriter at JPMorgan Chase and senior loan review consultant at BKD, LLP in Indianapolis.
On Wednesday, April 12, he took over the top spot at GBC Bank.
Steve Long, a board member at the bank and Hancock Health’s president and CEO, said the community bank has been blessed to have two leaders as talented as Kennedy and Graf at the helm.
“Few people have the insight needed to navigate the challenging waters of the current financial crisis, but GBC Bank is blessed to have two,” he said.
“John Kennedy has had the opportunity to impart wisdom gained through decades of service in the banking industry to Mike Graf, his bright and energetic successor. Together, they crafted a brilliant plan to ensure GBC Bank can not only survive difficult times, but thrive in them,” continued Long.
“While I was sad to see John step away from the helm, I am comforted to have Mike stepping forward to chart a path that will take GBC Bank to even more bountiful waters.”
Richard P. Roberts, GBC Bank’s board vice chairman and program director at Engledow Group, said Graf has what it takes to fill Kennedy’s sizable shoes.
“Mike has a robust banking history and skill set that will build on the great legacy his predecessors have left for GBC Bank,” said Roberts. “We are excited about what the future holds with Mike at the helm as we continue to focus on our commitment to remain a strong independent community bank.”
Graf said he’s proud to be leading a bank with such a rich history of serving the community for over 150 years.
After growing up in Ft. Wayne, Graf earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, risk management and insurance from Ball State University in 2008 and a graduate degree in banking and finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School of Banking in 2021.
He was working in Ohio when a job offer from GBC Bank brought him and his wife Sara to Hancock County in 2015.
“We’ve really fallen in love with the community. It’s a great place to live and raise a family,” said Graf, who loves spending time outdoors with his three young sons, ages 4, 6 and 9.
