Search
WelcomeWelcome Login
WelcomeWelcome LoginStay up-to-date on the latest news and happenings at German American.
April 5, 2024
German American Bank has announced a seamless transition in its leadership with the appointment of Robbie Houchin as the new market president for the Shelbyville market. This move comes as the bank continues to strengthen its ties to the community and drive continued growth and success. With deep roots in the community and extensive experience in the banking industry, Houchin is well-positioned to lead the bank into the next phase of its growth. Robbie Houchin steps into the role, succeeding Chris Dew, who is departing the bank to pursue opportunities that are more closely aligned with his previous role as chief financial officer. During his tenure as market president, Chris has played a pivotal role in the bank’s growth and success, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. His decision to step down reflects his commitment to personal and professional growth as he seeks opportunities that leverage his expertise and experience in finance. Chris stated, “It wasn’t an easy decision but one I needed to make in order to pursue a position more in line with my previous role. I am confident Robbie will do an excellent job leading the team here in Shelbyville.”
Above Left: Former Market President Chris Dew (left) and his successor Robbie Houchin (right) pose for a photo on 6th Street in Downtown Shelbyville.
Above Right: Robbie Houchin, the new Market President of German American Bank in Shelbyville.
We recently sat down with Robbie Houchin, the recently appointed market president at German American Bank, to discuss his new role and vision for the future.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your new position? What drew you to German American Bank and the role?
A: I’m excited to have taken on the position of market president, where I’ll be responsible for overseeing and managing the bank’s operations, growth and performance in Shelbyville and the surrounding communities. I’ve been incredibly impressed by German American Bank’s community-focused commitment to serving their customers. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be a part of a strong Shelbyville team that is ready to continue strengthening and building upon that commitment. The role allows me to utilize my strengths in business development, leadership, management, community engagement and strategic planning to drive growth and success here in my hometown.
Q: What have you learned in working with the current market president, Chris Dew, as you prepare to step into your new role?
A: Chris has been a pivotal part of the bank’s growth in the Shelbyville area and it’s reassuring to succeed such a respected community leader. I admire his decision to step down in pursuit of an opportunity that more closely aligns with his strengths. While his departure marks the end of an impressive tenure, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. I look forward to taking the reins and bringing my experience to an already strong Shelbyville market team.
Q: As you return to Shelbyville, what are some of the biggest opportunities you see for your hometown?
A: It’s an exciting time for Shelbyville! We have a growing population, and with that comes challenges and opportunities related to economic growth and workforce development. It’s great to see our local government, businesses and organizations step up to those challenges by providing the needed infrastructure, resources and employment our community needs. The people of Shelbyville are hardworking, resilient and dedicated to their community. As a strong community bank, German American Bank has the experience and resources to help our local businesses, individuals and families thrive.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and leadership experience in the financial industry and how that will help German American Bank continue to grow?
A: I started my banking career in 1999 and have more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry, with a strong background in commercial banking and relationship management. Over the years, I have held various positions, including commercial loan officer, assistant vice president, and now market president. Chris has laid some solid groundwork and I plan to build upon that as I work with the Shelbyville team. As a leader, my goal is to be collaborative, open-minded and to lead by example. German American believes in local decision-making, and I’m excited to empower my team to provide financial solutions that will help our customers achieve their goals.
Q: What do you think sets Shelbyville apart, and how do you plan to support businesses and families as they move into the county?
A: Shelbyville is a unique and special place with a rich history, agricultural heritage and historic charm. What sets Shelbyville apart is the way in which the community supports each other. As the county experiences significant population growth and new businesses and industries, particularly the Bourbon industry, are booming, I look forward to collaborating with local entrepreneurs and business owners to listen and discover how we can best support their needs. In turn, we together can continue to drive economic development and continue to make Shelby County an amazing place to call home.
Q: What do you think is the key to success in your new role, and how do you plan to achieve it?
A: The key to success as market president is to remain committed to nurturing our exceptional local banking team, making responsive local decisions and serving our clients with customer service excellence. Through our teams’ participation in local events and by listening to the needs of our customers and community, we will ensure the bank’s efforts align with the aspirations and values of the Shelbyville area. I also recognize the importance of education and giving back to the community. German American Bank is exceptional in supporting the communities it serves. One example is our growing School Spirit Check Card partnership with local Shelby County schools. German American Bank has donated more than $405,000 to local schools in this program. I’m excited to grow this give-back program in our local community.
Q: Can you share any exciting projects or plans for the future of the company?
A: We are currently doing an extensive renovation of our Shelbyville downtown office. It’s going to look amazing when the project is completed this summer. The company has also invested in a state-of-the-art business online banking platform, which will be released this spring. Both of these projects are strong investments that reflect our commitment to serving our clients and local communities with high standards in community banking.
Q: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, Robbie. We wish you all the best in your new role as the market president for the Shelbyville market at German American Bank.
Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be a part of the German American Bank team and look forward to working with the community to drive mutual growth and success.
Published by Shelby Life Magazine - April 2024