JOHNSTON, Iowa (Sept. 21, 2026) — Today, the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) presented banking leaders John E. Goodenow and Stephen J. Goodenow (Steve) with the 2026 James A. Leach Leadership Award during the IBA Annual Convention. The award carries the name of former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach, who chaired the U.S. House Banking and Financial Services Committee from 1995 to 2001.
“Throughout the state of Iowa, there is a legacy of outstanding leadership in community banking. I can’t think of two leaders more deserving of the James A. Leach Leadership Award than John Goodenow and his son, Steve,” said Bank Midwest CEO Mary Kay Bates. “Through decades of change, they have championed our industry and remain steadfast to our fundamental purpose as a community bank – “To Make Lives Better” – for our customers, employees and the communities we serve.”
John is a fourth-generation community banker whose leadership has shaped Bank Midwest and Goodenow Bancorporation for more than six decades. After beginning his career as an FDIC bank examiner, he returned to his family’s rural bank in Wall Lake, Iowa, and led its growth into a respected multistate financial institution. Through industry consolidation, the 1980s farm crisis and changing regulations, he remained focused on serving local families, businesses and agricultural communities. His legacy reflects a deep commitment to investing in people and strengthening communities.
Steve is a fifth-generation community banker whose leadership has strengthened Bank Midwest and the banking profession. After serving as an Associate National Bank Examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, he joined Bank Midwest in 1992 and has guided its strategic growth while championing employee ownership, leadership development and strong customer relationships. His decades of industry leadership, including service with the Iowa Bankers Association, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and American Bankers Association, reflect his commitment to mentorship, community development and the future of community banking.
Past Leach Award Recipients
Past recipients of the IBA’s James A. Leach Leadership Award include John Sorensen, Iowa Bankers Association; Tom Pohlman, First National Bank of Ames; Dave Nelson, West Bank; Neal and Dwight Conover, Northwest Financial Corp.; Charlie Funk, MidWestOne Bank; Ron Hansen, Liberty Trust & Savings Bank; Leslie Miller, Iowa State Savings Bank; Bob Steen, Bridge Community Bank; James Schipper, American State Bank; Brad Davis, Hampton State Bank; Nancy Dunkel, Fidelity Bank & Trust; Robert Rigler, Security State Bank; Thomas Huston, Columbus Junction State Bank; Thomas Gronstal, Carroll County State Bank; Mick Guttau, TS Bank; Holmes Foster, Banks of Iowa, Inc.; Dan Krieger, Ames National Corp.; Paul Johnson, Iowa State Bank; Jeff Plagge, Northwest Financial Corp.; Don Carmody, Henry County Bank; O. Jay Tomson, First Citizens National Bank; Arnie Schultz, GNB Bank; Edward Tubbs, Maquoketa State Bank; Oliver Hansen, Liberty Trust & Savings Bank; and Alan Tubbs, Maquoketa State Bank.
PHOTO INCLUDED: John and Steve Goodenow, fourth- and fifth-generation leadership at Bank Midwest, were presented with the 2026 James A. Leach Leadership Award at the IBA Annual Convention.
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About the Iowa Bankers Association
The Iowa Bankers Association represents Iowa banks and savings institutions. Iowa bankers are committed to the values of honesty, hard work and community service, and have been a trusted resource for Iowans for more than 135 years. Iowa banks offer FDIC insurance and lend over $88 billion to help individuals, business owners and agriculture. Nearly 40,000 Iowans work at an Iowa bank, and bank employees volunteer more than 300,000 hours to support local communities each year. To learn more, visit www.iowabankers.com.