“Independent Banker,” the flagship publication of Independent Community Bankers of America, has named Franklin County’s Emily Mays as one of its 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders.

The nomination-based award recognizes up-and-coming community bankers who demonstrate exceptional potential in leadership, innovation and community work.

“On behalf of the officers, directors and employees of CSB, we congratulate Emily Mays on this very high honor,” said CSB president and CEO Brad Bolton. “Being recognized as one of 40 community bankers from across the country is a testament to Emily’s work ethic, character and dedication to our bank, our communities and community banking in general.”

Mays serves as Community Spirit Bank’s vice president and senior marketing director and has been with the bank since 2013.

A constant presence on social media, she communicates industry messages to state and national leaders while also sharing the vibrancy and unique character of the local communities in which she serves. ⠀

Mays has worked to help create a social media presence for local businesses, as well as area volunteer organizations. ⠀

She also heads up financial literacy initiatives in ten area schools and has coordinated the project implementation of two in-school bank branches. She further serves as a contributing columnist for Franklin Living magazine, where readers can find her financial literacy tips in the bi-monthly publication.

Matt Kusilek, publisher of “Independent Banker” said Mays and her fellow 40 Under 40 bank leaders “should give all of us a sense of pride and optimism as we look to the future of America’s community banks.”

“Now more than ever, this industry sees the value of the energy and ideas of people like our emerging leaders, who believe in the importance of the community banking model,” Kusilek added. “We’re really pleased to be able to highlight their accomplishments so far and look forward to what they’ll do next.”

Winners will be featured in the June 2019 issue of “Independent Banker,” which will be showcased on the Independent Banker website and accessible via the digital issue of the magazine.

“We are thankful to have Emily playing an integral role in the success of our bank and our customers,” Bolton said.

In addition to her role at the bank, Mays presently serves as president of the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and is actively involved with the American Cancer Society.

“Independent Banker” is the No. 1 source of community banking news for members of ICBA, which prides itself as being “the nation’s voice for community banks of all sizes and charter types … dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education and high-quality products and services.” Published monthly, the magazine features best practices from experts, stories from community banks themselves, thought-provoking features and news of how ICBA is fighting for the industry on Capitol Hill.