Kevin Shivers has more than 30 years of experience in association management, government relations and communications. He puts that experience to use in his role as the president and chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.
Shivers’ passion for community banking is deeply ingrained. He spent 17 years leading a statewide small-business organization, where he worked closely with PACB members on various privacy, tax and regulatory issues at the federal and state levels. His experience also includes serving as the state director and executive state director for the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business.
At PACB, Shivers leads efforts to deliver programs, services and advocacy that keep community banks independent, competitive, profitable and strong. Under Shivers’ leadership, PACB has celebrated significant member gain, both in bank members and associates, despite consolidation in the banking and financial services sectors. The association’s efforts have been instrumental in shaping critical issues affecting customers, communities and the industry. Their advocacy work, including the state-level SAFE Banking Act and advising on new state laws, has gained national attention and benefited small businesses, the organization said.
Previously, Shivers served on the personal staff of Pennsylvania governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker. Shivers joined the Ridge Administration in 1995 and served as deputy press secretary and then press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of State, where he managed a three-member communications team and coordinated public affairs for the secretary of the commonwealth.
“One of the greatest challenges for highly motivated leaders is to trust their teams to accomplish the mission,” Shivers said. “It’s human nature for high achievers to rely on oneself. [I aim to create] a culture where employees are empowered to innovate and are unafraid to make mistakes, where they feel safe to tell the truth and speak their opinion, they take ownership of their own responsibilities and contributions to the team’s success. This is especially true in a small-team environment and has been critically important to my success as a leader.”
Shivers has been recognized for his professional and community contributions, including being named 2019 Man of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Central Pennsylvania. He serves on the board of directors of the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education and mentors high school students at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week.
Shivers said the most successful leaders are those who can create “an inspiring vision and can create a positive culture and build, motivate and coach the team to achieve that vision.”
