Altoona First Savings Bank President/CEO Troy Campbell, left, chats with Executive Vice President Justin Blackburn in the bank’s North Logan Boulevard lobby.

The leader of an Altoona community bank is taking on a role as a key player in the industry.

Troy Campbell, president/CEO of Altoona First Savings Bank, was recently elected to the Independent Community Bankers of America Federal Delegate Board. The ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks.

“As relationship-based lenders, committed to ensuring the financial health of local consumers and entrepreneurs, community banks are central to creating communities of prosperity nationwide,” Campbell said.

In addition to helping shape ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Campbell will engage in grassroots activities in Pennsylvania and serve as a liaison between independent community bankers and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C.

ICBA leaders meet monthly. “My hope is we will transition to in-person. Meeting face to face is important to collaboration and grow as a banker,” Campbell said. … I serve as vice chairman for the legislative issues subcommittee.”

Penncrest Bank President/CEO William Ritenour said Campbell “has a passion for community banking, and the confidence and desire to advocate convincingly and effectively.”

Kevin L. Shivers, president/ CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, said Campbell is a difference maker. “Troy’s election as a federal ICBA delegate demonstrates the respect that Troy has earned by his peers in the community banking industry all across Pennsylvania.”

Campbell is a dedicated advocate for his community and is well-respected by his peers, said ICBA Chairman Robert M. Fisher, president and CEO of Tioga State Bank.

Altoona First Chairman Leon Zook was pleased with Campbell’s election.

“Troy is a man of integrity. When he says something, he will do something. He is a very good worker, good with the employees and good for Altoona First and the community. He has had a big impact on the local banking industry,” Zook said.

Campbell previously served as president of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers. In that role, he racked up thousands of miles visiting member banks and their employees. “It really was important to Troy to acknowledge the contributions of everyone working in the bank who helped to make their communities better,” Shivers said.

The new position will not require much traveling.

“The reason I accepted is because there is not a ton of traveling. I was asked to run for the executive committee of ICBA. That would have required a lot of travel throughout the country. My priority is Altoona First and development of our employees. I passed on that and then they asked me to run for the delegate board,” Campbell said.

Campbell was born in Bellefonte and grew up in the Juniata section of Altoona.

From a young age, he was interested in accounting.

“I was influenced by a neighbor, Rick Paul, who worked for Mid-State Bank and eventually retired from Reliance Bank. At my house, kids came there to play sports. Mr. Paul pulled up in his red and black pickup truck, and he would play basketball with us. He took an interest in us as kids and teenagers,” Campbell said.

After graduating from Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1991, Campbell started his career at Young Oakes Brown & Co. in Altoona.

“Going into public accounting was a great fit, I got to meet people and observe industries. That affirmed my decision to get into banking,” Campbell said.

In 1992, an opportunity at then-Altoona Federal Savings and Loan Association was brought to his attention by a friend.

“I interviewed with Leon Zook, and he offered me a job. I joined in November 1992 as an assistant financial officer,” Campbell said.

He rose through the ranks, serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer from January 2004 to December 2017 and has served as president/CEO since December 2017.

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to lead Altoona First. I always have enjoyed our employees. To lead this bank and provide opportunities for our employees was something. I felt honored that they had confidence in me,” said Campbell.

He enjoys being able to make a difference in the community and serving on many boards.

“I enjoy the difference we make in the community and people’s lives. We are not the biggest bank in the game but have an amazing impact on the small business community in our merchants and families. I refer to our employees as difference makers,” Campbell said. “I encourage employees to get involved in the community. It was hard to do during COVID. I believe in investing in others and the future is vitally important. If we live our life and only serve oneself it is not a successful life.”

Campbell credits his faith and family for his personal succes.

“I think most fundamental to me is my faith. I really try to treat people in a way that would honor God and show people value. I believe a lot of that was my upbringing, mom (Dolores) and dad (Bernard) raised me in a way that I can interact with people across any spectrum. I start every day with a verse to commit myself to the Lord and start my day. That gives me a plumb line from which I work,” Campbell said. “My ‘success’ in my career and achievements thus far in my life, the major catalyst, has been my wife, Jodie, as she has been my biggest supporter, encourager and friend through good times and difficult times.”

While he has no immediate plans to retire, Campbell said, “I would like to eventually relocate near our grandkids, but I love this region, the access we have to nature.”

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.