Q & A with Ron Samford
LBA: How did you first get into banking?
Samford: My first experience was auditing small banks and credit unions after joining Price Waterhouse just out of college. Eventually I left public accounting to become the controller of a $5 billion asset bank in Ft. Worth, TX.
LBA: What attracted you to serve on LBA’s board?
Samford: The excellent job the LBA does in advocating for community banks, on both the state and national level, and the importance of that effort to the health of the banking industry in general.
LBA: What are the biggest challenges faced by banks today?
Samford: The regulatory burden is still “ever-present,” and the competition is fierce, primarily from the faceless ‘mega’ banks and the under-regulated, non-taxed and membership-lost credit unions. Community banks can compete with anyone on a level playing field, and it’s important to small businesses that we’re allowed to do that.
LBA: What are your goals for the Association for the upcoming year?
Samford: To help ensure that the banking industry here not only survives, but thrives, because that’s what helps create economic growth—providing needed capital to small businesses and individuals here in Louisiana.
LBA: How do you spend your free time?
Samford: I’m not much of an outdoorsman, but I enjoy playing golf and love following the local football and basketball teams in season. My wife and I also appreciate a good meal at the many fine restaurants in the New Orleans area, as well as the multitude of festivals available almost every weekend.