DATE: November 18, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Roche
jroche@mainebankers.com
(207) 791-8401
Bankers Association President to Step Down in June
Maine Bankers Association (MBA) President Jim Roche announced to his board this week that he plans to retire at the end of June 2026. Roche will have led MBA for nearly five years upon his departure.
MBA provides advocacy, education, and resources to safeguard and advance the interest of banks in Maine. Thirty-four member banks and trust companies operate 438 offices in nearly every community throughout the state and employ over 8,000 residents. With assets exceeding $44 billion, Maine’s banking industry provides the fuel to power the state’s economic engine.
“I’ve been a working professionally for 44 years, I’m a new grandfather, and have other interests I’d like to pursue in retirement,” said Roche. “It’s time.”
MBA Board Chair and President/CEO of Androscoggin Bank Neil Kiely said, “Jim has provided tremendously valuable leadership to the MBA enabling Maine banks to navigate wide ranging changes in the economic and regulatory landscape. His effective leadership allowed Maine banks to keep our focus on serving the interests of our clients and our communities for which we all are appreciative. We’ll miss Jim’s leadership and wish him a successful and fulfilling retirement.”
Kiely and Chair-elect Dan Walsh, president & CEO of Norway Savings Banks, have initiated discussions with the executive committee about the search process to ensure a seamless transition.
“The position of ‘president’ of the Maine Bankers Association is a highly desirable position in an organization with a very strong reputation, a decidedly skilled staff, and a solid and engaged board of directors and executive committee. We’re very confident we will fill the position with an exceptionally well qualified candidate to lead the organization upon Jim’s departure next summer,” concluded Kiely.
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