NEWS RELEASE

Community Bankers Association of Ohio Announces Promotion of Aza Bittinger Jr. to President and Chief Operating Officer

March 4, 2021

Columbus, OH, March 4, 2021 – The Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO) is pleased to announce the promotion of Aza Bittinger Jr. from Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer to President and Chief Operating Officer effective March 1, 2021. 

Mr. Bittinger joined CBAO in 2015, bringing over 18 years of banking and management experience. He has had a growing role in guiding the association over the past several years, working to innovate and further develop CBAO’s support and representation of community banks across Ohio. He will continue to lead CBAO’s daily operations including overseeing its subsidiary companies, managing membership programs, strengthening its services and offerings, and directing the CBAO team. 

“Aza continues to demonstrate his strong commitment to community banking and his dedication to the longstanding values of the industry while exploring new opportunities to serve CBAO members,” said Robert L. Palmer, CEO of CBAO.”

“Aza has become a valuable asset to the organization in leadership, operations, and strategic vision moving forward. His “all in” mentality shows in his high energy and dedication to the Community Banks in Ohio and across the Nation,“ said G. Scott McComb, CBAO Chairman and President, CEO, & Chairman of Heartland Bank.

“CBAO has a long and rich history of advocating for the independence of Ohio’s community banks,” Bittinger said. “Our team is passionately dedicated to providing industry-leading Education & Training, Legislative Advocacy, and innovative Products & Services that will lead our industry and our many valued stakeholders into the future.”

Mr. Bittinger has many years of banking experience specializing in retail and small business development. Aza graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He enjoys serving in his community; including being a past president and current member of the Rotary Club of Westerville and previously serving for five years as race director for the Rotary Honors Veterans 5K Walk/Run. He lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, Stacey, and two teenage daughters. He enjoys rooting for the Buckeyes during football season, golfing when the weather is favorable, and running.

About Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO)

The Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO) is the financial trade association exclusively representing Ohio’s community bank and thrift institutions. The Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO) is organized to establish and maintain an informed network of independent community banks in the state of Ohio that will have the influence and commitment to effectively serve, protect and promote the interests of its members. 

For Media Inquiries:

Robert L. Palmer
Chief Executive Officer
Community Bankers Association of Ohio, CBAO-IA, CBAO-SC
(614) 846-2349 l [email protected]