Columbia Bank is proud to announce that Allison Winters, Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing and Client Experience, has been recognized by the American Bankers Association (ABA) as one of its 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipients. The national award honors the next generation of banking leaders who exemplify excellence, integrity, and commitment to their industry and communities. Winners were recognized at the October ABA Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“We’re proud to celebrate Allison’s recognition as one of twelve emerging leaders selected nationwide,” said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank. “Her passion for advancing our bank, serving our customers, and supporting our community continues to set a high standard for us all.”
The winners were selected by a steering committee of industry professionals after a review of nominations from across the country. The qualities and characteristics the committee evaluated as judging criteria included dedication to the profession, inventiveness, leadership skills, mentoring ability, personal integrity, tenure at the bank and broader commitment to a career in banking, sustained career progress, and academic training, including advanced degrees and certificates/certifications.
“This year’s ABA Emerging Leaders are an impressive group of rising stars that have already had a measurable impact on our banking community,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “We are excited to see what the future brings as they continue to innovate and elevate our industry going forward.”
As one of the youngest senior executives in Columbia Bank’s nearly 100-year history, Winters has redefined how the Bank connects with its customers and communities. Through the influence of her teams, Columbia Bank has achieved industry-leading customer service scores and national recognition for excellence, including the “Best Branch Experience” Award from the Bank Customer Experience Summit and being named among America’s “Best Regional Banks” by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
Throughout her nine-year career at Columbia Bank, Winters has consistently demonstrated innovation, initiative, and a people-first mindset. She launched the Bank’s Client Experience Department, establishing new processes to incorporate customer feedback into business decisions and drive process enhancements. Her efforts have led to streamlined processes within in-branch and online experiences and improved transparency across departments.
A passionate advocate for professional development and community involvement, Winters served as Chair of the New Jersey Bankers Association Marketing Committee, a founding member of the NJ Bankers Emerging Leaders Network, and the New Jersey representative for the ABA Emerging Leaders Committee. Beyond her professional contributions, she is deeply involved in community service, serving on the Board of the United Way of Bergen County and supporting organizations such as Eva’s Village, The Phoenix Center, and Blankets of Hope.
Learn more about each member of ABA’s Emerging Leaders class of 2025.
