ARTICLE
During The MAIN Event held September 10, the Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) announced that David Gates, vice president and chief information officer at Clackamas County Bank, was the recipient of the 2026 OBA Presidential Award for his outstanding leadership as chair of the OBA Technology Committee. The OBA Presidential Award is given annually to one of OBA’s peer group chairs in recognition of their exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to their peers and Oregon’s banking industry. OBA’s committees and roundtables are led by volunteer bankers who serve two-year terms, helping shape meeting agendas, bring forward timely issues, connect members with one another, and create valuable opportunities for education and peer collaboration. As chair of the Technology Committee, Gates has distinguished himself as an outstanding facilitator and advisor. He consistently brings forward timely topics and engaging speakers while keeping discussions focused on the technology issues that matter most to bankers today. His ability to engage participants and create an environment where members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences has helped make the Technology Committee a valuable resource for its members. “David understands that the value of a peer group goes beyond the agenda or the speakers. It’s about the relationships, ideas, and experiences that members take away from being part of it,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the OBA. “He genuinely believes in the value of the peer group experience. In fact, he recently told us that, of all the various meetings that occupy his schedule, OBA Technology Committee meetings are by far his favorite. That kind of enthusiasm says a lot.” In addition to his leadership of the Technology Committee, Gates has contributed to OBA through his service on the board of Synergy by Association, OBA’s for-profit subsidiary. Through both roles, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting his peers and strengthening Oregon’s banking industry. “David’s leadership of the Technology Committee has been exceptional,” Bruun said. “He focuses on creating value for participants, guides discussions toward the issues that matter most, and consistently fosters the kind of open exchange that makes an OBA peer group successful. We are grateful for his dedication, leadership and service to Oregon banking.” The Presidential Award was established 25 years ago to recognize the volunteer peer group chairs who go above and beyond in their service to OBA and their fellow bankers. David Gates, vice president and chief information officer at Clackamas County Bank, and recipient of the 2026 OBA Presidential Award for his outstanding leadership as chair of the OBA Technology Committee.