The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Kathy Smith, Founder & Principal of BCC in Plano, with the 2025 IBAT Chairman’s Award. Smith was presented the prestigious award during IBAT’s 51st Annual Convention held September 20-23 in Fort Worth.
The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, selected solely at the discretion of the IBAT chairman. It is given to individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the community banking industry, going above and beyond the call of duty.
Kathy is a Founder and Principal of Bank Compensation Consulting (BCC), a firm she co-founded in 2004 specializing in bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) consulting and executive compensation strategies for financial institutions. With over two decades of leadership in banking consulting and more than 30 years of experience in the insurance and financial industries, Kathy has guided BCC into a trusted partner for community banks.
A recognized expert in executive compensation, Kathy works closely with banks, accountants, attorneys, and consultants to create coordinated financial strategies that enhance profitability and support executive talent retention. She frequently presents seminars and teaches courses on compensation and financial planning for banking professionals through national and state financial associations, including the Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. Under her leadership, BCC has received industry accolades, including the IBAT Five*Star Award in 2021, reflecting the firm’s excellence in serving community banks.
For more information about the Chairman’s Award, please visit www.ibat.org.