Meet the Board: Q & A with LBA's Chairman Pat Biglane of Concordia Bank & Trust

As he begins his year as LBA's Chairman, Pat Biglane tells us about the biggest challenges he thinks banks face today and his goals as chairman of the Association for the upcoming year. 

We quizzed Pat below, but first, take a look at his impressive CV:

  • Has worked at Concordia Bank since 1979 and was named President and CEO in January of 1996
  • Served as a bank examiner for the Mississippi Department of Bank Supervision prior to coming to Concordia Bank
  • Graduate of Mississippi State University and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU
  • Currently serves as Vice Chairman of Natchez “NOW”, Ltd. and Secretary-Treasurer of Natchez Inc., the economic development authority for the Miss-Lou Region
  • Received the 2016 Concordian Man of the Year Award from the Concordia Parish Chamber of Commerce
  • Received the 2009 Natchezian of the Year Award from the Natchez Adams County Chamber of Commerce

Q & A with Pat Biglane

LBA: How did you first get into banking?

Biglane: When I graduated from college, I went to work for my dad and his partner in the oil business. At the time, the oil industry was booming, and just about everyone in our area was getting into the business. I soon felt the need to make my own way, and decided to pursue a change in my career. An area of interest was the banking industry. Looking into positions in the field of banking, I found the Mississippi Department of Bank Supervision was looking for field examiners. The only catch was, there was a hiring freeze for all state employees. The Governor was the only person who could hire an examiner. I was called and told that I had to interview with the governor. After my interview with Gov. Cliff Finch, I was told to report to work the next week! 

LBA: What attracted you to the role of LBA Chairman?

Biglane; After being involved with the LBA during my career, and serving on the board for three years, I saw how engaged the association was—working closely with state and federal regulatory authorities to develop legislation, regulations and policies which are beneficial to the banking industry. I never thought of being chairman until a good friend called and wanted to nominate me for the Treasurer’s position. That in itself was a great honor! Due to what the banking industry has meant to me and my family, I felt I needed to give back. I am proud to give my time and efforts to the industry to uphold the reputation and integrity of the LBA. 

LBA: What are the biggest challenges faced by banks today?

Biglane: The three biggest challenges face by banks today are: 

  1. Increased regulations—staying engaged in banking advocacy 
  2. FINTECH—staying up to date with new technologies that will meet your customer’s expectations and remaining competitive with nonbank entities
  3. Succession Planning for Directors and Senior Management

LBA: What are your goals as chairman of the Association for the upcoming year?

Biglane: My goal this year is to maintain the LBA’s leadership position in the banking industry—leading the charge of protecting community banking for our communities, the state of Louisiana and our country. The community banking industry needs every Louisiana banker’s support in advocating and promoting our cause. The LBA needs our help by going to Baton Rouge and Washington DC to tell Congress our stories of what community banking means to our communities. 

Another emphasis of the LBA is the Louisiana Bankers Education Foundation. The goal of the foundation is to raise $1 million for scholarship monies for Louisiana high school graduates. The foundation’s committed balance as of today is $873,000. We are only $127,000 away from reaching our goal. Currently, there are 125 banks in Louisiana. If every bank president in Louisiana would commit $1,000 to the foundation, we would increase the committed balance to $998,000! 

LBA: How do you spend your free time?

Biglane: I enjoy spending time with family—my wife, children and grandchildren are a top priority! Traveling and studying Civil War history are my favorite hobbies.