Spotlight on Leadership: Hazem Ahmed

Hazem was elected to the IBAT Leadership Division Board of Directors in June 2011 and is a Senior Vice President of Integrity Bank, Houston.

How did you get into the community banking industry?  My mother has worked at a community bank for most of her career.  When I turned 15-years-old, my parents felt the need to have me do something productive during summer vacation and that quickly turned into part time work at the bank.  I gave her a lot of grief that summer, and the three summers that followed. She always reminds me of how I used to tell her that I had no interest in the banking industry.

If you were not a community banker, what career would you most enjoy?  If money were not a concern, I would love to own and operate a sno-cone stand in Galveston, where I was born.  It is a fact that no one is ever upset while eating a sno-cone, and I like to be surrounded by happy customers.

Who is one of your mentors?  I have been blessed to have the same boss since I graduated college, a gentleman by the name of Mack Neff who is also the president of Integrity Bank.  He has been generous enough to teach me a great deal about our industry.  More importantly however, I appreciate the sound advice and guidance that he has shared during some major life experiences such as before I got married, or when my wife and I were expecting the birth of our two children.

What would people be surprised to know about you?  People may be surprised to know that I try to go fishing every opportunity I get, but that I am still no better at it than I was a few years ago.

What music do you listen to on your way to work?  Recently I have been listening to country music more than anything else.  However, most of my 45-minute commute is taken up with talk radio of all types.  I enjoy hearing the perspective of people that are vastly different.  I guess that applies to both country music and talk radio.

What social media do you use?  I have never in my life used Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace - but I do have a LinkedIn account and I do actually use it.

For your lifestyle (excluding cell phone and computer systems and programs), what is the most important invention of the last 30 years?  I know that they were created as opposed to invented but I am going to go with the Houston Texans.  I am a lifelong Houstonian and like so many I was deeply hurt by the Oilers leaving town.  While I do look forward to actually winning, I am nevertheless grateful for Mr. McNair “inventing” a local pro team.

Where is your favorite place to eat?  Central Texas BBQ in Pearland, my local BBQ joint.  What’s not to love about brisket, coleslaw, potato salad and sweet tea?

Why do you think the Leadership Division is important to community banking?  I think that our industry has changed a great deal in the last 25 years, and I know that it will continue to do so in the next 25 years.  I believe that we have to play a role in directing that change so that we can continue to serve our shareholders and clients to the best of our ability.

If you could sit down one-on-one with your Congressman, what is the one thing you’d tell him about community banking?  I would tell my Congressman that Community Banks are one of the most influential industries in any community.  Without the personal relationships that we provide to our clients, many of their industries would not have the ability to grow and thrive.  Therefore, Congressman, we deserve a great deal of your attention, consideration, and support!