James D. MacPhee, CEO of Kalamazoo County State Bank in Schoolcraft, Michigan, was recently elected as 2010-

2011 chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), the only trade association dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally-operated community banks and savings institutions.

“I am honored to be elected ICBA chairman,” MacPhee said. “It gives me the great privilege to work on behalf of community banks across the nation that offer superb customer service and common-sense financial products, working on behalf of their communities, and sticking with their customers even during these challenging times.”

As chairman, MacPhee will advocate before Congress to pass legislation that benefits community banks and their communities. He said his No. 1 goal this year is to end the doctrine of too-big-to-fail.

“I pledge to promote the creation of a systemic-risk regulator, a separate systemic-risk premium, and a systemic-risk fund,” MacPhee said. “I also pledge to do whatever I can to carry your message that regulatory overkill and forced write-downs on loans have had a negative effect on lending. I will also ensure that the administration, Congress, and regulators consider the impact of their decisions on community banks as a top priority.”

An industry veteran, Macphee brings years of experience to his new position. He has previously served as chairman of the congressional affairs and membership/marketing committees and as director-at-large of the ICBA executive committee, and he has represented the state of Michigan on the ICBA board of directors. In addition, MacPhee has been a member of many of the association’s standing committees and served as vice chairman of political action committee.

He has also held leadership positions in the Michigan Association of Community Bankers, where he served as director and president. Additionally, he is currently chairman and serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Association of Community Bankers Service Company.

Macphee has been with Kalamazoo County State Bank for 38 years, serving as CEO for the past 19 years. He is also a member of the board of directors of First State Bank in Decatur, Michigan, and he is a member of the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.