Darrell Higginbotham retired in December after 16 years as the Daviess County President at Independence Bank, and Nick Oller has been named as the successor to the position.
Officials said the joy that Higginbotham got from his 44-year career in banking was evident in everything he did, and that his presence and impact will forever be felt at Independence Bank.
“When I think of Darrell, wonderful things come to mind,” said Chris Reid, Chairman and CEO. “What a great leader he is, a great father and a role model for everyone here at Independence Bank. He is one of the best business partners I have ever had and I cherish our friendship. … He has made quite the impact during his time here, and his absence will be felt just as strongly.”
Higginbotham was first appointed Daviess County President at Independence Bank in 2004 after moving to Owensboro from Somerset. Under his leadership the Bank grew from $186 million to $889 million in deposits.
While his career leaves a trail of impressive numbers, his personal impact will be a big part of his legacy at the Bank and in the Owensboro community.
Higginbotham has been a community advocate over the years, making an impact in sectors from education to economic development. He served as the Chairman of several prominent boards, and was a longstanding member of the Brescia University Board of Trustees and the Owensboro Health Foundation Board.
For his work, he was honored with the Kentucky Department of Education Award and the Joseph W. Kelly Award in 2014. He was named GRADD’s Charles Reid Regional Citizenship Award in 2017 and awarded the Mayor’s Distinction upon his retirement this past year.
Some of the projects he’s most passionate about include helping to organize the Feed Seniors Now program and the Bank’s opportunity to be a part of the Owensboro Public School District’s literacy initiative.
“The impression Darrell made before he even came to Independence Bank was evident by the overwhelming reception we saw as he stepped into the Daviess County President role. The impact he made here was immediate,” said Jacob Reid, Independence Bank President. “But that impact went far beyond the numbers. While he grew Independence Bank to four times what it initially was in Owensboro, what truly made a difference was his leadership. Darrell inspires others to be the best version of themselves.”
Darrell has served as a mentor to Oller, a senior retail lender and corporate underwriter who will be stepping into the role of Daviess County President.
Oller credits much of his success to Higginbotham’s leadership and guidance.
“His guidance and actions are what inspired me to achieve my goals and to pursue an opportunity like the one that I have been given,” Oller said. “My heart has always been one that enjoys helping others to accomplish their goals and to hold the position of Daviess County President is an honor that allows me to be part of a team that is truly revolutionary. This past year may have been full of obstacles, but our team sought out the opportunities and that exemplifies why we always say, we have the very best people. I truly believe the best is yet to come.”
Oller joined the Bank in 2003 while in college, and he earned promotions to various positions and departments over the years.
“From day one, Nick has always gone above and beyond no matter what role he served in,” said Jacob Reid. He has tackled every project and responsibility during his time here with heart and never-ending enthusiasm. He is the definition of leading by example, and I know that our entire team is excited to see him step into this new role.”
Oller is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and the Graduate School of Banking, Colorado. He has been actively involved in the Daviess County Public School System over the years, serving in various volunteer leadership capacities for their Foundation and other committees. He served on the Junior Achievement Board of Directions, as well as the Southern Little League Board and was a member of Emerge Owensboro.
Oller and his wife Kelly are lifetime residents of Daviess County and have two children — Grant, 18 and Kaden, 14.
