Zahn receives Distinguished Service Award
FOR RELEASE: Thursday, September 16, 2004
Huntington, Ind. "The Huntington College Foundation's Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mr. Stephen Zahn, president, CEO and chairman of the board at First Federal Savings Bank in Huntington, at the Foundation's annual dinner last evening. Zahn was presented the award by Huntington College president Blair Dowden and Huntington College Foundation president Dennis McNeely. At last evening's banquet, before an audience of 130 regional business leaders, McNeely read the following citation in honor of Zahn.
Stephen Zahn
Huntington College Foundation
Distinguished Service Citation
Today we honor Stephen Zahn for his extraordinary service both to Huntington College and to Huntington County as a tireless volunteer, public servant and extraordinary leader. Steve has invested countless hours of service to improving economic, educational and service opportunities in Huntington County.
Steve Zahn graduated from Marquette University in 1964, and joined his father, William E. Zahn, at First Federal Savings Bank in Huntington. In 1980, Steve was elected President and Chief Executive Officer upon the retirement of William after 17 years as president. In 1991, Steve was elected Chairman of the Board for the Bank.
Under Steve's leadership, the second and third locations of First Federal Savings Bank in Huntington were erected. In 1995, Steve led the conversion of First Federal Savings Bank from mutual charter to a stock savings bank. The Bank received the Seventh Annual R.M. Hafner Business Citizen of the Year Award, given by the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce. The bank earned the prestigious award for its activism and support in the Huntington community.
Currently First Federal, under its holding company, Northeast Indiana Bancorp, Inc. (NEIB), is the only local publicly traded company in Huntington. With three Huntington locations, Steve continues his service at the Bank as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.
In addition to his work locally, Steve has shown leadership in the banking industry both at the state and national level. With 40 years in banking, Steve has served as Chairman of the Indiana League of Savings Institutions, past board member of the Federal Home Loan Bank and currently serves on the board of the American Community Bankers in Washington, D.C.
Over the years, Steve has served the Huntington community through a variety of organizations. Because of his service, he was named Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe in 1990. This annual award is the highest honor that is bestowed on an individual that has dedicated years of service to the community.
Steve has also played a significant role at Huntington College, supporting the institution through his time and resources. He has been actively involved with the Community Campaign Committee, the Campaign Steering Committee and the Advancement Committee. He served a term as President of the Huntington College Foundation and Board of Trustee member.
The Huntington College Foundation Distinguished Service Award honors those whose life embodies the very principles associated with the mission of the College. Recipients are those who give substance and credence to our beliefs, who serve as effective role models for our students, and who are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the local community. Recipients' actions, as well as their words, bear persuasive witness to their commitment to the College and community. Their lives illustrate their commitment to the ideals of integrity, service, compassion, responsibility, faithfulness, discipline, and generosity.
Stephen Zahn, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Huntington College Foundation, and in recognition of your outstanding leadership and service to Huntington College and the local community, I present you with the Huntington College Foundation's Distinguished Service Award.
Awarded this sixteenth day of September, 2004.
