Bruceton Mills, WV, June 3, 2025 — Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), today announced its seventh annual 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders list. The program honors emerging community bank professionals who are optimizing operations, driving innovation, fighting fraud, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Chase Thomas, vice president of finance and analytics at Clear Mountain Bank, was selected as one of this year’s honorees.

“Congratulations to this year’s 40 Under 40 honorees, who reflect the future of community banking—forward-thinking community bankers deeply committed to the financial prosperity of local communities,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Chase embodies these qualities and has been recognized for helping Clear Mountain Bank meet the needs of their community.”

The June issue of Independent Banker showcases how this year’s honorees are shaping the future of community banking while staying true to the core values of relationship-based banking. Chosen from a competitive pool of nominations, the 40 Under 40 honorees were selected based on character, leadership, community involvement, and innovation. The program is sponsored by FIS, a leading provider of financial technology solutions.

“Being named to the 40 Under 40 list by ICBA is both humbling and inspiring,” said Thomas. “It’s a privilege to work with a team that’s passionate about community impact, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of North Central West Virginia through Clear Mountain Bank.”

Thomas has been with Clear Mountain Bank since 2013, holding various positions with the bank during his career, including controller, associate accountant, and business development and product specialist. Thomas also serves as a board member for the West Virginia Bankers Association Future Leaders Council and Board of Directors for State Bancorp, Inc.

Thomas is a native of Morgantown and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from West Virginia University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Carnegie Mellon University. Thomas is active with several community organizations, including the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, where he is serving as the festival’s general chairman for 2025.

“Watching Chase grow throughout his time with the bank has been inspiring,” said David M. Thomas, president and CEO of Clear Mountain Bank. “Chase exemplifies each of our core values and brings enthusiasm and passion to both his work within the bank, as well as his volunteer efforts throughout the communities we serve. He is the true definition of a community banker, and we are blessed and proud to have him on the Clear Mountain team.”

About Clear Mountain Bank

Clear Mountain Bank is an award-winning community bank that has been serving North Central West Virginia and western Maryland for more than 130 years. The bank has received numerous readers’ choice accolades, including Best of Morgantown, Best of Harrison, and Preston County’s Top Picks. With a focus on innovation and exceptional customer service, the bank offers a full range of financial solutions and is widely recognized for excellence in financial services and community involvement. Additional information is available at www.clearmountain.bank.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.