Iowa Banking Superintendent Appointment

IA Div of Banking News

Published January 1st, 2024

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Governor Kim Reynolds announced the appointment of James Johnson as the new Superintendent of Banking for the Iowa Division of Insurance and Financial Services, effective January 1, 2024. Johnson will replace Jeff Plagge, who is retiring.

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What changed

Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed James Johnson as the new Superintendent of Banking for the Iowa Division of Insurance and Financial Services, effective January 1, 2024. Johnson, currently President and CEO of PCSB Bank, brings extensive experience in the banking industry, particularly in rural Iowa. This appointment follows the retirement of Jeff Plagge, who has served as Superintendent since 2019.

This is an administrative appointment and does not impose new regulatory requirements or obligations on regulated entities. Compliance officers should note the change in leadership and the effective date of the new Superintendent's tenure. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate.

Source document (simplified)

Gov. Reynolds Appoints James Johnson as Superintendent of Banking

Monday, December 18, 2023
News

James Johnson

Gov. Reynolds announced the appointment of James Johnson of Gravity to serve as the next Superintendent of Banking in the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services beginning January 1, 2024.

“James is a proven leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the banking industry that was forged in rural Iowa,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “His forward-thinking nature will serve him and the industry well as he protects the interests of those doing business with Iowa banks and other consumer lenders.”

“I’m excited and honored to be named the State of Iowa’s next Superintendent of Banking,” Johnson said. “Iowa’s banks play a pivotal role in the communities they serve and Iowa’s overall economy. I look forward to serving the people of Iowa in this important role.”

Johnson currently serves as the President and CEO of PCSB Bank, a family-owned community bank located in Clarinda. He has been with PCSB Bank in a variety of roles since 2000. He has served on the Board of the Iowa Bankers Association, where he also chaired the group’s Agriculture Committee. Johnson graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business. He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Johnson will replace Jeff Plagge who has announced that he will retire at the end of the year. Plagge has served as the Superintendent of Banking since September of 2019.

“I’d like to thank Jeff for his commendable service to the state of Iowa and ensuring that this transition of leadership at the Iowa Division of Banking will allow Iowa to continue our tradition of great banking regulation leadership,” Governor Reynolds said.

The Superintendent of Banking is appointed to a four-year term by the Governor and the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate.