New president-elect to lead Independence Bank’s Warren County market

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Independence Bank is welcoming Travis Keller back as president-elect in Warren County.

According to a release by the company, Keller will work alongside current president, Brad Howard, during the transition.

Keller returns after spending 11 years as vice president and commercial loan officer at the company, according to the release. In addition, the bank says he joined its community Board of Directors in late 2025 after serving as chairman of the board for both the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Authority.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Market President for Independence Bank. This community is my home, and I’ve long admired Independence Bank’s unwavering commitment to local families, businesses and grassroots growth,” Keller said. “I am thrilled to lead such a dedicated team of banking professionals as we continue to invest in our local economy, foster meaningful relationships and help our neighbors achieve their financial goals.”

According to the bank, Keller has been a featured speaker at over 100 ribbon cuttings and economic development announcements and is a 23-year member and past president of the Bowling Green Rotary Club.

“Travis’s deep understanding of our business, people, clients and the broader community will provide tremendous value as we look toward the future,” Bank President Phil Riney said. “At the same time, we are fortunate to have Brad Howard continuing with our team, offering his experience and leadership to support the Bank through his transition and beyond. This succession plan demonstrates who we are as a Bank, committed to strong leadership, continuity and our long term-success.”

Keller is also a 2002 graduate of Western Kentucky University and holds degrees from Florida College and the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. Originally from Jonesboro, Arkansas, the company says he grew up in a family with deep roots in community banking and entrepreneurship. In fact, the release says his family owned a small community bank for 75 years.

Howard has served as market president in Warren County since 2009, the bank says. He will transition to the role of senior market advisor and community board member in early 2027, at which time Keller will assume the role of Warren County Market president.

“I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built, and Travis is exactly who I want to lead our Warren County market,” Howard reflected. “We have a great team in place, and I know that under Travis’s leadership, Independence Bank will continue to be a strong partner to the people, businesses and the community of Warren County.”

Independence Bank has served Bowling Green since 2003. The Bank’s signature location on Scottsville Road was opened in April 2012. The Bank also operates a second office on Fairview Avenue.