John Bhend, vice president of Eastwood Bank in Austin, has joined the American Bankers Association’s Agriculture and Rural Bankers Committee for the 2014-2015 association year.

The committee is made up of 11 agricultural and rural bankers from around the country. Members volunteer their time to provide guidance and recommendations to ABA. The committee meets three times per year.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this committee and I look forward to working with other ag bankers on educating and motivating industry leaders on issues facing rural communities,” Bhend said in a press release.

Bhend has nine years of agricultural banking experience and was previously with Wells Fargo. He attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

Bhend volunteers with the 4-H and Future Farmers of America. He serves on the Mower and Dodge County Corn and Soybean Growers Association and is a volunteer fireman.