Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced he will leave his position as CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable – and he may be headed right back into politics.
Pawlenty is in his sixth year as CEO of FSR, the advocacy organization for the financial services industry. In a press release announcing his decision, Pawlenty said he will step down in March.
“FSR is now poised to provide even more focused and effective service for our members going forward,” he said in the release. “Over the past five years, I have enjoyed leading FSR’s efforts to improve cybersecurity, retirement savings, consumer-friendly financial service technology, and financial literacy.”
“Tim will be really missed,” FSR Chairman and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said in the release, “but we are thankful for his effective and collegial leadership on behalf of the financial services industry which helps finance America's economy and provide the financial infrastructure that every consumer uses every day.”
Fellow trade associations offered their well-wishes to Pawlenty as he steps down.
“I commend Tim for his work in leading FSR’s efforts over the past five years,” Independent Community Bankers of America President and CEO Camden R. Fine said. “He’s been an incredibly effective leader who has made a positive mark on his organization and the industry. It was always a privilege to work with him when FSR and ICBA’s objectives aligned. I wish him all the best as he moves on to his next endeavor.”
Consumer Bankers Association President and CEO Richard Hunt said he enjoyed working with Pawlenty.
“Under his trademark ‘Minnesota nice’ demeanor, Tim has always been a dedicated fellow advocate for the banking industry and a leader on cybersecurity initiatives during his time at FSR,” Hunt said in a release.
The association may soon get more chances to work with Pawlenty. A report by Politico quoted Pawlenty’s longtime adviser in saying that he will consider another run for the governor’s house in Minnesota.
“Gov. Pawlenty is considering running for governor and will be talking with Minnesotans over the coming weeks to assess support and gather advice,” Brian McClung, a former aide and longtime adviser, told Politico.