Richard Moore, the president of Peoples Southern Bank, was elected president of the Alabama Bankers Association for 2009-2010.

“I appreciate the opportunity to do it and look forward to doing it,” Moore said of his new position.

The Bankers Association, a trade organization representing approximately 140 Alabama banks, provides legislative involvement on behalf of its members.

“We deal with some legislative matters, so we have to coordinate questions concerning that that affect the banking industry,” Moore said.

The Bankers Association also provides educational and income-generating opportunities.

“It’s just an ongoing process coming up with good programs for the banking industry,” Moore said.

Moore, a 30-year veteran of the banking industry, became involved with the Association by attending meetings and seminars it held. He was then asked to be on the board, and several years ago he became an officer.

This year, he was one of the officers nominated to hold the presidential position, and was then elected president.

As Moore assumes the role of president of the Association, he realizes this is a challenging time for the industry.

“I hope that our economy improves,” Moore said. “Banks are obviously having a difficult time.”