CHICAGO, IL, April 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Robert D. Gecht has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Gecht has been a pivotal figure at Albany Bank and Trust Co. NA ("Albank") since 1981, where he served as the president until 2024 and continues to serve as the board chair and chief executive officer. His primary responsibility is to determine the direction and strategic approach for the bank, which has grown from $100 million to $700 million in assets under his leadership. His thoughtful approach to financial matters has served the bank well, especially under challenging circumstances. Notably, Albank was one of only three Illinois banks that did not incur any losses during the "Great Recession" and was recently named by Newsweek magazine as the Midwest's top-rated regional bank headquartered in Chicago, the only one to earn a 5 star rating from Newsweek's analysts.

Mr. Gecht's deep understanding of customer needs has fostered a loyal client base. Albank is community-oriented, focusing on collaboration with local businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, and the real estate and manufacturing sectors. Mr. Gecht and his team are committed to supporting the community and have earned the trust of those they serve. This dynamic is evident in the bank's collaboration with two community leaders to establish a local development corporation, the Lawrence Avenue Development Corporation, making it the first bank in the nation to establish such an institution. LADCOR has played a critical role by developing plans for improving commercial and residential properties, streetscapes and built affordable for seniors so they could remain in the neighborhood.

After graduating from Harvard College in 1973 with a bachelor's degree cum laude, Mr. Gecht's career began with diverse roles in New York City, including selling men's cologne at Gimbels department store on Christmas Eve during what rapidly became a near riot as he and two other salesmen were called on to service 150 customers all desperate to purchase men's cologne in the last 30 minutes before the store closed. He transitioned to a paralegal position in Newark, New Jersey, which inspired him to pursue a law degree. He also enrolled in an MBA program, graduating with a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 1977. These qualifications laid the foundation for his subsequent role at a Massachusetts Institute of Technology "think tank," where he conducted cost-benefit analyses on proposed OSHA regulations. His expertise allowed him to testify before a U.S. Senate subcommittee in Washington, D.C., on these matters. It was an exciting time for a new graduate.

After working at MIT for one year, Mr. Gecht returned to law and practiced for several years before transitioning to the financial industry. He accepted a position at a downtown bank in Chicago working out of problem loans and eventually worked his way to Albank. At the time of his hire, the bank faced serious issues with an investigation that discovered fraudulent practices at the executive level. However, under Mr. Gecht's leadership, the bank's integrity and reputation were restored.

Mr. Gecht is also involved in real estate. He was the managing partner of a 254-room hotel in downtown Chicago and a 400,000-square-foot suburban shopping center. Fortunately, he sold both at a profit before the Covid pandemic decimated the hospitality and the traditional shopping center businesses. Mr. Gecht transitioned to residential and loft commercial real estate. He and his longtime business partner currently own approximately 1,500 apartments on the north side of Chicago. They also manage commercial spaces and have transformed 1,000,000 square feet of obsolete and largely vacant industrial properties along the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor into modern loft offices. These properties operate at a vacancy rate less than one quarter of one percent.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Gecht is actively engaged in civic organizations. He is a life trustee of the Francis W. Parker School, a private progressive school in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, and serves as a governing member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His commitment to community service extends to Albank being the first sponsor of the Albany Park Theater Project, which has won accolades across the country, including The New York Times. His dedication to community service and banking excellence has solidified his reputation as a trusted leader in Chicago's financial sector.

Mr. Gecht attributes his success to several factors, including just being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. He does note, however, that the harder he works, the luckier he gets.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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