Phalen Kuckuck

Phalen Kuckuck is the communications director for the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA). In this role he develops and implements strategies and executive messaging in alignment with ICBA's mission through proactive media relations execution with a focus on advocacy. He also works to elevate ICBA’s thought leaders and subject-matter experts leveraging a variety of channels.

Prior to joining ICBA he was a media relations lead at the Mercatus Center, where he promoted policy ideas of leading scholars including a former vice-chairman of the FDIC and president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve. Kuckuck previously worked at the public affairs firms PLUS Communications and Penta Group, ran political campaigns in West Virginia, and served as an assistant in the West Virginia state legislature.

Phalen holds a B.A. from Ohio University and completed graduate study in public policy through Pepperdine University.