“They don’t remember a copy/paste from a talking point. But they remember a personal written letter or a personal phone call,” Linville said. Leadership and Giving Back Banking is all about relationships. Linville cherishes the connections he has made since first becoming involved with an NBA committee 20 years ago. He recalled feeling welcomed and valued by more experienced bankers, which helped him grow as a banker. “I remember being a young banker at my first NBA committee meeting and thinking, ‘Man, there are a lot of seasoned, well-respected, bright bankers here.’ And they cared what I thought. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to stay involved. I have so much respect for the bankers that I’ve worked with over the years,” Linville said. Serving on numerous NBA committees during the past two decades has taught Linville new perspectives, shown him how others in the industry were tackling problems and helped him build relationships with peers in the banking world. Mentorships have always been important to Linville. Through his early banking career, he looked for and found mentors within the industry. As young bankers enter the industry, he urges experienced bankers to become mentors and encourages young bankers to seek out mentors within their bank. Linville said it’s a mutual relationship — mentors need the mentees and vice versa — to be able to bounce ideas off of and learn from one another. Looking Forward As the banking industry evolves, Linville is optimistic about its future. He has seen a change from a banking career being viewed as “stuffy” to a renewed sense of excitement about career opportunities. He said there is room for a variety of skills, from HR to compliance, IT to computer science, lending to bookkeeping, tellers and more. New technologies and opportunities in banking can also lead to new threats from fraudsters. One of Linville’s goals as NBA chair is to address the increasing prevalence and variety of scams and fraud. One way is by being able to quickly share information with members across the state when fraud and other issues arise. He also wants the NBA to be responsive and have open lines of communication among its members. As part of this initiative, the NBA holds monthly “Membership Updates” via Zoom to keep members informed of state and federal legislation affecting banks, upcoming NBA events and any other banking-related issues that arise across Nebraska. The NBA is a critical partner to banks of all sizes across the state. Linville fully understands that the NBA exists to serve its members, with bankers representing one another through volunteer leadership roles within the association. “I care deeply about the NBA, that it’s vibrant, growing and serving our members well into the future. There’s a need for the NBA — that’s why I chose to volunteer my time to serve. It’s had such a positive impact on me and our bank. I can’t imagine not having it. So, it’s important that it grows and thrives and, most importantly, is member-driven. That’s what it’s all about,” Linville said. More About Mark Mark Linville graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a bachelor’s degree in comprehensive business with a finance emphasis. He has also completed the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and was a member of the Nebraska LEAD Program Class 23. Linville has taken an active role within the banking industry, serving on the NBA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Government Relations Committee, BankPAC Committee, Education Advisory Committee and Voluntary Employee Benefits Association Board of Trustees. He has also been a member of the Community Bankers and Government Relations Councils with the American Bankers Association. A native of Broken Bow, Nebraska, Linville began his career at Bank Central and Central Insurance Agency in Beloit, Kansas. In 1992, he joined First State Bank and First State Insurance Agency in Randolph, Nebraska. Ten years later, he was promoted to president and CEO, a role he still holds today. He is also the founder and owner of a wealth management firm, 1st Financial Services, where he is a Series 7 investment advisor. His service extends to community and local leadership roles over the years. Linville has served as president of the Randolph Area Community Club, director of the Randolph Area Foundation and chairman of the Randolph Community Fair. Additionally, he has been a TeamMates mentor at Randolph Public School and a volunteer EMT with the Randolph Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Linville also volunteers with SYC of Northern Nebraska, an organization that helps youths with special needs, as well as Man 2 Man Prison Ministries and Merritt Youth Retreat for high-school-age young people. Outside of banking, Linville enjoys spending time with his family, camping, hunting and fishing. 10 NEBRASKA BANKER
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