OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF KANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 5 2025 2025 CEO & Senior Management Summit/Annual Meeting Highlights
©2025 The Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. The Kansas Banker is published six times per year by The newsLINK Group LLC for KBA and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of KBA, its board of directors or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. The Kansas Banker is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of KBA. While a first-print policy is encouraged, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. Executive Doug Wareham, President & CEO Kathy Taylor, JD, EVP, General Counsel Terri Thomas, JD, EVP, Legal Services Director Alex Greig, President, KBA Insurance Inc. Brenda L. Unruh, EVP — Director of Education, Communications & Strategic Partnerships Administration Eric Stofer, SVP, Chief Financial Officer Sara Blubaugh, SVP, Administration & Board Secretary Kelly VanZwoll, JD, SVP, Government Relations/Staff Attorney Julie Taylor, VP, Computer & Information Systems Manager J.W. Wells, Ag Division Coordinator/ Government Relations Assistant Rayanna Breashears, Administration & Special Projects Coordinator Emma Thompson, Admin Intern Education & Conferences LeAnn Mott, VP, Education & Conferences Natalie Wareham, AVP, Education & Conferences Alana Seelbach, AVP, Events/Office Coordinator Communications & Marketing Bree Hull, AVP, Communications & Marketing Insurance Elizabeth Roche, SVP, Employee Benefits Administration, KBA Insurance Inc. Jenny Figge, SVP, Operations, KBA Insurance Inc. Kent Owens, SVP, KBA Insurance Inc. Cole Thompson, AVP, KBA Insurance Inc. Samantha Lee, AVP, Employee Benefits, KBA Insurance Inc. Clinton Moore, Agency Service Representative Legal Services Jamie Cosgrove, JD, SVP, Legal Department Manager Gwen Hill, JD, VP, BCS Attorney Bobby Young, JD, VP, BCS Attorney Adeel Syed, JD, VP, BCS Attorney Kerry Clark, JD, AVP, Publications Editor/Staff Attorney Sarah Lynch-Chaput, JD, AVP, Staff Attorney Meridith DeForest, AVP, Administrative Legal Assistant Tom Thomsen, JD, BCS Coordinator Darby Leitch, Legal Intern Lexi Koresh, Legal Intern Compliance First Banking Solutions Dylan Serrault, JD, SVP, CFBS Manager Jeff Narron, VP, CFBS Assistant Manager Neal Barclay, VP, Auditor Sarah Weltmer, VP, Compliance Operations Specialist Shannon Capps, VP, Compliance Operations Specialist Hannah Schroller-Simpson, JD, VP, Compliance Operations Specialist Lew Walton, JD, AVP, Auditor Heather Williams, AVP, Compliance Operations Specialist Gabe Walker, JD, AVP, Auditor Lindsay Bryant, AVP, Compliance Operations Specialist Kat Eusey-Zuckerman, JD, Auditor CONTENTS 4 MESSAGE FROM KBA CHAIRMAN JULIE HOWER Customer Service: The Foundation Upon Which We are Built 6 WASHINGTON UPDATE Shaping the Future of Stablecoins By Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association 8 2025 CEO & Senior Management Summit/Annual Meeting Highlights 15 Celebrating a Century of Family Banking: The Butcher/Fairbank Family First National Bank in Cimarron (Formerly Known as Gray County State Bank) 19 Picturing Kansas 20 Briefly in Kansas Banking 22 50-Year Club Awards 24 Meet the New KBA Board Members 26 2025 BLOK Session III 2025 BLOK Training Travels to Wichita 28 Prestigious Banking and Leadership Diplomas Awarded to Wisconsin Banking Professionals 30 Introducing KBA’s Newest Strategic Partner, Market HR Services By Alex Greig, President, KBA Insurance Inc. 32 From Compliance to Competitive Edge Insights on Data in Banking By Lewis “Mac” Garber, Partner, Forvis Mazars 3
MESSAGE FROM KBA CHAIRMAN JULIE HOWER Customer Service: The Foundation Upon Which We are Built “Whatever you do, make sure the customer is taken care of first.” These words ring true in my head as I think of some of the best advice I’ve been given through my banking career. Community banks are a mainstay of whatever town they are located in. Whether a town of 500 or 500,000, it is usually the case that the bank is the business that has been there for everything. There are many things that can be singled out as components to creating the longevity that community banks enjoy, but to me, there is one that is the most important: customer service. Today, when a regulator asks about knowing your customer, they mean do you know their social security number and that they have a good address. They want to know if you know whether or not they are a politically exposed person or if they are running a money service business. Customer service in a community bank goes deeper than that. At a community bank, a customer is greeted every time they walk in the door, usually by first name. Now, while this is a good bank security protocol, most community bank employees aren’t thinking security when they say hello; they are just being friendly. And in community banks, customer service usually goes beyond a first name. There are conversations in my bank all the time about how kids, or grandkids, are doing. How the local sports teams fared this past week, whether people are attending the local community activities coming up this week, and, yes, even a drop or two of some juicy gossip. And this is what customers expect — and what they deserve — when they walk into their community bank. More than once, I have overheard a customer talking about going into other businesses and not getting good service. I have also received phone calls from customers when they felt they didn’t get the best service they could have. Thankfully, I find those issues easy to resolve. By making sure bank employees are meeting the standards that our customers expect, we can make lasting partnerships — some that go for multiple generations. Being a fifth-generation banker, I have experienced some of those long-time customers. I once had a customer come in and borrow $100 for a day, just to say he had been involved in borrowing from all five generations at the bank. He told me about how he remembered coming to the bank as a kid with his dad so his dad could talk to my great-grandfather about a loan. We must have done something right along the way to keep his family’s business for so long. The nice thing is that good customer service is not a difficult thing to obtain. I think every employee is inclined to be friendly. Sometimes they just need to be coached and encouraged to take that next step. They shouldn’t be afraid to spend a few extra minutes chatting with their customers and learning about them. It seems that in today’s world, everything is rushed and needs to be done yesterday. I find that taking that extra time not only makes the customer feel more appreciated, but the number of errors also decreases because the employee does not feel so stressed. And I get it: Sometimes the customer is in a hurry, and employees need to recognize that as well, which is part of having great customer service. Customer service in our industry is the foundation upon which our businesses are built. It’s about building relationships, instilling confidence and creating a positive and secure experience for our customers. I’m proud to be a community banker and am grateful we have been able to serve customers here for five generations. While lobby traffic has decreased a little over time with the introduction of internet and mobile banking, there are customers who are still looking for that friendly personal service. We should all strive to offer the best customer service in our area and ensure that we are around to offer the same great service for generations to come. Sincerely, Julie Hower President & CEO, Farmers & Drovers Bank, Council Grove 4
Earlier this summer, President Trump signed into law the GENIUS Act, a long-awaited bill that will kickstart the development of a new regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S. Stablecoins like Tether, Circle and others, currently have a market cap of about $275 billion — a relatively small fraction of the total money supply in the U.S. Nonetheless, interest in stablecoins has grown rapidly in recent months. In simple terms, stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value over time and that are pegged to a reference asset like the U.S. dollar on a one-to-one basis. They can function as both a store of value and a means of payment, and several potential use cases are starting to emerge, from cross-border payments to integration into smart contracts. ABA has been closely following the conversations around the future of stablecoins, and we were engaged on behalf of our members as lawmakers debated and refined the GENIUS Act prior to its passage. Our input, which included feedback from bankers and our state association alliance partners, helped shape a better legislative outcome for the banking industry, though, as with most pieces of legislation, there remain areas we’d like to see improved. Among our top priorities was ensuring that banks are not disintermediated by stablecoin issuers incentivizing customers to hold their money in the form of stablecoins instead of bank deposits. We also advocated for a framework that would ensure that America’s banks have the freedom to participate in the stablecoin ecosystem if they choose. With the GENIUS Act now law, bank and credit union subsidiaries, along with national trusts and nonbanks, can apply to become stablecoin issuers. However, lawmakers included a key exclusion for non-financial public companies to maintain an important firewall between banking and commerce — a principle ABA has long supported. The law also includes several key prohibitions applied to payment stablecoin issuers that ABA supports, including those preventing pledging of stablecoin reserves, paying interest or yield to holders of payment stablecoins and the misrepresentation of insured status of payment stablecoins, among other things. As I write this, we are actively engaged on the Hill, trying to strengthen some of these provisions through separate but related digital asset legislation focused on market structure. The GENIUS Act places rulemaking authority in the hands of the banking agencies, which means that banker engagement will continue to be critical in the months ahead as these rules are crafted, as more than a dozen rulemakings are expected related to this new law. ABA is continuing to engage through its Digital Assets Working Group — a banker-driven advisory panel that convenes ABA members from across the country, led by our Office of Innovation. We have also made a comprehensive suite of resources — including a full summary of the GENIUS Act and associated rulemakings — available for our members at aba.com/stablecoin. More than 2,100 bankers participated in a recent ABA webinar on the topic. As we work to shape the future of stablecoin regulation, ABA remains committed to helping banks responsibly meet customer demand for digital assets, including stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies, while mitigating the risks these emerging products and technologies may pose to consumers and the broader financial system. Our goal will always be a fair and level playing field on which banks and other financial service providers can compete. Email Rob at nichols@aba.com. WASHINGTON UPDATE Shaping the Future of Stablecoins By Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association 6
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2025 CEO & Senior Management Summit/Annual Meeting Highlights The 40th Anniversary Summit at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs was nothing short of spectacular! More than 500 attendees gathered to hear an outstanding lineup of speakers and connect with our incredible sponsors. Take a look at some of this year’s highlights. KBA Chairman’s Address KBA Chair Gene Dikeman, Bank of the Plains, Hutchinson, opened the CEO Summit by celebrating a strong year for Kansas bankers and the KBA, marked by reduced regulatory burdens. He shared KBA’s “Top Ten” accomplishments, including passage of the ACRE Act, which is already lowering ag real estate interest rates, and the adoption of public funds reform returning over $1 billion to Kansas communities. Gene also highlighted and expanded on insurance and employee benefits offerings for bank employees statewide. Mountainside Policy Chat with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and ABA President & CEO Rob Nichols KBA Chair Gene Dikeman and KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham were joined by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and ABA President & CEO Rob Nichols for a Washington, D.C., Policy Chat covering a wide array of issues ranging from the implementation of the ACRE Act to the adoption of a federal policy framework for stablecoins to ABA’s recently announced recommendations for FDIC Deposit Insurance Reform. Senator Moran presented former KBA Chair and longtime ACRE Act advocate Leonard Wolfe, United Bank & Trust, Marysville (left) and KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham (right) with framed redline copies of the Access to Credit for Rural Economy (ACRE) Act provision included in the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump on July 4. The redline copies included President Trump’s signature. Update from the OSBC State Bank Commissioner David Herndon provided timely updates from the OSBC, highlighting regulatory developments, industry trends and key priorities directly impacting Kansas banks. He emphasized the resilience and strength of Kansas banks, which continue to play a vital role in supporting their communities and driving local economic growth. (L-R) KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, ABA President & CEO Rob Nichols and KBA Chairman Gene Dikeman, Bank of the Plains, Hutchinson David Herndon, State Bank Commissioner 8
KBA Insurance Special Guests On stage, Alex Greig and Elizabeth Roche of KBA Insurance Inc. were joined by Matt All of BCBS and Dennis Schlaffer of Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions for a conversation on the most pressing insurance issues facing community bankers. What followed was a conversation that dove into the biggest costs and concerns community bankers have regarding health insurance and bank insurance. Matt shared how BCBS is working to keep health care costs affordable, taking steps such as engaging local providers to find the best options and working with drug companies to lower costs. Dennis spoke about the risks bankers and bank board members face in today’s litigious environment. He encouraged bankers in the room to review policies to ensure that they do not have exclusions that would lead to a loss. Special 40th Anniversary Guest We were thrilled to welcome Rob Riggle — beloved actor, comedian and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel — to the Summit! Sharing the stage with KBA President Doug Wareham, also a retired Marine, the two veterans sparked a lively and fun exchange that set the tone for the session. Known for his quick wit and larger-than-life personality, Rob energized the room during a special Q&A, blending hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood with inspiring experiences from his military service. He also shared leadership lessons that resonated deeply with attendees. The session was an unforgettable mix of laughter, insight and motivation — a true highlight of the Summit. KBA’s Kathy Taylor, JD Receives Flint Factor Award for Dedicated Service and Leadership We celebrated Kathy Taylor, JD, KBA’s EVP and General Counsel, with a special retirement tribute recognizing her years of dedicated service and leadership. Her impact on the Kansas banking community continues to inspire us all as she prepares for her exciting next chapter. Thank you, Kathy. We look forward to celebrating your official KBA retirement in January. Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Update — Miki Bowman We were honored to welcome Kansas native Miki Bowman, Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, to the KBA Summit. Her insights on banking supervision, regulation and the evolving financial landscape were both timely and impactful. Joining Miki on stage was former KBA Board Chair Mark Schifferdecker, Chairman, President & CEO of GNBank, Girard. Eric Kelley, UMB Economist Eric Kelley, economist at UMB Bank, closed out the KBA Summit with a dynamic analysis of the economic road ahead. He broke down the latest interest rate trends, inflation pressures and market movements, offering clear insights into how these forces are likely to shape the (L-R) Dennis Schlaffer, Chief Underwriting Officer, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions; Matt All, CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBS); Alex Greig, President, KBA Insurance, Inc. and Elizabeth Roche, SVP, Employee Benefits, KBA Insurance Inc. (L-R) KBA President Doug Wareham with Rob Riggle, American Actor, Comedian and Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel 9
banking industry in the coming months. His presentation also explored broader economic indicators, sector performance forecasts and potential policy shifts on the horizon. KBA Proudly Welcomes New Board Chair In a time-honored tradition, outgoing Board Chair Gene Dikeman presented incoming Board Chair Julie Hower with the symbolic KBA watch, marking the official transition of leadership. Meet your 2025-2026 Officer Team Jim Maag Golf Scramble Winners A big thank you to Central States Capital Markets for sponsoring the traveling golf trophy. Your support makes this tradition truly special! Congratulations to This Year's 50-Year Club Award Recipients Century of Family Banking Award — The Butcher/ Fairbank Family Congratulations to the Butcher/Fairbank family for a century of dedication to serving their communities! Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation The Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation’s (KBEF) 5th Annual Auction & Raffle was a record-breaking success, raising $51,013, the highest total in the event’s history! Proceeds will directly support KBEF’s mission to provide scholarships for (L-R) KBA's Doug Wareham, Chair-Elect Kendal Kay, Stockgrowers State Bank in Ashland, Chairman Julie Hower, Farmers & Drovers Bank in Council Grove, Past-Chair Gene Dikeman, Bank of the Plains in Hutchinson, and Vice-Chair Kyle Campbell, Astra Bank in Abilene This year's winning team posing with Dan Stepp (far left) and Connor Stepp (far right) of Central States Capital Markets is Roger White, Charles Derby, Kenny Wilk and William Wilk (not pictured) from First State Bank & Trust in Tonganoxie with a score of 54! R.A. Edwards, Bank Director, First National Bank & Trust of Hutchinson (former Chairman/CEO) Barney Horton, Farmers Bank & Trust, Atwood, Chair Emeritus (former Chairman/CEO) Trenton Fairbank, First National Bank of Cimarron, receives the Century of Family Banking Award. 10
future banking professionals, promote career opportunities in the Kansas banking industry and deliver financial literacy programs across the state. We sincerely thank our donors, sponsors and bidders for their contributions. Your support makes a lasting impact on both the Kansas banking industry and the communities it serves. A big shout-out to our newest KBEF Legacy Donors! These generous individuals have each committed $10,000 to the Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation. Thank you for your strong support. Retiring KBA Board Members We extend our sincere appreciation to these individuals for their dedicated service and steadfast commitment to our association, Kansas banks and the bankers we serve. Distinguished Award for Service on the Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation Board of Directors Save The Date The 2026 KBA CEO & Senior Management Summit returns to The Broadmoor on August 6-8, 2026. Reserve your room today by calling (855) 634-7711 and requesting the Kansas Bankers Association room block. If a night is sold out, ask to be added to the waitlist. Last year, the block was filled by October, so don’t wait! (L-R) Frank Carson III, Chairman of the Board of Carson Bank in Mulvane, was honored with his award, presented by Mark Schifferdecker, President & CEO of GNBank in Girard. Enjoy peace of mind abroad. KBA 1025 An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Protect your plans and your family’s health with travel medical insurance: • Hospital, doctor and prescription coverage • Emergency medical evacuation • 24/7 global support in 180+ countries • English-speaking, western-trained doctors Learn more at bcbsks.com/travel 11
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Celebrating a Century of Family Banking: The Butcher/Fairbank Family First National Bank in Cimarron (Formerly Known as Gray County State Bank) In 1904, a man by the name of Detroit Francisco and his son, San Francisco, started the Gray County State Bank with $10,000 in cash. Sixteen years later, the bank offered a job to a young farmer by the name of Ruel V. (R.V.) Butcher, and he started there on Jan. 1, 1920, with an annual salary of $1,200. R.V. had arrived in Gray County, Kansas, 19 years earlier with his parents on a train from West Virginia, homesteading on a ranch east of Cimarron, Kansas. He started out sweeping sidewalks and helping anywhere else he was needed, and he quickly began to work his way up at the bank. By April of that year, he was elected Assistant Cashier, and the Butcher legacy was born. In late 1924, a deal was closed that gave R.V. a substantial interest in the bank, and he was subsequently promoted to Cashier and Bank Director. In 1929, R.V. insisted the safest and most secure way for the bank to move forward was to nationalize, and in May of 1929, the bank increased its capital to $25,000 and converted to the National Banking System with the new title of First National Bank. Simultaneously, the bank became a family operation for the Butchers with R.V.’s father, J.D. Butcher, and father-in-law, W.H. Niemeir, also becoming Directors. His sister’s husband, E.V. Bryan, also joined the bank a few years later. The stock market crash of 1929 followed shortly thereafter and sent not only the banking industry, but the entire world into a depression. While being interviewed years later for an article in the local paper (The Jacksonian, June 24, 1970), R.V. recounted the tough times — like 1930, when crops were good, but farmers could only get “two bits a bushel” for their wheat. Or when President Roosevelt declared a banking holiday in 1933, closing all banks. “After a week-long holiday, only three of the previous seven banks in Gray County reopened. The First National Bank of Cimarron was one of them, but, like all banks, with strict government controls … the bank received a wire every morning telling them just exactly what they could and couldn’t do. Usually, a telegram said for the bank not to pay out over $50 to any one customer!” The push to increase capital and nationalize saved the bank. Banking became even more difficult in the 1930s with the advent of the terrible dust storms that made it difficult for farmers to raise even rough feed, let alone crops. Through perseverance, the First National Bank in Cimarron survived and flourished. R.V. was named President in 1950 and worked at the bank for a total of 52 years until his sudden passing in 1972 while Chairman of the Board. His wife, Willa Butcher, then began serving as a Director. Prior to his death, R.V. received 50-year pins from the Kansas Bankers Association, Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Royal Arch Masons and Farm Bureau. R.V. Butcher Trenton Fairbank’s great-grandfather, R.V. Butcher, at the teller line with Gray County State Bank in 1927 (before it changed its charter to First National Bank in 1929). 15
During the 1950s, R.V. was joined in the bank by his daughter, Phyllis (Butcher) Monical, and his son, Joe D. Butcher. Phyllis started as a Teller, Bookkeeper, and eventually Cashier. Joe and Phyllis both graduated from the Colorado School of Banking, with Phyllis becoming the first woman to graduate. Joe followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the bank in 1957, starting in an entry-level position as a Teller and Bookkeeper. As retold by Joe, “Dad thought that was where I ought to start, and it was the right thing to do.” In 1967, the bank relocated to its current location, and two years later, at the age of 33, Joe became President of the bank. Joe was known by many throughout his career for his incredible faith, integrity, humility and empathy. Every decision he made was with the best intentions and in consideration of everyone around him. He always considered his family, employees, community and church in his decisions. One of his most frequently used phrases was “Just do what’s right.” Many people in the community have shared stories of how he helped them, either personally, financially or through business mentoring. He genuinely cared about people and loved helping them. Joe was recognized for his philanthropy and served on countless nonprofit boards, local organizations and local councils. He preferred to give back quietly and without recognition. With Joe’s sound business acumen and exceptional character, the bank continued to prosper. In the late ‘70s, following R.V.’s passing, Joe began serving as Chairman of the Board while his wife, Donna Butcher, served as a Director, a position she held for over 40 years. In 1981, the bank purchased the Ford dealership property across the street for the purpose of future expansion and remodeled it into the First National Annex building. Joe donated the vacant property north of the Annex for the new Cimarron City Library. He prioritized giving back to the community, and this library continues to bless the families in the community to this day. The bank expanded again in 1991 with the purchase of Farmers State Bank in Ingalls, which is now known as the Ingalls Branch of the First National Bank in Cimarron. They also acquired an interest in Centera Bank in Sublette, Kansas, in 1986, where Joe served as an Executive Officer and Director for 24 years. Joe was an outspoken supporter of the Kansas Bankers Association and served on the Federal Affairs Committee from 1994-1998. He received his 50-year pin from the KBA in 2007. Like his father, this award was made even more special because all 50 years had been served at the First National Bank in Cimarron. In all, Joe’s service to the bank and the community spanned almost 66 years. Joe and Donna’s daughters, Dea Ann (Butcher) Kreisman and Kimberly (Butcher) Fairbank, worked for the bank during summers in high school. The next generation of the Butcher family officially joined the team, with the additions of Kimberly in 1984 and Grant Butcher in 1986. Grant served as the Assistant Vice President and Information Technology Coordinator and led the bank’s technology evolution until his retirement in 2020. Kimberly served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for 26 years before becoming Chairman of the Board and CEO in 2010. (L-R) Joe Butcher and his mother, Willa Butcher (R.V.’s wife), with two directors at the bank, and Donna Butcher (Joe’s wife). (L-R) Joe Butcher with three bank officers and his sister, Phyllis (Butcher) Monical. (L-R) Two bank officers with Joe Butcher and his daughter, Kimberly (Butcher) Fairbank, on the 75th anniversary of the bank. Grant Butcher (far left), Joe Butcher (middle), Donna Butcher (in pink) and Kimberly (Butcher) Fairbank (in blue) at the presentation of Joe’s 50-year KBA award. Continued on page 18 16
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Kimberly and Grant worked alongside Joe for many years as he remained involved with the bank through his various roles as CEO, Chairman of the Board and later as an Honorary Director. When Kimberly stepped into his role of Chairman of the Board and CEO in January 2010, she continued the legacy set by her father and grandfather. While she continued to grow the bank, Kimberly remained committed to the core values demonstrated by each of them. She did this while contributing her own special blend of faith and compassion that continued to put the needs of the employees, customers and communities first. She selflessly served for almost 41 years at the bank. Just like her father and grandfather, Kimberly was also a strong supporter of the KBA. She was a BLOK Class of 2010 graduate and served on the Bank Management Committee from 2010-15. Also like them, she was deeply involved in her church and various organizations and nonprofits. In 2018, following a cancer diagnosis and ensuing treatments, Kimberly stepped down as CEO, but continued in her role as Chairman of the Board. She also continued to serve as an Executive Officer and Director of Centera Bank, as her father had. That same year, the fifth generation of the Butcher family took his place in the bank. Trenton Fairbank, the son of Kimberly, returned home to work in the bank after a career in engineering. He started as an entry-level employee, as did all the other family members before him. During his time at the bank, Trenton has had the opportunity to learn the family business while working alongside Joe and Kimberly. Trenton has held various roles, including Loan Officer, Security Officer, IT Systems Manager, Vice President, Director and Acting Chairman of the Board. On Jan. 1, 2025, Trenton was promoted to CEO. This was 105 years, to the day, that R.V. had started his first day of work at the bank. Recent years have been tough for the family with the passing of Donna in 2020, Joe in 2023 and Kimberly in 2025. Joe and Donna’s sons Robert and Grant are currently serving as Directors and Trenton assumed the role of Chairman of the Board in 2025. The Butcher and Fairbank legacy has been influenced and impacted by a countless number of people over the years. The family has been blessed with incredible employees whom they consider family and who deserve recognition and praise. The family and bank are honored to have been able to serve the communities over the past 105 years. The family members currently serving in the bank are excited to continue the legacy and values of those who came before them — and in the words of Joe, to always “just do what’s right.” (L-R) Grant Butcher, Kimberly (Butcher) Fairbank, Joe Butcher, Dea Ann (Butcher) Kreisman (standing), Donna Butcher (seated) and Robert Butcher. (L-R) KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham presented Trenton Fairbank, First National Bank in Cimarron, with the Century of Family Banking Award in honor of 100 years in the banking industry. Four generations of the Butcher/Fairbank family. (L-R) Trenton Fairbank, his mom, Kimberly (Butcher) Fairbank, and his grandpa, Joe Butcher, with Trenton’s two kids. Butcher/Fairbank family with the Century of Family Banking Award. Continued from page 16 18
Mortgage Investment Services Corporation • 22316 Midland Drive Shawnee, KS • 66226 • 913-390-1010 NMLS# 194708 • A Kansas licensed mortgage company #MC 0001182 Missouri Residential Mortgage Loan Broker License #10-1912 Oklahoma Mortgage Broker #MB001953 • Colorado License #100044344 Nebraska Licensed Mortgage Company NMLS#194708 Arkansas License #124530 YEARS 25 Let’s Talk Fair Lending! Partnering with Mortgage Investment Services Corporation (MISC) means equal access to credit for housing to all within your community. Here’s why collaborating with us sets you apart: • Fair Lending Protocols, Regulatory Compliance • Tailored Solutions for Diverse Clientele • Government financing options: FHA, VA, & USDA-RD • Rebuilding your community with renovation lending • Expand your customer reach Join forces with MISC to provide every member of your community with the opportunity for homeownership. We get it right the first time! Andrew Holtgraves, Senior Vice President • Cell: 913-558-2555 Email: Andrew@MISCHomeLoans.com • NMLS: #276932 How do you picture Kansas? We want your snapshots of Kansas events, landscapes, weather, wildlife and more. Pictures to be submitted for the 2027 calendar need to be taken June 1, 2025-May 22, 2026. Email high-resolution digital files (300 dpi at 4”x 6” in TIFF or JPEG format) to Julie Taylor at jtaylor@ksbankers.com. To order official KBA “Scenes of Kansas” calendars, contact Julie Taylor at jtaylor@ksbankers.com. Leyanne Oller of Emprise Bank, Wichita, snapped this gorgeous picture of sunflowers at sunset in Buhler, Kansas. Kansas Picturing 19
Retirement and Successor for Arvest Bank’s Mark Larrabee KBA’s Doug Wareham and Kathy Taylor recently attended a special retirement reception for Arvest Bank Greater Kansas City Market President Mark Larrabee. Larrabee is a former KBA Board Director and a long-time member of KBA’s Federal Affairs Committee. Also in attendance were Mark’s wife, Aimee, and Kelly Carlson, who was recently named Mark’s successor as Arvest Bank Greater Kansas City Market President & CEO. Congratulations, Mark and Kelly! Dale Anders Retires After 42-Year Career in Banking BRIEFLY IN KANSAS BANKING Dale Anders of rural Chapman, Kansas, is retiring after a distinguished 42-year career in the banking industry. For the past decade, Dale served as Commercial Relationship Manager at INTRUST Bank, formerly Millennium Bank, in Junction City, where he helped support and grow local businesses and farms across the region. Dale’s roots run deep in Kansas agriculture. Raised on a small swine and cattle farm outside of Eudora, Kansas, he learned early on the importance of financial stewardship. That foundation led him to pursue a degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University. Following graduation, Dale began his professional journey as a State Bank Examiner and completed the Advanced FDIC School in Washington, D.C. In 1990, he graduated from the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado. Over the years, Dale provided vital agricultural and commercial lending services — first as a Loan Officer for 17 years at Dickinson County Bank in Enterprise, and later during a 10-year tenure at Exchange Bank in Junction City, formerly First National Bank and Trust. Known for his steady leadership, integrity and deep commitment to the communities he served, Dale leaves a lasting legacy of trust and excellence. In retirement, Dale looks forward to spending more time with his two grandchildren. He also plans to stay active through his volunteer work, preserving local history at the Dickinson County Historical Society and sharing his faith at Lyona United Methodist Church. Dale’s career may be concluding, but his impact will continue to be felt for years to come. 20
Marr and Knipfer Graduate from the Advanced School of Banking Kristin Marr, Retail Operations Manager, and Brenda Knipfer, Mortgage Manager, Citizens Bank of Kansas, Derby, recently graduated from the 2024-2025 Advanced School of Banking class. The Advanced School of Banking is an intense two-year course of study designed to assist bankers in developing operational and managerial skills to better serve the needs of their bank and communities. Graduation from this school represents over 60 hours of classroom study and 50 hours of independent study to complete banking research projects. “We prioritize the personal and professional advancement of our employees at CBK. We’re committed to investing in our staff and in doing so, our communities. We congratulate Brenda and Kristin on their graduation,” stated Stacy Gear, Citizens Bank of Kansas Chief Development Officer/SVP. The School of Banking is a jointly owned nonprofit subsidiary of the Kansas and Nebraska Bankers Associations, whose purpose is to provide occupational education for bankers. Partnership in Financial Literacy This past year, First Heritage Bank in Centralia, Kansas, partnered with the Centralia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter to bring families in the community together for a fun evening of financial education at the Financial Literacy Night held at the Centralia Schools. When Lanette Hiltibrand, Vice President of First Heritage Bank, was asked if the bank would be interested in partnering with the FBLA chapter on a Partnership with Business project, “It was an absolute YES!” said Lanette. “At our first meeting, Isabel and MaKenna, FBLA chapter members, suggested the idea of a Financial Literacy Night for families to gather and learn about family finances with games, crafts, financial resources from our bank and a warm meal. As they provided different ideas for the event’s booths and the areas our staff members could give our expertise, I knew this was what the community needed and what community banking is all about.” The Financial Literacy Night reached over 100 individuals from the Centralia and Corning communities, while the FBLA members gained invaluable hands-on experience. The members worked through scheduling meetings between bank members and busy school schedules, gathering supplies and allocating workers for the event, marketing the event through flyers, radio broadcast and a newspaper publication, as well as surveying the K-6 grades to gauge their understanding of financial literacy. “Community banking is relationship banking. We enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside our youth to help educate our community and to build a stronger financial foundation for the future,” said Lanette. (L-R) MaKenna and Isabel, along with an additional member, Parker, turned the event into the focus of their Partnership with Business project, drafting reports and creating a presentation that they entered in the FBLA State Convention, where they placed first. Placing first at the state level qualified them for the National FBLA Convention in Anaheim, California, held in July, where they earned fourth place in their event. Brenda Knipfer Kristin Marr 21
Barney Horton, Farmers Banks & Trust Congratulations to Barney Horton on more than 50 years of service to Kansas banking! He started with Farmers National Bank in 1971, which became a state-chartered bank as Farmers Bank & Trust (FB&T) in 1978. His grandfather was one of the original stockholders and Directors of the bank, and his father, Bill Horton, served as President and Chairman of the board. With his father’s passing in 1981, Barney took over as President and Chairman of the Board for 30 years, and is currently Chairman Emeritus. Barney grew up in Atwood and committed his entire career to strengthening the banking business in Northwest Kansas. Under his leadership, FB&T opened branches in Brewster, Colby and Oberlin. In 2015, the Horton family was honored with the Century of Family Banking Award, celebrating their 100 years of dedication to the banking industry. Part of the FB&T mission statement is “Investing in Our Community.” It’s also been a guiding principle modeled by Barney. His devotion to service is evident in his roles with Lions Club, Boy Scouts, City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Atwood Ambassadors, Hospital Board and Economic Development — just to name a few. Together, with his wife, Cathy, they have poured into generations of individuals and businesses to help keep small, rural communities thriving! Barney is a proud graduate of the Colorado School of Banking, an accomplishment that underscores his commitment to professional development and excellence in the banking field. His dedication and expertise have also been utilized with many financial organizations, including a Co-Chair role with the MOKAN Trust Conference, as a Director and Chairman of Bankers Bank of Kansas, and many years with the KBA Trust Committee and KBA Federal Affairs Committee. When Barney isn’t busy banking, you can find him enjoying time with family — often at a lake or skiing in Colorado, taking grandkids to Disney World and dressing up in costumes to entertain them at Camp Grammy and Papa … or playing golf during the KBA Conference at The Broadmoor, where he is famously remembered for taking off his shoes and wading into the water to retrieve his pitching wedge that went astray. Barney was proud to have four generations of his family present when he accepted his award to help him celebrate this distinction. Congratulations, Barney, on this incredible milestone! R.A. Edwards III, First National Bank of Hutchinson Congratulations to R.A. Edwards III on an extraordinary 50 years of service in the banking industry! R.A. began his banking career in 1975 at Douglas County Bank in Lawrence, Kansas, quickly rising through the ranks from AVP to President by 1977. In 1981, he became President and CEO of First National Bank of Hutchinson, where he provided visionary leadership for nearly three decades. Under his guidance, the bank grew from $130 million in assets to over $1 billion — a testament to his forward-thinking and strategic approach. In 2010, R.A. transitioned to Chairman of the Board at FNB and later to Chairman Emeritus in 2020, where he continues to lend his insight and experience. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping community banking across Kansas. Beyond the bank, R.A. has served on numerous boards, including the American Bankers Association Executive Committee, the Kansas Bankers Association Board, the Westar Energy Board of Directors, and various committees at the University of Kansas. He is currently the President of First Kansas Bancshares Inc., a trustee of the Davis Foundation and co-owner of Kansas Natural Gas. R.A.’s dedication, leadership and lasting impact on the banking industry and his community are truly remarkable. Congratulations on reaching this exceptional milestone! 50-Year Club Awards 22
J. Michael “Mike” Reid, Home Savings Bank Congratulations to J. Michael “Mike” Reid on reaching 50 years in Kansas banking! Mike began his distinguished career in financial services on Jan. 14, 1974, when he joined Home Savings Association in Chanute after a successful early career in education. A graduate of Sabetha High School (1964) and Emporia State University (then KSTC) with a BSE in 1969, Mike first served as a K-8 physical education and health teacher, as well as a coach for football, basketball and track in Yates Center from 1969 through the end of 1973. His transition to banking in 1974 marked the beginning of five decades of dedicated service to his community and the banking industry. Early in his career, Mike attended banking school in Lubbock, Texas, building the expertise that would support his long-term success. He went on to hold numerous leadership positions, including Chairman of the Board for both the Kansas Savings and Loan League and the Heartland Community Bankers Association (2012-2013). Mike’s contributions extend far beyond banking. He has served on a wide array of local boards in Chanute and received multiple honors from the Chamber of Commerce and Tri-Valley Developmental Services. He currently serves on the boards of the Chanute Housing Authority, Tri-Valley Foundation, NCCC Foundation and Home Savings Bank, and is an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he currently sits on the Finance Committee. Mike Reid’s 50-year milestone represents a lifetime of service, leadership and dedication to community banking in Kansas. We are proud to welcome him into the KBA 50-Year Club. Barbara Thomas, FNB Bank Congratulations to Barbara Thomas on her extraordinary 50 years of service in banking! Barbara began her career on Aug. 11, 1975, at First National Bank in Goodland, Kansas (now FNB Bank), as a DECA student in the Bookkeeping Department. What started as a high school position grew into a lifelong career of leadership and dedication. Over the next five decades, Barbara held numerous roles within the Bookkeeping and Operations Department, steadily rising through the ranks. Her positions included Bookkeeping Department Employee (1976-1981), Assistant Cashier (1982-1984), Assistant Vice President — Manager of Operations Division (1985-1987), Vice President of Operations (1988-2001), Vice President & Assistant Cashier (2002-2014) and Senior Vice President & Assistant Cashier (2015-present). Barbara’s colleagues consistently describe her as an “asset to the department and bank,” “vital to the bank” and someone they “rely heavily on for her tremendous amount of knowledge.” She has long been recognized as FNB’s “conversion specialist” and a “quiet achiever,” whose expertise and steady presence have guided countless projects and transitions. Reflecting on her career, Barbara points to the sweeping automation of the bookkeeping and operations areas as the biggest change she has witnessed. From manual processes to modern digital systems, she has been at the forefront of every transformation, ensuring smooth operations and sharing her knowledge with others. Barbara’s loyalty, expertise and steadfast commitment over 50 years have left an enduring mark on FNB Bank and the Goodland community. Congratulations to Barbara on this remarkable milestone! 23
Kyle Campbell, Vice Chairman Kyle Campbell is President and CEO of Astra Bank in Abilene, where he has served since 2002. Prior to joining the banking industry, Kyle worked as a project engineer at Procter & Gamble. He has been actively involved in KBA leadership, serving on the State Affairs Committee from 2010 to 2022 and the Federal Affairs Committee since 2016. In addition, he represents Kansas banking interests on a national level through his service on the ABA Government Relations Council since 2022 and previously on the ABA Advocacy and Grassroots Committee from 2016 to 2018. Kyle received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Kansas State University and earned his MBA from Rockhurst University in 2003. He is also a 2008 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kyle and his wife, Kendra, have five children: Edith, Lela, Warren, Margaret and George. Outside of banking, Kyle enjoys flying planes, playing guitar, reading and painting. He is passionate about advocating for strong, community-focused financial policy and ensuring the long-term health of Kansas banking. Greg Saville, District 1 At-Large Representative Greg Saville is the President and CEO of First National Bank and Trust in Phillipsburg, Kansas. He brings more than two decades of banking experience to the KBA Board, having previously served as CFO/COO at F&M Bank in Tomah, Wisconsin, and at Freedom Bank in Overland Park. Greg is a member of the KBA Federal Affairs Committee and has served on the Ag Bankers Board. He also contributes to national industry efforts through his service on the ABA Administrative Accounting Committee and the ABA Capital Working Group. Greg earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Kansas State University and his MBA from MidAmerica Nazarene University. He and his wife, Heather, have three grown children. In his free time, Greg enjoys golfing, shooting sports and working in the yard. Jilinda White, KBA Board Member Jilinda White is CEO of First State Bank & Trust in Tonganoxie, where she began her career in 1980. With more than four decades of service at FSBT, Jilinda has been a dedicated leader in Kansas community banking. She currently serves on the KBA Federal Affairs Committee and the ABA Community Bankers Council. Outside of KBA, she is an active board member for Mental Health America of the Heartland, a position she has held since 2022. Jilinda earned her Bachelor of Science in apparel and textile marketing from Kansas State University and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado. Jilinda has been married to Roger White for 35 years. They have two adult children: Amos, who is 31 and has four children of his own, and Samantha, who is 29. In her free time, Jilinda enjoys riding UTVs with her husband on off-road trails. She is passionate about advancing the role of relationship-based community banking and sees it as a critical anchor for the financial health and long-term well-being of Kansas communities. MEET THE NEW KBA Board Members 24
Rocky Anderson, YBOK Division President Rocky Anderson is Vice President and Commercial Lender at Kaw Valley Bank in Topeka. He has served on the KBA’s Young Bank Officers of Kansas (YBOK) Board of Directors since 2019 and is a 2018 graduate of the Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) program. Rocky has a strong commercial and retail banking background, having previously held leadership roles at Equity Bank, Alliance Bank, Mid-America Bank and Capitol Federal Savings Bank. Over the years, he has managed a commercial loan portfolio with more than $200 million in participations sold and held responsibilities in loan origination, underwriting and branch operations. In addition to his service to KBA, Rocky is a member of the Family Service and Guidance Center Foundation Board of Trustees. He studied at Hutchinson Community College and the University of Oklahoma. Rocky is married to Leanna Streit Anderson, and they have two children: Cecelia and Bennett. Outside of banking, he enjoys watching Oklahoma football, golfing and collecting sports cards. Rocky is committed to developing the next generation of bank leaders and advocating for the future of community banking across Kansas. Tasha Bucher, Trust Division President-Elect Tasha Bucher brings more than 25 years of banking and trust experience to her role, having spent the first 16 years of her career at Home National Bank/RCB Bank. Tasha earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Emporia State University and received her Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation in February 2014. Tasha is actively involved in both her professional community and personal life. She is married to Aaron Bucher, who serves as the athletic director for USD 470. Together, they have three children: Halle, Owen and Blake. Outside of work, Tasha enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends. She is passionate about building relationships and ensuring that trust services continue to provide meaningful impact in Kansas communities. Brett Wicker, Ag Bankers Division President Brett Wicker is an Ag and Commercial Loan Officer at Central National Bank in Gardner. He has served on the KBA Ag Bankers Division Board since 2016 and brings a strong background in both agricultural lending and appraisal. Prior to joining CNB, he worked at Bank of Commerce as a Vice President and Loan Officer. Brett is an active member of the CNB Ag Loan Committee and is committed to supporting Kansas agriculture through sound lending practices and leadership within the industry. Brett earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Kansas State University and is a graduate of the Schools of Banking Ag Lending School I and II. He is also a general certified appraiser through the Appraisal Institute. Brett is married to Satinne R. Wicker, and they have four children: Brylynn (12), Brailee (10), Bristol (8) and Brielle (5). Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, boating and attending his children’s sports events. Brett’s goals for his term include helping KBA and ABA advance the ACRE bill in 2025 and planning a successful 2026 KBA Ag Conference. 25
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