distinguished panelists discussed their strategies for identifying new bank talent and retaining great employees. Panelists revealed ways that they are trying to connect with younger generations of employees with intentional policies that appeal to their values. The class was also able to pick their brains on issues such as managing remote workers and the use of artificial intelligence. The session concluded with a roundtable discussion regarding workforce development. Class members shared their own experiences and ideas for attracting/retaining talent, especially in rural communities. The BLOK Class reconvened at their fourth and final session in Washington, D.C., in September, where they joined the KBA Federal Affairs Committee and KBA Board of Directors for a march on Capitol Hill. 2025 BLOK Class Members • Neal Barclay, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka • Matyson Barnes, Farmers Bank & Trust, Overland Park • Dan Duchnowski, Equity Bank, Wichita • Chris Endicott, FHLBank Topeka, Topeka • Jared Engelbert, The First State Bank, Norton • Brandon Grigsby, Stockgrowers State Bank, Ashland • Daniel Hayden, Bankers’ Bank of Kansas, Wichita • Cody Heiman, First Bank Kansas, Salina • Gwen Hill, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka • Chrissy Lewman, The Union State Bank of Atchison, Atchison • Beth Masterson, Legacy Bank, Wichita • Paige Meader, First National Bank of Kansas, Waverly • Joel Milford, First National Bank of Hutchinson, Hutchinson • Mazie Mobley, INTRUST Bank, N.A., Wichita • Trenton Moore, Equity Bank, Independence • Kim Parks, ESB Financial, Emporia • Susan Rash, Community National Bank, Seneca • Tyson Reimer, Central National Bank, Junction City • Sarah Sanders, Capitol Federal Savings Bank, Topeka • Kaycie Schilling, FNB Bank, Goodland • Thomas Sheik, State Bank of Bern, Bern • Derek Stephens, First Interstate Bank, Shawnee • Bryan Vonfeldt, Astra Bank, Hays • Brandi Zimmer, Guaranty State Bank & Trust Co., Beloit Thanks to Our BLOK Sponsors! Premier • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas • FHLBank Topeka • KBA Insurance Inc. Silver • INTRUST Bank Bronze • Bank Compensation Consulting • Bankers’ Bank of Kansas • Professional Bank Consultants LLC • Schools of Banking • UMB Bank BLOK Class members showed their competitive side in a game called Electricity, focusing on nonverbal communication. Tom Sheik, State Bank of Bern, Bern (center), lets go and trusts others during the Wind in the Willows exercise. Facilitator Ted Garnett keeps the BLOK Class on their toes! 27
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