Mark Schifferdecker, President and CEO of GNBank. “Earlier this year, we were able to help provide assistance to one of our local Native American tribes due to their programs. The FHLBank Topeka staff does an excellent job guiding both our bank staff and our customers through the entire process. The extent of impact these housing programs have had upon our Kansas communities is immeasurable. Kansas is a much better place to call home because of FHLBank Topeka’s housing programs.” Stacy Gear Completes Graduate School of Banking Citizens Bank of Kansas in Derby extends congratulations to Stacy Gear, the Chief Development Officer/SVP at CBK, who recently completed the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC). A nationally recognized leadership development program for community bankers, the GSBC includes a rigorous 25-month curriculum designed to prepare rising leaders and improve their financial institutions and communities. In addition, Stacy successfully completed the Committed to Lead Micro-Credential program at GSBC. This program of additional coursework is offered exclusively to second- and third-year GSBC students; it is designed to build bold, future-oriented community bank leaders. “We extend our sincere congratulations to Stacy on her GSBC graduation,” stated Kyle Russell, CBK President. “This significant achievement reflects her commitment GNBank Receives Regional Housing Champion Award GNBank, headquartered in Girard, Kansas, received the Regional Housing Champion Award at the FHLBank Topeka regional meeting. Since 2021, GNBank has utilized FHLBank Topeka TurnKey programs to provide $138,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance to make the dream of homeownership a reality for 14 households. To further support their community, GNBank utilized reduced rate advances through our Community Development Program to support 14 community development projects and retain 48 jobs. Their commitment to supporting Native Americans is also noted with participation in FHLBank’s Native American Housing Initiatives (NAHI) Grant Program partnering on a $500,000 grant to Kickapoo Housing Authority to provide repair assistance to approximately 20 homeowners to make their aging homes safe and livable. Additionally, through the Lending Enhancement Advance Program (LEAP), GNBank received a reduced-rate advance to support Native American Tribal lending in their community. Alongside its core mission of providing liquidity to members in support of local communities, FHLBank Topeka is also committed to supporting affordable housing and community development. In 2025, it allocated 15% of its income for grant funds that fuel these community-building efforts. “GNBank is truly honored to receive FHLBank Topeka’s Kansas Regional Housing Award. FHLBank Topeka’s housing programs have been essential in helping the rural communities across Kansas that we serve to develop much needed affordable housing as well as community services and resources,” said (L-R) Jason Smith, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Advisory Council; Phil Bacchus, CFO, FHLBank Topeka; Lance Liby, Chief Business Officer, FHLBank Topeka; Brett Hubka, Community Bank President, GNBank; Jeff Steiner, Regional Account Manager, FHLBank Topeka; Kylie Mergen, Community Investment Officer, Director of HCD, FHLBank Topeka; Lance White, President and CEO, Bank of the Flint Hills; and Jeff Kuzbel, President and CEO, FHLBank Topeka 26
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