Meet New 2026-2027 KBA Chairman Kendal Kay For more than 30 years, Kendal Kay has dedicated his career to serving the people, businesses and agricultural communities of southwest Kansas. As president and CEO of Stockgrowers State Bank in Ashland, he leads one of Kansas’ oldest community banks. Founded in 1885 and owned by the Berryman family since 1899, Stockgrowers State Bank has remained deeply rooted in serving rural Kansas for nearly 140 years. In 2003, Kay became just the sixth president in the bank’s history, continuing a legacy of community banking that spans generations. Raised in nearby Protection, Kansas, Kay credits his parents with instilling the values that continue to guide his life: work hard, treat people with respect and always give back to your community. Although he originally planned to become an accountant, an unexpected opportunity led him into community banking in 1995. More than three decades later, he continues to build relationships, support local families, businesses and agricultural producers, and champion the future of rural Kansas. Earlier this year, Kay was recognized by U.S. Representative Tracey Mann as Kansas Ag Hero of the Month, honoring his longstanding commitment to agriculture, rural communities and public service. As he begins his term as Chairman of the Kansas Bankers Association, he brings those same values of leadership, service and collaboration to banks across the state. We recently sat down with Kay to discuss his journey into banking, the lessons that have shaped his career and his vision for Kansas community banking. Tell us about your roots. How did growing up in southwest Kansas shape who you are today? I grew up in Protection, Kansas, about 15 miles east of Ashland, so I’ve always considered southwest Kansas home. Growing up, Ashland and Protection were rivals in sports, and I never imagined I’d eventually spend the rest of my life here. Looking back now, I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. My parents (Neil and Betty Kay) were hardworking people who led by example every day. My dad worked at the local co-op, and my mom worked several jobs over the years while raising our family. I have two siblings (Jeff and Janell), and while we didn’t President & CEO, Stockgrowers State Bank 6
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