scrutiny, reflects the values instilled in him during his early years of banking. Koehn inspires those around him to prioritize sound decision-making and ethical conduct, ensuring the long-term success and reputation of the institutions he serves. In 1998, Koehn became the president, CEO and vice chairman of F&M Bank in West Point. Eleven years later, he joined Midwest Bank in his current role as regional president for the Nebraska-based bank and its affiliate Redstone Bank in Centennial, Colorado. Koehn emphasized the importance of understanding the regulator’s perspective when defending the banking industry. He noted that proposed rules and regulations often result from the reaction to an event and are authored by individuals disconnected from mainstream and rural America, potentially leading to unintended consequences for community banks. He encourages NBA members, especially younger bankers, to become more engaged in the industry. “There’s power in numbers and unity. The world is run by people who show up. Now, more than ever, we need to be unified and protect our industry whose value has been built and entrusted to us by the bankers who came before us. It’s important to realize that each of us can make a difference,” Koehn said. Koehn’s drive extends beyond finding success within the banking industry. He aims to help his team and clients achieve professional and financial success. He finds gratification in leading by example, showing his team that being a banker involves more than just transactions. “A genuine desire to help others is a key aspect of being a banker,” said Koehn. “Community bankers identify the needs of their communities and contribute time, talent and treasure to address those needs.” Koehn’s advice to bankers and non-bankers alike is something that has held true for much of his life: “We can all leave a legacy. All of us have the opportunity to make a difference. And you have to be true to yourself. If you’re not true to yourself, you’re not true to anyone.” More About Koehn Brad Koehn graduated from Kearney State College in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a finance emphasis and an economics minor. During college, he also played quarterback on the football team. Koehn has been active in the NBA, serving on the NBA Board of Directors, as chair of the VEBA Board of Trustees and the Government Relations Committee, the NBA Executive Committee, and as an instructor for the AIB and NBA/KBA Schools of Banking. He was selected to serve on the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance Statutory Task Force. Most recently, he chaired the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council, where he also served on the national advisory council to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Locally, Koehn has held various leadership roles positively impacting Nebraska communities, particularly in West Point and Lincoln. He is also active in his local church and the Knights of Columbus. Outside of banking, Koehn enjoys traveling with his wife Lori and spending time with their three children and all of their grandchildren. A self-proclaimed “adventurist,” he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, on his 50th birthday. He is an avid outdoorsman and has hiked sections of the Appalachian Trail. Future aspirations include journeying to the base camp of Mount Everest. 10 NEBRASKA BANKER
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