The voice of KBA, receptionist Lynne Mills, celebrated 20 years of employment AND retired at the end of December. KBA staff, her family and former employees gathered to honor her and share stories. Lynne plans to enjoy traveling with her husband Bob and spending more time with her kids and grandkids, with a new granddaughter to arrive in April! Lynne’s parting words are, “It’s been my pleasure serving Kansas bankers over the past 20 years, whether on the phone or as they walk through the KBA doors. I have many fond memories to take with me. The KBA staff I consider not only colleagues, but family. I’m going to miss the daily connection, but the friendships will carry on.” J.W. Wells Ag & Trust Divisions Manager – Education & Conferences Throughout my life, I have been involved in the agricultural industry. At a young age, I followed my father, an agricultural education instructor, to his students’ projects where I was exposed to a variety of livestock, grain, and agribusiness operations. These experiences set the foundation for my decision to be in the ag industry. During my education in high school and at Kansas State University, I took multiple opportunities to expand my knowledge of the industry and the various sectors within it. During high school, I was active in FFA – namely serving as State Reporter in 2019-2020 as well as earning my American FFA Degree in 2020. In college, I served as Vice President of the Acacia Fraternity, held various roles within Student Government, and held a director role in Student Foundation, the student-led philanthropic arm of the K-State Foundation. The experience that was the most impactful on my life and career was being selected to be a fellow in the Barry Flinchbaugh Ag Policy Fellowship. Through this experience, I have seen the ag industry through the lens of state and federal policy. Last spring, my state-level experience was through the Kansas Corn Growers Association as my host office. I attended committee hearings, receptions, and wrote written testimony in support of corn-related legislation. This past summer I interned in Washington D.C. through U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. I answered phones, assisted with constituent services, and assisted legislation staff with various tasks. Being a Flinchbaugh Fellow has given me a wide array of opportunities to grow professionally, and I am looking forward to applying what I have learned to this position. LYNNE MILLS REACHES TWO MILESTONES Pub. 12 2023 Issue 1 25
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