Pub. 11 2022 Issue 2 19 Association, Topeka; Trae Watson, Loan Officer, Heartland Tri-State Bank, Elkhart; Evan Whetzal, Vice President, First Heritage Bank, Seneca; Joe White, Director — Premier Service, INTRUST Bank, N.A., Wichita. After an overview of the program by KBA’s President and CEO Doug Wareham, the class got to know each other during an ice-breaker exercise where many laughs and personal stories were shared. Next, a complete summary of the history, structure, and governance of the KBA was outlined, followed by staff spotlights allowing senior management to share their roles and areas of expertise and how each department at the KBA can assist them and their banks. The BLOK class then enjoyed dinner and more time to get acquainted with the KBA staff. Day two focused on state advocacy and began with a session on the legislative process led by KBA SVP-Government Relations Alex Orel and AVP-Government Relations Kelly VanZwoll. The BLOK class then participated in the KBA Harold A. Stones Public Affairs Conference, followed by a legislative reception at the Topeka Country Club. The third day of Session 1 started with a leadership panel designed to expose the class further to the role of a volunteer KBA leader. KBA President and CEO Doug Wareham moderated a panel that included former KBA Chairman Kent Needham (Chairman of the Board, President & CEO of First Security Bank in Overbrook) and former KBA Chairman Leonard Wolfe (Chairman, President, and CEO of United Bank & Trust in Marysville). The class then sat in on two hours of the KBA Board meeting. The class then transitioned to downtown Topeka to hear from a legislative panel featuring the House Financial Institutions & Pensions Committee Chair Rep. Jim Kelly (R-Independence); Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee Chair Sen. Jeff Longbine (R-Emporia); and House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Russell). Following the legislative panel, the group walked to the Statehouse and received a behind-the-scenes tour. The tour included visiting the Governor’s office and House chamber. During the visit to the Senate chamber, Senator Mike Fagg, Vice-Chair of the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, recognized the class during the Senate’s general session. Additionally, Representative Dan Hawkins recognized the class during the Kansas House’s general session. The group enjoyed a presentation by Kansas Bank Commissioner David Herndon (pictured in the center) highlighting the role his department plays in assisting the banks in our state Senior bank leaders Leonard Wolfe (left, United Bank & Trust, Marysville), Kent Needham (center, First Security Bank, Overbrook) and KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham share their leadership experiences with the group KBA SVP-Government Relations Alex Orel explains how a bill becomes a law during a demonstration Brandi Archer (First National Bank and Trust, Phillipsburg) introduces Brock Stuhlsatz (Citizens Bank of Kansas, Derby) to the group Kimberly Wallace (Equity Bank, Wichita) and Greg Thiessen (First Bank of Beloit) get to know one another better during an ice-breaker exercise 2022 BLOK Sponsors: INTRUST Bank, N.A. KBA Insurance, Inc. Professional Bank Consultants, LLC Bankers’ Bank of Kansas
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