KBA started the Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) program in 2006 with a vision of developing Kansas bankers and exposing them to a wide range of topics that influence the industry while building a collaborative networking community. The 16th BLOK class convened for their first session in Topeka at the KBA Office on Feb. 7, 2022.

This year’s class is comprised of: Brandi Archer, Consumer Loan Officer, First National Bank and Trust, Phillipsburg; Jennifer Caughron, SVP, Bank Card Manager, Bankers’ Bank of Kansas, Wichita; Nick Gideon, Lawrence Market President, Silver Lake Bank, Lawrence; Alex Greig, President of Insurance, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka; James Hagedorn, Vice President, Loan Officer, United Bank & Trust, Seneca; Sam Jackson, Loan Officer/Assistant Vice President, First State Bank, Plainville; Jordan Lauer, SVP/Loan Officer/Investment Officer, Farmers State Bank, Westmoreland; Kyle Murrow, Assistant Vice President, Denison State Bank, Holton; Deron O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer, Astra Bank, Hays; Francis Scheuerman, SVP — Capital Markets Division, UMB Bank, N.A., Kansas City; Garrett Sharp, Vice President, Community National Bank & Trust, Chanute; Clint Shoemaker, Vice President, Guaranty State Bank and Trust Co., Beloit; Lindsey Snider, Market President, Central National Bank, Junction City; Brock Stuhlsatz, Vice President/Loan Officer, Citizens Bank of Kansas, Derby; Greg Thiessen, Chief Credit Officer, First Bank of Beloit, Beloit; Cole Thompson, Investment Sales/Associate, BOK Financial, Overland Park; Kimberly Wallace, SVP/Organizational Development, Equity Bank, Wichita; Lewis Walton, Compliance Specialist and Auditor, Kansas Bankers 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.