Northland Securities Expands with Country Club Bank Acquisition
Northland Securities Inc. has expanded its Midwest footprint following FNBO’s Oct. 1 acquisition of Country Club Bank. As part of the transaction, Country Club Bank’s Capital Markets Group, Asset Management Group Inc. (AMG) and Country Club Financial Services Inc. are now part of Northland Securities. The businesses officially joined the firm on Oct. 1, 2025, further strengthening Northland’s presence and service offerings across the region.
The integrated teams will operate as Northland Fixed Income, Northland BancPath and Northland Capital Markets, adding expanded expertise in fixed-income investment strategies, asset-liability management and investment banking services. These additions enhance Northland’s ability to serve community banks and financial institutions with portfolio strategy, balance sheet optimization and capital market access throughout the Midwest.
Central National Bank Names Jason Pickerell Topeka Market President
Central National Bank, Topeka, announced the hiring of Jason Pickerell as Topeka Market President. Pickerell brings more than 35 years of banking experience to the role. A 1988 graduate of Valley Falls High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications and finance from Washburn University in 1993 and is also a 2009 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado. “I am excited to join the Central National Bank team,” said Pickerell. “Central is a great family-owned community bank with a rich history of serving Kansans across the state. I look forward to serving the Topeka and surrounding rural communities with a focus on commercial lending.”
Pickerell is a board member of the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging and serves on its finance committee. He is also a member of the Topeka Chamber and has previously been active in the Lions Club and the Valley Falls Athletic Association. Family-oriented values are important to Pickerell, who has been married to his wife, Paula, for 33 years. They have three sons and are expecting their first grandchild. His hobbies include collecting muscle cars, fishing, coaching and attending sporting activities. “Central National Bank is fortunate to welcome a leader of Jason Pickerell’s caliber,” said Michael Munson, Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “His experience, integrity and strong community relationships make him an ideal leader for continued growth in the Topeka market.”
ESB Financial Welcomes New Board Member Karen Hibbard
ESB Financial is pleased to welcome Karen Hibbard to its Board of Directors. With more than four decades of leadership experience in business, tourism and community development, Hibbard brings a strong understanding of the Flint Hills region and the vital role community banks play. A native of Fredonia, Kansas, she was raised on a family farm and holds a degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University, with additional academic experience at Emporia State University.
Hibbard’s career includes roles at financial institutions and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, where she later served as Executive Director of Visit Manhattan and Vice President of the Chamber. During her tenure, she helped lead key regional initiatives, including downtown redevelopment and the creation of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. She and her husband also owned the Dale Carnegie Training franchise for the Kansas Heartland region, which they sold in early 2025. With longstanding ties to community banking, Hibbard looks forward to contributing her experience and perspective as ESB continues serving its customers and communities.
Allan P. Towle, Executive Vice President of Heritage Bank, to Retire
After nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the banking industry, Allan Towle has retired, effective Feb. 28, 2026. Allan previously served as Chairman, President and CEO of Fidelity State Bank and Trust Company for more than 29 years. Throughout his career, Allan has been widely respected for his leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to community banking. Following Heritage Bank’s acquisition of Fidelity, Allan played an instrumental role in supporting a smooth transition for employees, customers and the community. His leadership and steady presence were invaluable during this period, and his willingness to share his experience and institutional knowledge greatly benefited our organization.
“On behalf of Heritage Bank, I want to sincerely thank Allan for his many years of leadership, service and dedication. His impact on both Fidelity and Heritage Bank will be lasting, and we are grateful for the example he has set as a leader and colleague,” said Tony Konrade, President/CEO of Heritage Bank.
A retirement reception to honor Allan Towle was held on Feb. 26 at the Heritage Bank branch location, 600 S. Kansas Ave.
125 Years Strong: Denison State Bank Celebrates Legacy of Community Banking
Denison State Bank, headquartered in Holton, Kansas, turned 125 years old on Feb. 18. The bank has operated under the same name since its founding.
The bank opened in the small town of Denison in Jackson County in 1901 with a $7,000 capital investment before moving to the county seat of Holton in 1939 and to its current location on the west side of the town square in 1944. The bank has since established branches in nearby Hoyt, Meriden and Topeka.
Also in 2026, the bank has been in 50 years of local ownership by the Jim and Mary Lou Birkbeck family, who acquired majority stock ownership in 1976. Jim served as President from 1976 and later Chairman of the board until his death in 2019. Daughter Paula (Birkbeck) Taylor of Holton now is CEO and Chairwoman of the board. Her mother Mary Birkbeck of Holton and brother Dr. Patrick Birkbeck of Topeka either have served or serve now on the bank board or holding company board. Denison State Bank today has total assets of $464 million and 68 full-time employees.
