More than 50 bank leaders gathered at the Topeka Country Club on Feb. 4 for the 2026 Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) Academy, launching a full morning of learning, leadership development and policy insight. KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham opened the program with a welcome, followed by remarks from Ryan Gilliland of FHLBank Topeka, a 2018 BLOK graduate and Premier sponsor representative.

The morning began with a compelling fireside chat featuring Kansas Senate Vice President Tim Shallenburger. Drawing on a public service career spanning legislative, executive and statewide roles, Shallenburger reflected on how his early experiences in banking helped shape his practical approach to governing. He shared anecdotes from his 12 years in the Kansas House — including his tenure as Speaker — and spoke candidly about the evolving political landscape, from shifting ideological majorities to the growing influence of technology. Shallenburger closed by encouraging bankers to consider public office, noting that the profession’s core skills — discipline, clarity and accountability — translate naturally into effective civic leadership.

Justin Sparks, President & CEO of Premier sponsor Bankers’ Bank of Kansas, introduced the second fireside chat with American Bankers Association Chief Federal Lobbyist Kirsten Sutton. Sutton provided a high-level look at the rapidly changing world of federal banking advocacy, discussing how technology has reshaped policy engagement and how ABA’s structure supports its national strategy. She highlighted the importance of the ABA/State Association Alliance and offered practical advice on communicating with elected officials. Sutton also touched on federal issues that remain top of mind for Kansas bankers, encouraging leaders to stay informed and engaged as the regulatory landscape continues to shift.

Following lunch, more than 150 attendees transitioned into the Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference, where the focus shifted squarely to state and federal policy. The Legislative Leaders Panel opened the afternoon, giving lawmakers an opportunity to outline their top priorities for the 2026 session. Topics ranged from property tax reform and fraud prevention to election-year dynamics and Kansas’s high-profile economic development efforts. Panelists discussed the sharp rise in consumer fraud targeting Kansas bank customers and emphasized the importance of addressing scams occurring through phone, text and social media. They also offered insight into potential political shifts this election year and shared practical ways for bankers to engage in the legislative process.

A session on federal policy trends followed, featuring ABA’s Kirsten Sutton in a more forward-looking discussion about what Kansas institutions can expect from Washington in the year ahead. A public funds update from State Treasurer Steven Johnson and a briefing from the KBA Government Relations team rounded out the afternoon, along with recognition of the graduating 2025 BLOK Class and the introduction of the 2026 cohort.

The day concluded with remarks from KBA Chair Julie Hower and the Legislative Reception, giving bankers the opportunity to connect directly with policymakers. Together, the BLOK Academy and Government Relations Conference highlighted the essential role Kansas bankers play — not only in financial leadership, but in shaping the future of the state’s policy environment.