KBA launched the Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) program in 2006 with a vision to develop Kansas bankers, expose them to a wide range of topics that influence the industry and build a collaborative networking community. The 20th BLOK class convened for its first session in Topeka at the KBA Office on Feb. 3, 2026.

This year’s class is comprised of:

• Matt Allred, Vice President-Commercial Banking Officer, Bankers’ Bank of Kansas, Wichita
• Dustin Barker, VP/Trust Officer, First State Bank & Trust, Basehor
• Melanie Block, AVP, Business Solutions Officer, First National Bank of Hutchinson, Hutchinson
• Shannon Capps, VP-Compliance Operations Specialist, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka
• Ethan Deneke, AVP-Loans, Compliance, Credit Analyst, The Guaranty State Bank & Trust Co., Beloit
• Andrew Dunsing, Assistant Vice President, Loan Officer, United Bank & Trust, Seneca
• Chris Godwin, VP, Private Banking, Farmers Bank of Kansas City, Overland Park
• Aaron Graf, Commercial Relationship Manager, INTRUST Bank, N.A., Wichita
• Justin Harris, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Equity Bank, Wichita
• T.J. Haverkamp, Executive Vice President, IT Director, First Heritage Bank, Seneca
• Lance Liby, SVP, Chief Business Officer, FHLBank Topeka, Topeka
• Dahx Marrs, Managing Partner, Kansas Bankers Technologies, LLC, Salina
• Ryan Pierce, SVP, Correspondent Banking Officer, The Bankers Bank, Oklahoma City, OK
• Lucas Regier, IT Officer, Stockgrowers State Bank, Ashland
• Chrissy Rippey, VP-Compliance, The Union State Bank of Everest, Atchison
• Tonia Shirk, Regional Retail Manager, Central National Bank, Wichita
• Mark Starr, Vice President-Loan Officer, GNBank, N.A., Holton
• Chanse Stephens, AVP, Information Security, Legacy Bank, Wichita
• Tasia Zouzas, First Vice President-Audit Services Director, Capitol Federal Savings Bank, Topeka

After an overview of the program by KBA’s SVP-Government Relations Kelly VanZwoll, the class got to know each other during an icebreaker 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 that allowed senior management to share their roles, areas of expertise, and how each department at the KBA can assist them and their banks. The remainder of the afternoon focused on state advocacy, brought to life with an interactive presentation on the legislative process led by KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham and VanZwoll.

Day 2 of the session saw the BLOK Class participating in the BLOK Academy and Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference, followed by a legislative reception at the Topeka Country Club.

The third day of Session 1 began with the class networking with KBA board members and sitting in on the first hour of the board meeting. The class then moved to downtown Topeka to hear from Kansas Bank Commissioner David Herndon and Deputy Bank Commissioner Tim Kemp about the Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC) and its role as the state financial institutions regulator. The class was then treated to a legislative panel held in a statehouse committee room, featuring Senate Vice President Tim Shallenburger and Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi. Following the panel, the group had the opportunity to visit with House Speaker Dan Hawkins on the House floor.

The 2026 BLOK Class will meet for its second session in Kansas City on April 15-17.