Roy J. Soukup, Bank of Hays, Hays
Congratulations to Roy J. Soukup on reaching 50 years in Kansas banking!
Roy began his banking career in April 1972 at Hanston State Bank in Hanston, Kansas, where he worked as both a teller and an insurance agent, gaining early, hands-on experience in banking and insurance.
In 1974, Roy continued to build his career at Farmers State Bank of Ingalls, serving as a loan officer and insurance agent. In 1976, he returned to Hanston State Bank, where he resumed his role as a loan officer. His leadership and dedication to the bank led to his appointment to the Board of Directors in January 1979, followed by his promotion to Vice President.
On Jan. 1, 1985, Roy was named President of Hanston State Bank. In 2004, the bank was purchased by a group of investors, and a branch was opened in Hays, Kansas. The charter was moved from Hanston to Hays in 2009. Roy remained as President until his retirement in 2014. Throughout his nearly three decades as president, Roy guided the bank through significant industry changes while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service and community banking.
Following his retirement, Roy has remained actively involved as a member of the bank’s Board of Directors, continuing to contribute his experience and leadership to the institution. Roy’s career reflects a lifetime of dedication, service and leadership within the Kansas banking industry.
Congratulations again, Roy, on this remarkable milestone in your storied banking career!
Doris Henninger, Equity Bank, Topeka
Congratulations to Doris Henninger on her 50-year banking career. Doris began her banking career in May 1971 as a Proof Operator and Teller at Topeka Savings and Loan in Topeka, Kansas. In August 1971, Doris transferred to the Gage office of Topeka Savings and Loan as the Assistant Manager and then became Branch Manager. In October 1971, she transferred back to the main office as a Teller.
In 1973, a new Topeka Savings and Loan branch (a real train caboose, including a wood stove!) opened at 29th & California, and Doris was transferred to the new location as the Assistant Vice President Branch Manager.
In 1987, Topeka Bank & Trust acquired Topeka Savings and Loan during the S&L crisis. Doris continued in her role at the caboose as AVP Branch Manager. Topeka Bank & Trust and Columbian Bank then merged as both banks were owned by the McCaffree family. In 1995, Doris transferred back to the Columbian Bank 701 Kansas location as AVP Customer Service Manager. Columbian Bank was acquired by Citizens Bank in August 2008. In 2011, Citizens Bank was acquired by Equity Bank.
Doris “retired” in 2018 and was coaxed to rejoin the bank “part-time” in March 2022.
Doris has customers who have banked with her for her entire 50-year career. She is passionate about helping the customers, and she says they keep her coming in each day and keep her mind young. Doris has seen many changes in the banking world, from the manual proof entry of teller work and manual ledgers to the everyday use of computers and digitized documents.
