PBT Bancshares Inc. to Acquire KANZA Bank
PBT Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Peoples Bank and Trust Company, and KANZA Financial Corporation, the holding company of KANZA Bank, have jointly announced the signing of a stock purchase agreement whereby PBT Bancshares Inc. will acquire KANZA Bank. Following the closing of the transaction, KANZA Bank will be merged with and into Peoples Bank and Trust Company, with Peoples Bank and Trust Company as the surviving entity. The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Natalie G. Haag
The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed on graduates whose careers have been highly distinguished, and whose achievements and contributions are widely recognized as significant and outstanding in their field of endeavor, whether it be in the practice of law, the judiciary, business, public service, education or otherwise.
Natalie G. Haag is currently General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Capitol Federal Savings Bank in Topeka. Before tackling the banking industry, Haag’s career ran the gamut of legislative, governmental affairs, corporate, constitutional, civil litigation and criminal prosecution with a nine-year stint at Security Benefit Corporation, seven years in government for the state of Kansas and 10 years practicing law in Topeka, Wichita and Cowley counties.
Her lifetime of service has garnered her the Jennie Mitchell Kellogg Attorney Achievement Award in 2021, Chief Justice Kay McFarland Attorney of Achievement Award in 2019, Henry A. Bubb Distinguished Service Award in 2019, Washburn Law Alumni Fellow Award in 2016, YWCA Woman of Excellence Award in 2016, the Topeka Swim Association’s Dedicated Service Award in 2015, the Topeka Bar Association Newton Vickers Professionalism Award in 2013, the Kansas Bar Association Outstanding Service Award in 2008 and the Security Benefit Living the Values Community Service Award in 2007.
Haag is deeply involved with the Kansas Bar Association, Kansas Women’s Attorneys Association and Women’s Attorneys Association of Topeka, and is a Kansas delegate to the American Bar Association. She has been a member of the board of governors since 2019 and is a Trustee of the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation.
Ausmus Honored by American Bankers Association with Emerging Leader Award
Rachael Ausmus, Director of Private Banking at Country Club Bank, was honored with the 2024 ABA Emerging Leader Award by the American Bankers Association at its Annual Convention in New York. This award recognizes rising bank leaders committed to excellence in their industry and local communities. Joe Close, President of Country Club Bank, praised Rachael’s dedication, leadership and mentoring, highlighting her role as a commercial lender serving various sectors and her commitment to teamwork and innovation.
Rachael began her tenure at Country Club Bank in 2018 as Vice President of Commercial Lending, specializing in relationships with nonprofits and professional services. Her career, which began in 2006, has included roles at Fidelity Bank, Alterra Bank and American Heritage National Bank. She also serves on the Missouri Banker’s Association Next Gen in Banking board and volunteers with local organizations, demonstrating her dedication both professionally and in her community.
Paul Roberts, Bank of Denton, Celebrates 50 Years in Banking
Congratulations to Paul W. Roberts for achieving 50 years of employment at his family-owned bank, The Bank of Denton, in Denton, Kansas. He is a third-generation banker of the Roberts family that has owned the bank for over 100 years.
Paul graduated from Midway High School in Denton in 1966. He then attended and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1970 with a degree in business.
For the next four years, Paul served in the Navy and returned home after his service to begin working alongside his father, Thomas J. Roberts, as a teller at the bank. Through the years, Paul worked his way up to Cashier and Director and became President in 2013 upon his father’s stepping down from the role.
Paul married the local school’s home ec teacher, June Stewart, in 1976. Paul and June raised three boys: David (Beth) Roberts of Uruguay, Douglas (Emily) Roberts of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Darren Roberts of Pittsburg, Kansas. They have six grandchildren.
Paul enjoys photography, archaeological digs and spending time with his grandchildren.
