OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE KANSAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION

Pub. 12 2023 Issue 4

Briefly in Kansas Banking

Bank of the Flint Hills Recognizes Board Member James (Jim) Meinhardt for Service

Jim Meinhardt was recently honored by the Bank of the Flint Hills for his remarkable 35 years of service to the Board of Directors. As the local owner of KanEquip, Inc., Jim brought invaluable expertise and a unique perspective to the board, representing the agricultural community.

During the recognition ceremony, Jim expressed his pride in the incredible work they accomplished together, saying, “It has been my pleasure to be a friend, customer and Board member to Bank of the Flint Hills. I’ve been able to be a part of their growth and success and I’m proud of the work we have done.”

Jim’s philanthropic efforts are noteworthy, as they underscore his commitment to both his business and community. During the recognition ceremony, Jim requested that the bank support two organizations that are particularly important to him, the Wamego FFA Chapter and the Wamego FFA Alumni Chapter. Chairman Emeritus of the Board, Charlie White, thanked Jim for his unwavering dedication to his community, family, business, friends, and the bank, highlighting the honor of doing business with friends and helping them grow.

Keeny, Russell Celebrate 30 Years with CBK

Two top officers at Citizens Bank of Kansas are celebrating milestones in June.

Mark Keeny, CEO, Director, and owner of Citizens Bank of Kansas joined the staff of CBK on June 7, 1993. A graduate of the University of Kansas and the Graduate School of Banking, Mark considers his time as a Financial Examiner with the Office of State Banking Commission as pivotal to his development as a banker. After four years of examining banks, Mark joined the family banking business and has served in various roles within the Bank. He credits his mentor and late father-in-law, Max Deterding, with much of his success in banking.

Kyle Russell, President and Director of Citizens Bank of Kansas joined First National Bank of Derby on June 14, 1993. That bank became Verus Bank and merged with CBK in 2019. A Winfield, Kansas native, Kyle graduated from Oklahoma State University and the Graduate School of Banking. Kyle began his banking career in 1985 with The State Bank in Winfield.

“It’s not often a bank can celebrate an achievement like thirty years of continued leadership, and certainly not two leaders in the same bank,” said Jane Deterding, Chairman of the Board of Citizens Bank of Kansas. “Mark and Kyle are great bankers. Their contributions to the success of CBK are immeasurable. Everyone at CBK congratulates them for a job well done.”

FHLBank President and CEO Mark Yardley Announces Retirement

After nearly 39 years of committed service, including more than six years as President and CEO, Mark Yardley notified FHLBank’s Board of Directors of his decision to retire by no later than June 30, 2024. Mark joined FHLBank in 1984 as Director of Internal Audit, subsequently serving as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and was named to his current position of President and CEO in January 2017.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve FHLBank for almost 39 years,” said Mark. “FHLBank has proven itself to be a critical liquidity provider to members throughout our District, and I am proud of the partnerships that have allowed FHLBank to support its members in building strong communities.”

KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham recently addressed the Mulvane Community Leaders Breakfast Club where he stressed the important role community banks play in stimulating economic development and providing leadership to communities large and small across Kansas. Wareham was a guest of the Carson Bank team headquartered in Mulvane.