2025 Pub. 14 Issue 2

At the beginning of this year, my travels on behalf of ABA took me to Southern California at a time when deadly wildfires were still raging through many neighborhoods in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.

Congratulations to Rick D. Smith on his exceptional 50-year career in banking! Rick’s journey began on Jan. 27, 1975, at Home National Bank (now Home Bank & Trust Co.) in Eureka, Kansas. Starting as an Assistant Cashier, he quickly progressed through several leadership roles, including Cashier, Vice President, Senior Vice President, and ultimately Executive Vice President and Director. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in the bank’s growth and success during his tenure.

This year’s event was a definite success! We had an exceptional line-up of presenters, 103 attendees, amazing sponsors and 43 exhibitors. Check out some of this year’s highlights!

This year’s BLOK Academy welcomed nearly 100 bankers to Topeka Country Club on Feb. 5. KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham kicked off the event with a warm welcome, followed by remarks from Matt Koupal, Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Officer/Chief Legal Officer at FHLBank Topeka (BLOK Class of 2023), who emphasized the significance of this program.

The 2025 Kansas Ag Bankers Conference convened with an exceptional line-up of presenters, 305 attendees and 45 tradeshow sponsors in attendance!

Congratulations to these KBA employees on their recent work anniversaries! Your dedication and commitment have been essential to our success, and we truly appreciate your hard work and passion. Thank you for all that you do for KBA and Kansas bankers!

Congratulations to Jackie Kuhn, VP — Staff Attorney, on her well-deserved retirement! Jackie began her remarkable journey with KBA on Oct. 1, 1979. Over the decades, her dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact. On March 31, she was celebrated with a special retirement reception at the KBA office, surrounded by bankers, KBA colleagues, retirees, family and friends, all gathered to honor her outstanding career. We wish Jackie all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter!

On Thursday, Feb. 28, the Fort Hays State University Robbins Banking Institute proudly hosted its Lecture Series at the Memorial Union on campus. We were honored to welcome Kansas native and former community banker, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle (Miki) Bowman, as our distinguished guest speaker. Governor Bowman shared her knowledge of the banking industry, offering attendees a unique opportunity to learn from her expertise and experience. The event was attended by numerous Kansas bankers, community leaders, FHSU alumni, faculty, staff and students. (Bowman has been nominated by the Trump Administration to serve as the Federal Reserve’s Vice Chair of Supervision and is currently awaiting confirmation.)

While the regulatory landscape in Washington, D.C., is evolving — as pauses and adjustments occur with changes in administration — consumer compliance should continue to be a part of every organization’s culture. As banks look to protect the consumer, here are five areas to consider for 2025:

As a one-time ad agency art director, I always take a special interest in creating a message, whether it’s a television commercial or radio spot — I may be dating myself here — or a direct mail piece, brochure or social post.

Promotion Announced at First National Bank in Cimarron First National Bank in Cimarron is pleased to announce Trenton Fairbank’s promotion to Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Trenton joined the bank in 2018 after moving back to Cimarron with his family after a career in engineering.  Jan. 1 is also significant because it marks

Paul Richard Boeding May 8, 1947-Feb. 6, 2025 With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Paul Richard Boeding, 77, of Seneca, Kansas, on Feb. 6, 2025, at his home. Born May 8, 1947, in Seneca to Edward M. and Mary (Mohan) Boeding, Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He married Marilyn

How do you picture Kansas?
We want your snapshots of Kansas events, landscapes, weather, wildlife and more. Pictures to be submitted for the 2026 calendar need to be taken June 1, 2024-May 25, 2025.
Email high-resolution digital files (300 dpi at 4” x 6” in TIFF or JPEG format) to Julie Taylor at jtaylor@ksbankers.com.