Pub. 7 2018 Issue 4

l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s 22 Briefly... In Kansas Banking Gerald Lauber retiring after 40+ years at Kaw Valley Bank When Gerald Lauber went to work at Kaw Valley Bank in 1972, he’d leave the Washburn campus, put on a necktie and loop his long hair behind his ears to take his spot as a drive-up teller at the community bank. Lauber will be returning to suit-and-tie optional days at the end of May, when he will leave his leadership of Kaw Valley to retire after nearly 46 years. He’s been president of the bank since 1982. He grew up in Yates Center, the son of a farmer, and even before attending Washburn had a job at a local bank. It was always a career that interested him, and he didn’t see farming as a choice. “My father worked awfully hard for very little money. I wanted an easier, softer life, and I found banking interesting,” Lauber said, adding that he was drawn to the ability to be creative and help people through loans. Lauber found his way to the family owned 145-year-old Kaw Valley Bank. The Swogger family owned it for about 100 years, and Lauber worked under Glenn Swogger Sr. until he retired in 1982. The opportunity to make a difference in Topeka and to help Kaw Valley customers — generations of families now after more than 40 years — means Lauber will leave his position proud of the differences he made in the bank. Herb Iams, President, KBA Insurance congratulated Gerald. Anderson Chandler Recognized for 60-Years of Service to Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co. of Topeka Leadership and employees of Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co. of Topeka recently welcomed friends, family and colleagues for a special reception honoring Anderson Chandler for his 60 years of service to Fidelity Bank. Mr. Chandler, who served as President of the Kansas Bankers Association’s Board of Directors in 1983 continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of Fidelity Bank. KBA President Chuck Stones and other members of KBA’s leadership team including Kathy Taylor, Becky Tongish and Doug Wareham formally presented Mr. Chandler with a KBA certificate commemorating his 60-years of leadership and service to the Kansas banking industry. Congratulations Andy! Promotion Announced at First National Bank in Cimarron Kimberly Fairbank, Chairman of the Board of First National Bank in Cimarron, announced a promotion made by the Board of Directors. Steve Burns was elected Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. Fairbank, who has been with the bank since 1984 and was the previous CEO, will continue in the capacity of Chairman of the Board. Burns, who has been President since 2008, has been with the bank since 1991. Community National Bank & Trust’s Janet Tucker Promoted to Trust Officer Community National Bank & Trust is proud to announce the promotion of Janet Tucker to Trust Officer. Janet is in the Independence Banking Center and is part of the bank-wide Trust Department. Janet was hired in 1974 by what was then Citizens National Bank and has been working in banking for the past 44 years with 38 years of trust experience. In addition to her time spent serving the valued customers at the bank, Janet is involved with the Montgomery County Rural Water District 4, Soroptimist, and servers as Secretary for Independence Industries and Independence Action Partnership American State Bancshares Names Greg Quarles New CEO American State Bancshares is a multi-bank holding company that owns American State Bank & Trust and Rose Hill Bank. Quarles will continue to serve as President and CEO of American State Bank & Trust, a position he has held since 2016. He is replacing Don Lackamp, who recently announced his retirement after serving as president and CEO for 13 years. Quarles holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and bachelor’s in finance from Texas Tech University. Douglas Thurman Joins American State Bank & Trust as Executive Vice President Chief Lending Officer Agribusiness American State Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Douglas Thurman of Hays has joined the bank in a newly created position of Executive Vice President Chief Lending Officer Agribusiness. Thurman is a well-known Kansas agribusiness banker with more than Gerald Lauber continued on page 23