Now in its 19th year, the Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) Program is a leadership development program coordinated by the Kansas Bankers Association. The BLOK program is designed to improve the leadership skills of Kansas bankers and accomplishes that goal through four primary objectives:
- To increase the individual banker’s understanding and knowledge of the structure and governance of the KBA, including a complete overview of programs, services and representation provided by the KBA.
- To increase the individual banker’s understanding of the state and federal legislative process and increase their willingness to actively support and defend the Kansas banking industry.
- To increase the individual banker’s understanding and awareness of the various state and federal agencies that govern the banking industry in Kansas and how those agencies interact with the KBA.
- To improve the individual banker’s leadership and communication skills through professional development and leadership training sessions and to provide a clear understanding of the individual banker’s role as a volunteer KBA leader.
This year’s class includes a wide range of banking industry talent from across the state. Twenty-four Kansas bankers will participate in four BLOK training sessions that will arm them with the knowledge and information needed to be credible and effective advocates for the Kansas banking industry. The first session is scheduled for Feb. 4-6 and will center on the 2025 BLOK Academy and Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference in Topeka.
The 2025 BLOK Sponsors are:
- Premier: BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas; FHLBank Topeka; KBA Insurance Inc.
- Silver: INTRUST Bank, N.A.
- Bronze: Bank Compensation Consulting; Bankers’ Bank of Kansas; Professional Bank Consultants LLC; Schools of Banking; UMB Bank
Introducing the 2025 BLOK Class
Neal Barclay, CRCM
Assistant Vice President — Compliance Specialist & Auditor, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka
Neal has worked in multiple banks and has over 30 years of banking experience in Compliance, BSA and Mortgage/Consumer Lending. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Economics from Pittsburg State University in 1987. He graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in 1992 and obtained the ABA’s Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) designation in 2005. Neal has been an instructor at the KBA/NBA Compliance School since 2018 and has been with the KBA for the past eight years.
Matyson Barnes
Assistant Vice President, Credit Analyst Supervisor, Farmers Bank & Trust, Overland Park
Matyson Barnes grew up in Council Grove, Kansas. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a banking concentration, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and a certificate in Agricultural Business. Matyson has worked at Farmers Bank & Trust in the Credit Department for four and a half years, serving as the Credit Analyst Supervisor over the last year. Her previous banking experience includes working as a Teller at Farmers & Drovers Bank and interning at Bankers’ Bank of Kansas. Additionally, she volunteers throughout the year with the Salvation Army and a retirement community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling with her husband, Nick.
Dan Duchnowski
Senior Vice President, Chief Services Officer, Equity Bank, Wichita
Dan Duchnowski has been with Equity Bank for two years as the Chief Services Officer, overseeing deposit operations, loan operations, mortgage operations and operations compliance. He has 25 years of banking experience, working at various banks throughout his career, including an internet-only bank, a private/commercial bank and community banks. His banking career has taken him from Georgia to Pennsylvania and, ultimately, Kansas. Dan has held diverse roles throughout his career, including Chief Banking Officer, Chief Marketing & Chief Deposit Officer, Digital Solutions Manager, Customer Service Center and Digital Banking Manager, and Client Care Senior Officer. He is currently attending Banking School at the University of Georgia and is scheduled to graduate in 2025. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a General Banking Degree from the American Bankers Association. Dan resides in Wichita with his wife, Melissa, and their two teenage sons.
Chris Endicott
Vice President and MPF Account Manager, FHLBank Topeka, Topeka
Chris joined FHLBank Topeka in 2005 as an MPF Relationship Manager and was promoted to his present role as Vice President and MPF Account Manager in 2013. Before joining FHLBank, he worked as a Banking Center Manager for TeamBank, N.A. Chris has a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in computer information systems from Emporia State University.
Jared Engelbert
Vice President & CFO, The First State Bank, Norton
Jared Engelbert graduated from Kansas State University in 2010. After K-State, he worked as an Examiner for the FDIC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He joined The First State Bank’s Holdrege, Nebraska, branch in 2015. Jared also works as an Agriculture and Commercial Loan Officer. Jared also works from the bank’s Norton, Kansas, office on loan committees and asset liability management. He completed the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2019. Passionate about his community, Jared volunteers at his church and serves on economic development boards. He lives in Holdrege with his wife, McKenzie, their three daughters, and one son.
Brandon Grigsby
Vice President, Loan Officer, Stockgrowers State Bank, Ashland
Brandon Grigsby was raised in Attica, Kansas. After high school, he attended Dodge City Community College on a football scholarship and later completed his degree at Kansas State University. He began his career at Meade State Bank before transitioning to real estate appraisals, earning a General Certified Real Estate Appraisal license, and working across a five-state region. In 2005, Brandon joined Stockgrowers State Bank as a Loan Officer, specializing in agricultural and commercial lending, collateral valuation, and appraisals. Now an Executive Officer, he serves on the loan and ALCO committees. Outside of banking, Brandon has served on numerous boards. He is currently a member of the USD 220 School Board, the Ashland 2020 Housing Committee, and the Kansas Water Office Red Hills Regional Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Kansas Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Brandon and his wife, Heather, are proud parents of three children — Reese, Britt and Kashlee. In their spare time, the family enjoys running a cattle and farming business.
Daniel Hayden
Vice President of Payments and Deposits, Bankers’ Bank of Kansas, Wichita
Daniel Hayden began his banking career more than 25 years ago in Northwest Kansas as a Bank Teller, progressing through various roles in the industry. Sixteen years ago, he moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he took on a position in audit and compliance, eventually becoming Vice President of Operations at a financial institution. In 2022, Daniel joined Bankers’ Bank of Kansas as Vice President of Payments and Deposits. He currently oversees the Cash Management Department, servicing the payment and deposit needs of community banks. He is passionate about the role that financial institutions play in Kansas communities.
Cody Heiman
Vice President, Loan Officer, First Bank Kansas, Salina
Cody Heiman grew up on a farm in northeast Kansas. He attended Washburn University, where he played football and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Management. Following graduation, Cody began his banking career and now has over eight years of experience. For the past four years, he has served as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer at First Bank Kansas in Salina, Kansas. Cody is actively involved in the Salina Community. He is a member of AMBUCS, serves on the Finance Committee for The United Way in Salina, and is a member of the Young Bank Officers of Kansas. In his free time, he enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Gwen Hill, JD
Vice President — Staff Attorney, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka
Gwen is a native Kansan and graduated from Washburn University and Washburn University School of Law. Her first experience in banking was as an Attorney with the Office of the State Bank Commissioner, where she worked for five years. She then became a Staff Attorney at the Kansas Bankers Association in 2005, working in the office for nearly 10 years before relocating with her family to Colorado. Gwen and her husband, Greg, currently live in upstate New York and have two children — a son in high school and a daughter in college. Gwen enjoys exploring both New York City and the more rural part of New York state.
Chrissy Lewman
Vice President — Compliance, The Union State Bank of Atchison, Atchison
Chrissy Lewman has worked in the banking industry for over 20 years and has learned various positions during her career. She currently works for Union State Bank of Everest in northeast Kansas as the Vice President of Compliance and has been with the bank for 12 years. Raised in central Missouri, Chrissy earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. She has learned to utilize her degree to better understand banking regulations and the events that led to their passing. A self-described nerd, she has a passion for compliance and making it as fun as possible for her bank.
Beth Masterson
Vice President, Loan Operations Officer, Legacy Bank, Wichita
Beth has been in banking for 24 years, all with Legacy Bank. She started at the bank part-time in high school and continued while attending Wichita State University, earning her Business Administration degree. Beth continued her career at Legacy Bank after graduation as she realized she really enjoyed working for a community bank. She is the Loan Operations Officer, where she interacts directly with the Loan Operation staff along with the Lending Team. Beth serves on the board for Young Bank Officers of Kansas, a division of KBA. She resides in Wichita with her husband, Kyle, and two children, Braeden and Kylie. In her spare time, she enjoys attending her kid’s sporting events, volunteering for different school and church activities, and traveling with her family.
Paige Meader
Commercial/Ag Loan Officer, First National Bank of Kansas, Waverly
Paige Meader graduated from Baker University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. After college, she started employment at Equity Bank in Kansas City, where she held multiple titles, including Treasury Management Specialist, Credit Manager and Credit Officer — mainly providing oversight to the bank’s credit portfolio quality. Paige was also part of the Due Diligence Team for Mergers and Acquisitions, specializing in credit reviews. She was with Equity Bank for eight years before returning to her family’s bank in Waverly, Kansas, in 2024 as the third-generation banker at First National Bank of Kansas (FNB). Paige is a Loan Officer at FNB, mainly focusing on commercial and agriculture lending. In her free time, Paige enjoys traveling, watching football (go Chiefs!), and reading a good book.
Joel Milford
Officer, Correspondent Banking & Regional Lending, First National Bank of Hutchinson, Hutchinson
Joel Milford, a western Kansas native, earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Kansas State University. He has spent nearly six years at First National Bank of Hutchinson, gaining experience in retail, loan operations, credit administration and lending. Now an Officer of Correspondent Banking & Regional Lending, he works with community banks across the state, building relationships and supporting their goals. Active in professional development, Joel has attended commercial lending courses through the KBA/NBA Schools of Banking and serves as Vice President of the Golden Belt Bankers Association. Joel resides outside of Nickerson, Kansas, with his wife, Lauren, and three young boys: Madden, Morgan and Miles. They attend and are involved in Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson. Outside of banking, Joel enjoys hunting and being outdoors with his family.
Mazie Mobley
Portfolio Management Manager, INTRUST Bank, N.A., Wichita
Mazie Mobley is a Wichita native and has been with INTRUST Bank for over 13 years. She began her career at INTRUST Bank as a Teller in 2011, later gaining experience as a Credit Analyst, Commercial Lender and Syndication Lender before joining the Portfolio Management Team, which she now manages. Mazie earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Wichita State University. She is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of directors for CASA of Sedgwick County and the finance committees for Child start and the Wichita Family Crisis Center. Mazie resides in Wichita with her husband, Tyler, and their two children, Cora and Cameron. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running and reading.
Trenton Moore
Market President, Equity Bank, Independence
Trenton Moore grew up outside of Galesburg, Kansas, and graduated from Erie High School in 2009. After serving in the U.S. Army, he earned his degree in agronomy from Kansas State University in 2017. He began his career in agriculture, working for Mid-West Fertilizer as a Crop Scout, Technology Specialist and Location Manager. In 2021, Trenton transitioned into banking, becoming Vice President of Commercial Bank’s Erie location. Just recently he accepted the Market President position for Equity Bank in Independence, Kansas. Deeply involved in his community, Trenton has served on the Erie City Council and actively contributes to local initiatives through the Economic Development Committee and the Mainstreet Memories Team. He resides outside of Erie with his wife, Kyleigh, and their two children.
Kim Parks
Senior Vice President — Treasury Management & Commercial Depository Officer, ESB Financial, Emporia
Kim Parks has been in banking for 27 years, with 23 of those years at ESB Financial. She began her banking career in high school and continued working in the industry while attending Emporia State University. Kim’s concierge banking approach empowers commercial clients by providing tailored tools for success. In addition to her banking career, Kim and her husband, Brady, own and operate a construction company, giving her valuable first-hand insight into the hurdles and needs that business owners face. She is actively involved in the Emporia community, serving as a Chamber Ambassador, former Board Chair of the United Way of the Flint Hills, and current Board Chair of Emporia Enterprises. Kim and her husband reside in Emporia and have enjoyed raising their three children in the heart of the Flint Hills.
Susan Rash
Vice President, Director of Human Resources and Marketing, Community National Bank, Seneca
Susan Rash grew up in Holton, Kansas, and attended Kansas State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communication/Management with a minor in leadership in 2014. She then worked for state associations in membership and marketing while pursuing an MBA in Human Resources from Columbia Southern University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2016 with a Certificate in Human Resources Management. Susan has held roles across the construction, manufacturing and agriculture industries, developing a passion for banking along the way. She is active in local groups related to her children’s activities and profession. She and her husband, Trent, have a cow/calf operation and reside on their family farm in Circleville, where they are raising their two sons, Casen and Wade.
Tyson Reimer
Commercial/Ag Loan Officer, Central National Bank, Junction City
Tyson Reimer is a Commercial and Ag Lender who began his banking career at Central National Bank in 2023. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Tabor College (2020) and an MBA (2022). He serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for the Junction City Main Street Organization and actively volunteers with the youth ministry and worship team at Emmanuel Church in Abilene, Kansas. Tyson resides in Abilene with his wife, who is a first-grade teacher.
Sarah Sanders
First Vice President, Retail Banking Operations Officer, Capitol Federal Savings Bank, Topeka
Sarah Sanders has been with Capitol Federal for over 25 years, holding various positions, from part-time Teller to Delegated BSA Compliance Officer. She currently serves as First Vice President, Retail Banking Operations Officer. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Washburn University and an MBA from Baker University. She has led Capitol Federal through core and online banking system conversions, product implementations, and was instrumental in the integration following Capitol Federal’s acquisition of Capital City Bank in 2018. An active industry professional, Sarah participates in the ABA Overdraft Working Group, various roundtables, and holds Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified AML and Fraud Professional (CAFP) designations. She also serves on nonprofit boards and is a member of the USD 450 Board of Education.
Kaycie Schilling
Vice President/Senior Loan Officer, FNB Bank, Goodland
Kaycie Schilling has been with FNB Bank since April 2015, starting in the Credit Review Department before advancing to Senior Loan Officer. Born and raised on a cow-calf operation in central Kansas, Kaycie developed a deep passion for agriculture. In her current role, she combines this passion with finance to serve the Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado markets. She is actively involved in the Goodland community, serving on the boards of the Goodland Kiwanis Club and Chapter ID PEO and volunteering with the Topside Basketball Tournament and Meals on Wheels. Kaycie earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University and is a recent graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. She resides in Goodland with her husband, Clay, and their two children.
Thomas Sheik
Vice President, State Bank of Bern, Bern
Thomas “Tom” Sheik graduated from Kansas State University with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance and a minor in economics. He later earned an MBA from Kansas State University while working as an examiner for the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC). After seven years at the OSBC, Tom went to work at The State Bank of Bern, where he is involved in all aspects of the bank’s operations and serves on the board of directors. He is also a member of YBOK and serves as President of the Nemaha County Bankers Association. Tom and his wife, Katie, have two children, Evie and Bowie.
Derek Stephens
Commercial Relationship Manager, First Interstate Bank, Shawnee
Derek Stephens has over 18 years of banking experience, including 12 years at KeyBank and three at Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank. He specialized in asset management, loan servicing, and credit underwriting, spending a decade resolving complex CMBS and commercial real estate loans, including work with the FDIC. In 2022, Derek joined First Interstate Bank in Shawnee as a Commercial Relationship Manager, focusing on commercial real estate and C&I lending. He is also a 2024 graduate of the inaugural Leadership Leawood Program. A Wichita native and University of Kansas alum, Derek currently resides in Overland Park with his wife, Tracey, and their two children, Jameson and Lennox.
Bryan VonFeldt
Chief Financial Officer, Astra Bank, Hays
Bryan VonFeldt has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Astra Bank since 2013. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and a Master’s Degree in General Business from Fort Hays State University, as well as a 2018 graduate certificate from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU. Bryan lives in Hays with his wife, Brittney, and two children, Logan and Kinlee. He has been the Head Coach for the TMP High School Boys Golf Team over the past 17 seasons and is an adjunct professor at FHSU for the Robbins Banking Institute. Bryan also serves on other local boards and committees.
Brandi Zimmer
Vice President — Deposits/Marketing, Guaranty State Bank & Trust Co., Beloit
Brandi Zimmer has been with Guaranty State Bank & Trust Co. for nearly four years, primarily working in deposits, marketing and human resources. She is a graduate of Fort Hays State University and resides in Beloit with her husband, Jeff, and their two sons, George and Dayton.
