A Different Kind of Leader

Following graduation from Fort Hays Kansas State University, less than 30 miles from Bison, our President & CEO commenced his banking career at highly respected regional bank as an executive trainee. He rose quickly in the organization progressing through several responsible positions including becoming one of the youngest bank presidents at the age of 28. He has served as a bank president most of his career and is highly seasoned and respected. He owns a track-record of exhibiting the power to dream while possessing imagination NOT to be ordinary but to stand apart.

Coming from a low-income housing project, he nonetheless has achieved a record of accomplishment in leadership, success and innovation. He has accumulated a rich variety of ‘real-world’ experience including rebuilding and expanding an Ohio regional community bank to almost 40 locations; founding a new bank in the Southeast and serving two terms on the Federal Reserve Bank Board, Charlotte Branch (Fifth District). He has been actively involved in community, civic and social organizations.

Our President met and married his college sweetheart, JoAnne, in Hays. She is similarly a graduate of Fort Hays State. He is also an alumnus of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University; holds a Master's Degree from the University of North Texas, Dallas; a Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Southern Methodist University; and has studied at Rockhurst College and the University of Missouri in Kansas City. Among his most prized credits is his Paul Harris Fellow recognition from Rotary International and Adjunct Instructor designation at the University of North Texas at Dallas School of Business.