The Missouri Banker May June 2025 : simplebooklet.com

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ContentsThe Missourifacebook.com/mobankers @mobankers@mobankersMissouri Bankers AssociationFrom our ChairmanTo Be the Best, Invest in Your Team .......................................................... 2From our President and CEOThe Uncharted Road Ahead ................................................................ 4American Bankers Association PerspectiveA Legacy of Financial Literacy ............................................................... 5Department NewsGovernment Relations: MBA Interns Reﬂect on a Session Well Spent ............................. 6Legal: Fair Hiring in Banking Act, Expungement of Criminal Records in Missouri ................ . 7Compliance: Flood Insurance: Changes and Pain Points ....................................... 8MBA VEBA: When Accidents Strike, Are You Covered for the Unexpected? ..................... 9Next Generation in BankingSubmit Nominations for NextGen Award! / Celebrating Teach Children To Save ................ 10Views from Washington, D.C.2025 ABA Washington Summit .............................................................. 12Cover StoryA Guiding Light ........................................... 16Banking Leadership Missouri lights the paths for tomorrow's leadersGuest CommentaryVisual Audits Pinpoint Property Descriptions .................................................. 22Debunking Common Debit Card Misconceptions ............................................ 24MBA Welcomes New Associate Members .................................................... 26Around the State2025 Target Banker Visits .................................................................... 11 Kussman, Klebba, Thompson Nominated for MBA Ofﬁces .................................... 15Beyond Banking: MRV Banks Team Members Shine On & Off the Stage ........................ 28MBA Conferences .......................................................................... 30Achievements .............................................................................. 32Seven Graduates Receive $1,000 MBA Foundation Scholarships ............................... 33Jackson Hataway, PublisherLori Bruce, EditorLauren Rush, Designer573-636-8151The Missouri Banker (USPS Number 000044, ISSN Number 0893-5637) is published six times a year by the Missouri Bankers Association, 207 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101. Second-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, Mo. Copyright© 1998 by the Missouri Bankers Association. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Missouri Banker, P.O. Box 57, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Opinions expressed in any signed article in The Missouri Banker are those of the author and should not be construed as the viewpoint of the editors or of the Missouri Bankers Association. Neither should information provided in The Missouri Banker be construed as legal advice. The Missouri Banker does not provide legal advice, nor does it take the place of legal counsel hired by ﬁnancial institutions. While this publication makes a reasonable effort to establish the integrity of advertisers, it does not endorse advertised products or services, unless otherwise so stated. This issue may contain legislative advertising. Advertising copy is generally segregated from news and other information.Address ChangesSubmit changes for The Missouri Banker to mba@mobankers.com.CONNECT WITH MBA!For the latest news, visit mobankers.com. THE MISSOURI BANKER 1

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To Be the Best, Invest in Your TeamDavid M. Gohn, MBA Chairman West Plains Bank and Trust CompanyHow can I be the best?I think it’s a question each of us asks of ourselves at some point in our lives, and I think our answer evolves as we move through life. Maybe you wanted to be your team’s MVP or class valedictorian. Maybe you want to be the best gardener, chef or painter. Perhaps you want to be the best mom or dad. Whatever you want to be, I believe we all want this — to simply be the best version of ourselves.As bankers, we want our banks to be the best at serving the ﬁnancial needs of our customers and our communities. Missouri has a rich history of banks with long-standing roots in their communities, and we have seen growth with the expansion of new banks in various markets. It’s a testament to the vitality of the strength and leadership of the Missouri banking community. To ensure we continue to survive and thrive, we must invest in our teams.From our ChairmanOur investment in professional development for our teams comes in various forms — in-house training, mentoring, seminars and webinars, conferences, college courses, etc. When looking at our expenses for employee training or reviewing an employee’s request to attend a program, don’t focus on the dollar amount too much or the time away from the bank. Rather, ask yourself these questions — how will this training/program beneﬁt our customers? Does it provide the resources our employees need to enhance services for our customers? These investments play a vital role in our banks’ futures. As you envision your bank ﬁve years and 10 years from now, who will be the leaders? Do you see someone who has the potential to lead a department? To lead the bank? Are those individuals currently at the bank?One of the great resources available to develop our future leaders comes from MBA — Banking Leadership Missouri. The experience that bankers gain through Banking Leadership Missouri is invaluable, as I have seen from the perspective of a bank executive and MBA ofﬁcer.Eleven individuals from various departments at West Plains Bank and Trust Company are graduates of Banking Leadership Missouri; 10 of those individuals are still with the bank. I have personally seen how the program has inﬂuenced their roles at the bank, as well as the leaders they have become. As an MBA ofﬁcer, I recently spent some time with the current class as they presented their capstone projects outlining how the banking industry will ﬂourish in the next decade. I was impressed with their perspectives and thoughtful insights they have gained from the program. This issue of The Missouri Banker highlights the bankers in this 2 mobankers.com

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To Be the Best, Invest in Your Team“We want our banks to be the best at serving the ﬁnancial needs of our customers and our communities. To ensure we continue to survive and thrive, we must invest in our teams.West Plains Bank and Trust Company President/CEO David M. Gohn and graduates of Banking Leadership Missouri from the bank — Clay Johnson, Kim Fredrick,Amanda Hamilton, Ann Marie Newberry, Cassidy Johnson, Mindy Trail, Alex Collins, Kate Tyree and Nathan Cropper (not pictured Eric Judd)year’s Banking Leadership Class. I encourage you to read their views about how the class has enhanced their leadership; perhaps one of them may someday be writing this column as MBA chairman. Just as investing in our teams is necessary for our banks to survive and thrive, so too are our advocacy endeavors. After years of regulatory onslaught, it’s refreshing to see a pause in the rules hampering the industry. However, this pause doesn’t mean we should pause our efforts. Rather, MBA has taken a proactive approach with our congressional delegation and has even stirred the pot with one particular lawmaker.Following productive meetings with legislators in Washington, D.C., in early April, MBA closed out the month hosting a fundraiser for Missouri Congressman and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith on April 22 in Cape Girardeau. A long-time supporter of the banking community, Congressman Smith relayed his thoughts about federal legislation and passing tax reform. I want to personally thank every banker for making this event a success.Then there’s Sen. Josh Hawley, who continues to pursue measures detrimental to consumers he claims to protect. MBA deployed a social media campaign this spring outlining the dire consequences facing Missourians if Hawley’s attempts become law. Needless to say, the senator knows where our industry stands and the direction we intend to pursue.I asked at the start of this column — my last as MBA chairman — about how to become the best. This year as chairman has shown me the Missouri banking community is among the best in the nation. Each of you spends time and resources to ensure success and prosperity for your customers and communities. Thank you for your dedication, and I wish you the best as we all continue to thrive and survive. THE MISSOURI BANKER 3

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The Uncharted Road AheadWe are now well into 2025, and the regulatory apparatus is in full reverse from the course taken over the past four years. From the decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to reopen rulemaking for Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act to the Ofﬁce of the Comptroller of the Currency announcing it will no longer examine for reputational risk to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s decision to rescind the brokered deposit rule and its 2024 merger policy, we are seeing rapid reduction in regulatory burden across numerous fronts. These changes are long overdue and are the beginning of a return to an environment in which banks can focus on serving their Jackson Hataway, President and CEO, Missouri Bankers AssociationFrom our President and CEOWe are on the precipice of positive change for the banking industry unlike any we’ve seen since the Reagan administration.“customers and communities instead of worrying about regulatory overreach. However, there are still major regulatory challenges that must be addressed, and it will take strong leadership at each of the banking agencies for that to happen.It is critical that key nominees for federal regulatory posts receive conﬁrmation by the U.S. Senate if we want substantive, systemic change. As of this writing, the FDIC, the OCC and the CFPB all have interim or acting leadership. Even Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman, who has been nominated for the role of vice chair of supervision and has had a conﬁrmation hearing, is awaiting a ﬂoor vote by the Senate. Our industry needs fully vetted and conﬁrmed agency leaders who have the full faith and conﬁdence of the Senate behind them if we truly want to undo the damage caused by more than a decade of regulatory scope creep.We are on the precipice of positive change for the banking industry unlike any we’ve seen since the Reagan administration. If Treasury Secretary Bessent’s public comments remain the guidepost for the Trump administration’s approach to ﬁnancial services, entire segments of regulation may be removed from various categories of banks, unlocking capital deployment and economic growth for communities of all sizes. We may even see real opportunity for de novo activity as legislative measures and regulatory policy ﬁnally align how to address the capital and regulatory compliance challenges associated with new bank formation.At the same time, we must be wary of entrants into the ﬁnancial services marketplace that seek to use the administration’s desire to reduce regulatory burden as an opportunity to disrupt and disintermediate banking. We must defend the safety and soundness of the insured banking system and the assets of the customers who place their trust in us. The complexity of balancing our opportunities and challenges is why we need strong, experienced and thoughtful leaders at each of the prudential regulators. It is past time for the Senate to take action and conﬁrm these nominees so that our industry can move forward with conﬁdence as we pursue a new era for banking. 4 mobankers.com

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Rob Nichols, President and CEO American Bankers AssociationABA PerspectiveA Legacy of Financial LiteracyEach year, we celebrate Teach Children to Save Day on the fourth Thursday in April — a day dedicated to helping kids in grades K-8 learn valuable lessons about saving money, budgeting and distinguishing wants from needs.I’ve been participating in Teach Children to Save Day events since I became CEO at ABA 10 years ago, and I always look forward to going out into classrooms and spending time with young people in our community, just as I know so many of you do. As we commemorate Teach Children to Save Day 2025, I’m reminded of the incredible legacy of the ABA Foundation, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The foundation was launched in 1925, in conjunction with ABA’s 50th anniversary, as the Foundation for Education in Economics Trust Fund. Funded through voluntary contributions, the trust fund sponsored college scholarships and research grants in economics, banking and ﬁnance. In the 1970s, the foundation launched its ﬁrst consumer education program, the Personal Economics Program, to help volunteer bankers bring ﬁnancial education presentations to their local schools and communities. In 1997, Teach Children to Save Day was created. Education is at the heart of the foundation’s mission. Today, the organization empowers bankers with the tools and resources to help build long-term ﬁnancial capability for Americans of all ages. We do this through our many ﬂagship programs — Teach Children to Save; Get Smart About Credit; Safe Banking for Seniors; and Lights, Camera, Save! — as well as through training, consumer resources and campaigns. I’m incredibly proud of the work the foundation has done throughout its history to support banks as they help build long-term ﬁnancial security, promote revitalized and resilient communities and advance economic opportunity for all — and the work continues! In fact, the foundation has set an ambitious goal of reaching 5 million people with ﬁnancial education programs by 2026. We are already well on our way — so far, more than 1,100 banks have reached 2.2 million customers and counting. If you’re not already participating in these programs, I encourage you to explore our offerings and join us in this effort. Thanks to ﬁnancial support from the foundation’s sponsors, we are able to provide our programs and resources for free to every bank in the nation. You can register at any time at aba.com/FinEd. As bankers know all too well, you’re never too old — or too young — to deepen your understanding of personal ﬁnance and increase ﬁnancial literacy. By volunteering your time and expertise in your community, bankers like you can help Americans of all ages chart their course to a bright ﬁnancial future. Email Rob Nichols at rnichols@aba.com. The ABA Foundation empowers bankers with resources to help build long-term ﬁnancial capability for Americans of all ages. It has a goal to reach 5 million people with ﬁnancial education programs by 2026.“ THE MISSOURI BANKER 5 THE MISSOURI BANKER 5

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Department NewsThis past legislative session, I had the opportunity to work alongside Emma Slaughter as an intern with MBA’s government relations team. As University of Missouri-Columbia students, Emma and I supported MBA’s legislative efforts at the Missouri Capitol. We called ourselves Team Synergy because of how well our strengths complemented each other. I brought ﬁve years of banking experience to the table, and Emma had a solid background in government relations from her previous internships. Together, we formed what some called “the perfect team.” One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was the trust we were given to be actively involved in the advocacy process. We led the Target Banker program, drafted weekly legislative updates, built out the advocacy section of MBA’s app and more. There were so many opportunities to work on different projects to learn new skills. As our internships end, we can reﬂect on how we helped strengthen MBA’s presence at the Capitol.GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONSMBA Interns Reﬂect on a Session Well SpentBy Caleb McDairmant, Policy and Lobbying InternEmma appreciated how much freedom we had to take ownership of our roles. She said the internship encouraged her to step up and be a self-starter. Having that space and freedom to contribute to projects in our own way made the experience feel like much more than an internship. Instead, it felt more like a launchpad for our careers. Some of my favorite memories came from the simple, unscripted moments like chatting with bankers who took time to advocate for the banking industry. Whether we were gathered around the lunch table or sitting in the third-ﬂoor rotunda of the Capitol, those conversations gave me a deeper appreciation for grassroots advocacy and often carried bouts of wisdom we will carry forward as we shape our own careers. One of the major highlights for us both was helping with NextGen Day at the Capitol, an annual event that brings emerging bank leaders to Jefferson City to connect with their lawmakers. Not only is it a chance for the next generation of bankers to take part in the legislative process, but it’s also a chance to build relationships that could shape the industry’s future. This event taught us how important grassroots advocacy is for planting the seeds for long-term impact, and it was a great opportunity to connect with current and future bank leaders.From the very beginning, we wanted to understand how MBA delivers values to its members. What we quickly learned is that every person here plays a unique role in making that happen. Some of the best insights came from casual discussions over lunch or quick chats in the break room. The best part of the internship, hands down, was the people. Emma and I had the chance to connect with Missouri’s banking leaders, both current and future. However, it was the relationships with MBA staff that left the biggest mark. Sharing an ofﬁce with MBA’s chief lobbyist during a full downstairs renovation turned out to be a hidden advantage. From daily conversations to behind-the-scenes insights, we learned more than we ever expected, all from simply being in the room. 6 mobankers.com6 mobankers.com

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The National Defense Authorization Act for ﬁscal year 2023 included an amendment to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (codiﬁed at 12 USC Section 1829) known as the Fair Hiring in Banking Act that reduces barriers to hiring in banking, particularly criminal history.Section 1829 requires banks to make a reasonable inquiry into a person’s criminal history. Certain offenses bar employment or association with a bank, and others require an “application for consent” (to hire) to be made to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In 2023, the FDIC issued FIL-9-2023 in response to the enactment of the FHBA, with an overview of the amendments to Section 1829 and the corresponding changes the agency proposed for 12 CFR Part 303. Subsequently, Part 303 was amended in fall 2024 at Subpart L (beginning at 12 CFR Section 303.220).The FHBA reduced disqualifying offenses or offenses that require an application for consent by distinguishing the level offense, the lapse of time since the offense or the age of the applicant at the time of the offense and expungement. This article addresses only the expungement of criminal records. Missouri law has been amended numerous times in recent years to expand the scope of offenses that are eligible for expungement. If an order of expungement is issued, the criminal record is “sealed” from public view, and the individual is no longer required to disclose or acknowledge such arrest, plea or conviction. However, the offense is not typically removed from criminal records and, in some circumstances, will still be produced in a criminal history report. Expungement provisions are primarily presented in Section 610.140, RSMo. Because of heightened character expectations in the ﬁnancial services sector, Section 610.140.10 includes a carve out that requires a person granted an expungement to disclose an expunged crime when the disclosure of such information is necessary to complete an application for certain professional licenses, for lottery and law enforcement, for insurance, and for banks and credit unions (speciﬁcally at Subsection (4) “Employment with any federally insured bank or saving institution or credit union or an afﬁliate of such institution or LEGALFair Hiring in Banking Act, Expungement of Criminal Records in Missouri By Keith Thornburg, Vice President and General Counselcredit union for purposes of compliance with 12 USC Section 1829 [bank] and 18 USC 1785 [credit union]”).12 USC 1829 Subsection (a) prohibits an insured depository from any association, without prior FDIC consent, with “any person who has been convicted of any criminal offense involving dishonesty or a breach of trust or money laundering or has agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion or similar program in connection with a prosecution for such offense.” The FHBA inserted a provision at (c) (2) as follows (emphasis added).(2) Expungement and sealingWith respect to an individual, subsection (a) shall not apply to an offense if--(A) there is an order of expungement, sealing or dismissal that has been issued regarding the conviction in connection with such offense; and(B) it is intended by the language in the order itself, or in the legislative provisions under which the order was issued, that the conviction shall be destroyed or sealed from the individual’s state, tribal or federal record, even if exceptions allow the record to be considered for certain character and ﬁtness evaluation purposes.This statutory provision also is addressed in regulation at 12 CFR 303.223 (c).Thus, state law allows for the disclosure of expunged or sealed convictions related to an application for employment with a bank while federal law and regulation no longer regard such as a conviction of record. Accordingly, a “reasonable inquiry” by a bank regarding criminal history does not need to address an offense that has been expunged under Missouri law. Although this information may be provided by an applicant or appear in a background check, if the offense has in fact been expunged, no application for consent to the FDIC will be required.Banks should consult with their counsel or human resources leaders to review their hiring procedures in the context of the FHBA. THE MISSOURI BANKER 7

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Department NewsCOMPLIANCEFlood Insurance: Changes and Pain PointsBy Gina Jolly, CRCM, Vice President of Compliance ServicesSpring’s arrival brings rain showers, and parts of Missouri have already experienced ﬂooding this year. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 99% of counties in the U.S. experienced a ﬂood in the past 20 years.The National Flood Insurance Program is administered primarily under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. The 1968 act made federally subsidized ﬂood insurance available to owners of improved real estate or mobile homes located in special ﬂood hazard areas if their community participates in the NFIP. Although the FDPA was enacted more than 50 years ago, violations of its requirements regularly appear in the regulators’ list of top-cited compliance violations. The following highlights a recent NFIP regulation change and common compliance violations concerning ﬂood insurance.MONTHLY FLOOD INSURANCE INSTALLMENT PAYMENTSLast year, FEMA revised NFIP regulations to offer NFIP policyholders who are not required to escrow their premiums and fees for ﬂood insurance the option of paying their annual ﬂood insurance premium in monthly installments. This change was effective Dec. 31, 2024.In an FAQ document released Nov. 4, 2024, FEMA said any NFIP policyholder not required to escrow premiums is eligible to pay in monthly installments. No additional fee is charged for the use of installment plans. However, standard fees will apply and will need to be paid at the time of the ﬁrst monthly premium payment.The agency said about 45% of potentially eligible policyholders and mortgage holders already pay NFIP premiums, usually monthly, into an escrow account. Private insurers also are required to offer the premium plan. AVOIDING FLOOD INSURANCE COMPLIANCE ISSUES Flood insurance continues to be a signiﬁcant source of civil money penalties for banks, so it is important to ensure your compliance program is protecting your bank against ﬂood insurance violations. The following are some common violations the MBA Compliance Services team has encountered during bank reviews.Missing Key Dates — The rules require ﬂood insurance to be in place at the time of origination, and adequate ﬂood insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan.Flood Determination and Life of Loan Fees — The regulations permit a bank to charge a reasonable fee to the borrower for the costs of making a ﬂood hazard determination. The bank also may charge a borrower a reasonable fee for life-of-loan monitoring. The fee for the original ﬂood determination can be excluded from the ﬁnance charge. However, the fee for life-of-loan monitoring must be included in the ﬁnance charge. If the bank decides to “lump” the initial determination fee and the life of life-of-loan monitoring cost together, the entire fee should be treated as a ﬁnance charge.Not Insuring Additional Structures — Every insurable structure on a property needs ﬂood insurance if it is part of the land being used for collateral, even if the borrower or lender believes the structure holds no value. When someone buys a property with an old structure, the bank should make it clear to the owner that it will require coverage at replacement cost value if it is still on the property at loan closing. In some cases, the owner may choose to remove the structure before the loan is closed. Not Providing Required Notice — When a bank makes, increases, extends or renews a loan secured by property that is or will be located in a special ﬂood hazard area, the bank must provide a written notice of special ﬂood hazards to the borrower. This notice must be provided, regardless of whether the security property is located in a participating or nonparticipating community. Banks often forget to provide this notice again when extending or renewing the loan and when an increase in the loan amount is made. Delivery of 8 mobankers.com8 mobankers.com

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MBA VEBAWhen Accidents Strike, Are You Covered for the Unexpected? By Lesley Weaver, Director of Business Development, Insurance ServicesSummertime is all about fun and adventure, but it can come with its share of risks. Some common injuries include sports, bicycle and scooter accidents; playground falls; swimming pool mishaps; trampoline injuries; and lawn mower injuries, which surprisingly are common. With today’s active lifestyles, supplemental accident insurance can be a valuable addition to your ﬁnancial safety net because it helps cover costs when an unexpected injury occurs. It is especially useful for families with kids in sports or people with high-deductible health plans. Your regular health insurance covers a wide range of medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and preventive care. However, you still have deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance, meaning you may still have to pay a portion of the out-of-pocket costs. Accident insurance offers direct cash beneﬁts to you, not your health care provider, and there are no network restrictions. Payouts can be used at your discretion, the notice must take place within a “reasonable time” before closing. The FDIC’s examination procedures state that “the Agencies generally regard ten days as a ‘reasonable’ time interval.” The recordkeeping requirements of the regulations require the bank to retain a record of the receipt of the notice of special ﬂood hazards to the borrower and the servicer for as long as the institution owns the loan. There is no particular form required for the record of receipt; however, it should include a statement from the borrower indicating that the borrower has received the notiﬁcation. Force Placement Requirements — If at any time during the life of the loan the bank determines that required ﬂood insurance is deﬁcient, the agencies’ regulations require the bank to start its force placement procedures. A bank is required to purchase or “force place” ﬂood insurance for the borrower if the bank determines that coverage is inadequate. Upon discovering that the amount of ﬂood insurance is inadequate, the bank must provide notice to the borrower that the borrower must obtain ﬂood insurance. If the borrower fails to purchase ﬂood insurance in the appropriate amount within 45 days, the lender must purchase insurance on the borrower’s behalf. Banks should ensure that force placement procedures are started promptly after determining that the ﬂood insurance is inadequate. In addition, a bank must cancel force-placed insurance within 30 days of receipt of conﬁrmation of a borrower’s existing ﬂood insurance coverage. The bank also must refund to the borrower all premiums and fees for force-placed insurance paid by the borrower during any period of overlap between the borrower’s policy and the force-placed policy.With the new option allowing monthly ﬂood insurance premium payments and ongoing regulatory requirements, it’s critical for lenders to stay sharp on ﬂood insurance compliance. Avoiding common pitfalls and keeping strong internal controls can help minimize risk and ensure smoother operations. This article is for information purposes and does not contain or convey legal advice. The information should not be used or relied upon in regard to any particular situation without consultation with your bank attorney. MBA Compliance Services and its Compliance Force program offer various programs to aid banks with compliance needs. For more information, call 573-636-8151.including medical bills for emergency room visits; ambulance transportation; X-rays, MRIs and other imaging; hospitalization and surgery; physical, occupational or speech therapy; broken teeth and follow-up appointments. Individuals also use payouts for household expenses, groceries, transportation costs or lost wages.Allstate Accident Insurance from MBA VEBA offers affordable premiums, which can be deducted by payroll. Coverage can continue if an individual leaves the bank. If you are interested in learning more, contact Lesley Weaver or Tina Woehr at 573-636-8151 or visit mobankers.com. Scan the QR code to learn more about Allstate Accident Insurance from MBA VEBA. THE MISSOURI BANKER 9 THE MISSOURI BANKER 9

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Submit Nominations for NextGen Award!Next Generation in BankingThe Next Generation in Banking Leadership Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a Missouri banker employed by an MBA-member bank. MBA encourages its member banks to submit a deserving nominee for the 2025 award. Only bankers employed by an MBA-member bank are considered for this award. Considerations in the selection process include the nominee’s banking career, community service, personal and professional development, MBA involvement and other notable achievements and accomplishments. The 2025 Next Generation in Banking Leadership Award will be presented at the NextGen Leadership Conference scheduled Oct. 2-3 in Columbia. The recipient also will be honored at MBA’s Executive Management Conference scheduled Dec. 3-5 in St. Louis and will be nominated by MBA for the American Bankers Association Emerging Leaders Award. In addition, the winner receives $250, an engraved award and statewide recognition. The Missouri Bankers Foundation also makes a donation to the recipient’s chosen charity. Nominations are due Monday, July 8. Visit mobankers.com for additional details and nomination form. Celebrating Teach Children To Save The Next Generation in Banking thanks banks throughout Missouri for their Teach Children To Save activities with local schools to celebrate National Financial Literacy Month in April. Thanks to all the banks for participating in this challenge. Belgrade State BankCentral Bank of Lake of the OzarksPeoples Savings BankCommunity State Bank of MissouriLegends BankF & C BankFirst State Community BankPony Express Bank10 mobankers.com

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MBA Target Banker Visits Through the Target Banker program, MBA has a continuous presence at the Missouri Capitol throughout the session.Tonya McDaniel and Jeana Shelton, Farmers & Merchants Bank, St. ClairMark Jenkins, Bank of Billings: Jamie Lipe, First State Community Bank, Farmington; Kimberly Dudley, Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, Lebanon; Joe Klebba, Legends Bank, Jefferson City; and Jill Dobbs, Central Bank, Jefferson CityLance Boyer, Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, Lebanon; Brian VanFosson, Citizens Bank of Rogersville; Rep. Stephanie Hein, D-Springﬁeld; Jack Muench, First Independent Bank, Aurora; and Kevin Waterman, Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, Lebanon2022 Banking Leadership Missouri — Jeremy Mansur, Community Bank of Raymore; Ryan Southard, Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, Lebanon; Dan Rettke, United Bank of Union; Courtney Jones, TPNB Bank, Paris; Geoff Karr, The Bank of Missouri, Columbia; Jody Crowe, First State Community Bank, Columbia; and Jake Wolfe, Legends Bank, LinnLeadership Class of Central Bank of Boone County in Columbia — Crystal Anthony, Julie Arnett, Douglas Blouir, Stephanie Brockmeier, Mark Claypole, Carol Douglas, Jensen Duenckel, Damien Ewens, Angela Gentry, Christine Orey, Laura Perez, Sara Riegel, Matt Steinbeck, Jeron Tetteh, Chris Watkins and Latoya WilliamsKevin Jones, Randy Henderson, Jeff Scott with First State Bank of Purdy and Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash GroveMBA Ag Day — Emma Slaughter, MBA; Ben Polen, Carroll County Trust Company, Carrollton; Sen. Jason Bean, R-Holcomb; Jon Fish, BTC Bank, Smithton; and Tyler Dohrman, BTC Bank, SedaliaKelly Slayton, Community First Banking Company, West Plains; Curt Brumley, Community Point Bank, Russellville; Sara Richardson, Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, Lebanon; and Rep. Terry Thompson, R-Lexington THE MISSOURI BANKER 11

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2025 ABA WASHINGTON SUMMIT2025 ABA Washington Summit ParticipantsDeron Burr, Peoples Bank of SenecaJeremy Colbert, Central Bank, Jefferson City*Tara Crosby, Mid-Missouri Bank, Springﬁeld Casey Crowell, The Bank of Missouri, Cape GirardeauLuanne Cundiff, First State Bank of St. Charles*Heather Dameron, First Missouri State Bank of Cape County, Cape Girardeau* Rachel Dreyer, The Bank of Missouri, Cape GirardeauPhil Everitt, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines* Billy Fowler, Bank of Advance David M. Gohn, West Plains Bank and Trust Company*Amanda Hamilton, West Plains Bank and Trust Company *Ashley Harris, Legends Bank, BelleBrad Hogan, Community Bank of Missouri, RichmondBridget Huffman, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Clayton*Cass Johnson, West Plains Bank and Trust CompanyTom Klebba, Legends Bank, LinnJohn Klute, Peoples Bank of SenecaPatrick Kussman, Regional Missouri Bank, Marceline* Traci McClinton, First State Community Bank, De SotoCarson Miles, Bank of Advance Neil Miles, Bank of AdvanceRoger Parish, First Federal Bank of Kansas City* Kyla Pierce, Adrian BankAdam Rainey, Bank of AdvanceDan Robb, Jonesburg State BankDon Thompson, First State Community Bank, Potosi Brian VanFosson, Citizens Bank of RogersvilleRich Weaver, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines*Doug Weber, First State Community Bank, De Soto*members of Banking Leadership MissouriMissouri Congressman and U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith2025 MBA WASHINGTON VISITSeptember 28 – October 1, 2025Congressional leaders and regulators need to hear directly from you about how the decisions they make in Washington, D.C., affect the customers and communities they serve. Join us Sept. 28 – Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C., as we share our views on the issues affecting our industry.Scan the QR code to learn more. THE MISSOURI BANKER 13

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MBA is pleased to announce the nominations of Patrick Kussman, Tom Klebba and Don Thompson to serve as chairman, vice chairman and treasurer, respectively, of MBA. They were selected by MBA’s Ofﬁcer Nominating Committee and will stand for election Wednesday, June 11, at MBA’s 135th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Branson. If elected, their terms begin in June.Kussman, Klebba, Thompson Nominated for MBA Ofﬁces Patrick Kussman President and CEO, Regional Missouri Bank, Marceline Patrick Kussman is completing a term as MBA chairman-elect. He previously served as MBA treasurer and has served as a board member since 2020. Kussman joined Regional Missouri Bank in 2002, and his responsibilities have expanded tremendously with promotions and his involvement with the conversion, acquisition, merger and start-up of six branches. A member of the bank’s board of directors since 2008, Kussman was named bank president and chief operating ofﬁcer in 2010 and CEO in 2017. He has served on MBA’s Budget and Audit Committee, Bankers Service Corporation Board and VEBA Board of Trustees, as well as the planning committee for the 2025 American Bankers Association’s Agricultural Bankers Conference. Tom Klebba President, Legends Bank, Linn Tom Klebba currently serves as MBA treasurer and has served as a regional director. A third-generation banker, he joined Legends Bank in 2002 as chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer and was named president in 2018. In his banking career spanning more than 20 years, Klebba is a graduate of MBA’s Banking Leadership Missouri and was chairman of the MBA Young Bankers Leadership Board of Directors. He also chaired MBA’s Capitol Region PAC, Executive Management Committee and the Annual Convention Committee, and he served on the VEBA Board of Trustees. Klebba also has served on the Community Bankers Council, Core Platforms and Membership committees for the American Bankers Association.Donald Thompson President, First State Community Bank, PotosiDon Thompson has served as president of the Potosi market for First State Community Bank since joining the bank in 2001. He also serves as the bank’s government relations ofﬁcer. Thompson has been actively engaged with MBA’s advocacy endeavors, including the Washington Visits and Target Banker program. He is completing a term as chair of MBA’s PAC Committees and has been a member of MBA’s Government Relations Committee for several years. He also served on MBA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee. In his banking career spanning nearly 40 years, Thompson has served on numerous boards, committees and organizations. He is a graduate of Mid-South School of Banking (now the Barret School of Banking) in Memphis, Tennessee. Around the State THE MISSOURI BANKER 15 THE MISSOURI BANKER 15

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Banking Leadership Missouri lights the paths for tomorrow's leadersA Guiding LightBy Lori Bruce, Director of CommunicationsCover Story“Light tomorrow with today.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning Depending on one’s perspective, this quote from English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning offers several interpretations. Some may view it as making the best use of your time. Others may see it as a sign of hope, knowing that tomorrow may be a better day. For others, it may be a simple reminder to shine brightly in whatever endeavors they pursue.For aspiring leaders, it could be a call in their professional journeys. Not only are they lighting the way in their actions to achieve their desired outcomes, but they also are guiding their peers in helping them reach their fullest potential to accomplish their goals.The Missouri Bankers Association is lighting the way for tomorrow’s leaders through its Banking Leadership Missouri program. This 12-month program covers a variety of concepts focusing on leadership development, as well as a great in-depth look at issues affecting the banking community. Bankers in the program’s 10th class reﬂect on how Banking Leadership Missouri is helping them to light their path and guide their teams.

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Ashley HarrisTara Crosby, Mid-Missouri Bank, Springﬁeld Discovering various leadership and communication strategies has allowed Tara Crosby to tailor her own inﬂuential style as a retailer training ofﬁcer for Mid-Missouri Bank. The resources and knowledge gained from the program will aid Crosby as she continues her career aspirations.Heather Dameron, First Missouri State Bank of Cape County, Cape Girardeau As senior vice president/chief credit ofﬁcer for First Missouri State Bank of Cape County, Heather Dameron has gained more resources to communicate more effectively and lead by example for her team. The program illustrates the importance of being a leader and advocate for your customers, communities and banks.Rachel Dreyer, The Bank of Missouri, Cape Girardeau The connections with bankers that Rachel Dreyer, regional treasury solutions ofﬁcer for The Bank of Missouri, has established through Banking Leadership Missouri have provided insights and perspectives on differing leadership styles in communicating with her customers and peers. Jonah Findley, Carrollton Bank, St. Louis Exposure to banking challenges heightened the conﬁdence of Jonah Findley, commercial credit analyst for Carrollton Bank, in handling high-level responsibilities and managing conﬂict resolutions. He developed a deeper self-awareness of his leadership style and embraced it with conﬁdence.Billy Fowler, Bank of Advance, Dexter Situations with employees and customers acquire different approaches at times. Banking Leadership Missouri has shown Billy Fowler, assistant vice president/loan ofﬁcer for Bank of Advance, the importance of turning lessons learned from negative experiences into a positive opportunity.Kevin Griffon, First State Community Bank, Fredericktown Through the advocacy component of the program, Kevin Griffon, vice president/senior loan ofﬁcer for First State Community Bank, discovered the importance of sharing his insights as a community banker with lawmakers and regulators to achieve changes in laws and regulations.Amanda Hamilton, West Plains Bank and Trust Company, Houston Amanda Hamilton, assistant vice president/branch manager at West Plains Bank and Trust Company, strives to maintain a positive environment for her team. She prioritizes understanding the perspectives of both her team and customers to ensure productive, meaningful solutions.Ashley Harris, Legends Bank, Belle MBA’s program has pushed Ashley Harris, commercial loan ofﬁcer with Legends Bank, to be a better leader for her team in communicating the bank’s vision, mission and values. The program has encouraged her to study her team’s results more in-depth and how they compare to their goals in providing ﬁnancial services. Amanda HamiltonKevin GriffonBilly FowlerJonah FindleyRachel DreyerHeather DameronTara Crosby THE MISSOURI BANKER 17

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Cade Higginbotham, Mid-Missouri Bank, Joplin Banking Leadership Missouri has reinforced Cade Higginbotham’s positive attributes and also has challenged him to incorporate changes in other areas. Through the interactive courses, he has learned new ways to approach situations in his responsibilities as bank manager for Mid-Missouri Bank.Gena Hillhouse, Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, Lebanon Resources to boost employee conﬁdence in their future bank roles have been beneﬁcial to Gena Hillhouse, senior vice president/branch operations with Heritage Bank of the Ozarks. She has focused on the leadership styles she wants to emulate for her team and a positive environment for the bank.Cassidy Johnson, West Plains Bank and Trust Company MBA’s leadership program has shown Cassidy Johnson, loan ofﬁcer with West Plains Bank and Trust Company, how to adapt and encourage others to embrace change and how to foster a culture of relationship building. She has discovered her leadership style and how to improve as a leader each day.Chris Martin, Farmers State Bank, Cameron Chris Martin, compliance ofﬁcer and internal auditor with Farmers State Bank, appreciates the relationships created through Banking Leadership Missouri. Those connections, along with discovering the different perspectives of workplace policies and conduct, reinforces the collective goal of strengthening relationships as community bankers.Traci McClinton, First State Community Bank, De Soto Through Banking Leadership Missouri, Traci McClinton enhanced her knowledge about the role advocacy plays in banking. She gained a better understanding of how she can advocate for banking issues at both the state and federal levels as market president for First State Community Bank.Kyla Pierce, Adrian Bank, ArchieLeadership and advocacy lessons gathered from MBA’s program have highlighted various aspects for Kyla Pierce, senior vice president for Adrian Bank, to consider to better serve her team and the bank’s customers and community. She appreciates the perspectives of bankers representing a diverse range of community banks from around the state.Luke Polen, Carroll County Trust Company, Carrollton For Luke Polen, a teller with Carroll County Trust Company, the various leadership styles and communication preferences shared through MBA’s program will aid him as he pursues his banking career. The connections made through the program will beneﬁt his team and customers.Sarah Sanchez, UMB Bank, Kansas City Although banking encompasses many different lines of business, each line boils down to one key component — relationships. Sarah Sanchez, vice president — team lead for UMB Bank, learned most banks face similar challenges and that all leaders share the same goals of wanting to be the best resource in guiding their teams.Sarah SanchezLuke PolenKyla PierceTraci McClintonChris MartinCassidy JohnsonGena HillhouseCade Higginbotham18 mobankers.com

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McKenzie WardTravis TownsendDaniel TobbenDrew SmithColby SchmidDouglas WeberSamantha WestColby Schmid, CNB St. Louis Bank Understanding the various personality types and how all react differently has been insightful for Colby Schmid, senior vice president/chief lending ofﬁcer for CNB St. Louis Bank. Using various communication styles, along with learning from other bankers about issues they face, has been invaluable in leading his team.Drew Smith, First State Community Bank, Columbia Drew Smith, market president with First State Community Bank, appreciates the learning that MBA’s program offers by bringing together many different people from various backgrounds. The discussion around shared experiences, both successful and unsuccessful, coupled with industry knowledge will aid them in their career endeavors.Daniel Tobben, Bank of Washington Banking Leadership Missouri program encouraged Daniel Tobben, vice president/director of deposit operations for Bank of Washington, to be more comfortable being uncomfortable and to be more versatile in engaging with employees. The opportunity to build new relationships with his peers has taught him more about others’ bank operations.Travis Townsend, First State Community Bank, Lebanon Travis Townsend, a loan ofﬁcer with First State Community Bank, has expanded his knowledge of leadership styles in communicating with his team, peers and bank customers. Through the concepts taught in the courses, he has focused on creating a good employee experience that ultimately leads to a good customer experience.McKenzie Ward, BTC Bank, Bethany With an ever-changing banking industry, MBA’s program offers various insights and perspectives. McKenzie Ward, compliance ofﬁcer with BTC Bank, uses these concepts to successfully guide her team as they continue to achieve the community-minded service that they proudly offer to their customers. Douglas Weber, First State Community Bank, De Soto Individuals have different preferences for their work environments. As senior vice president/loan ofﬁcer with First State Community Bank, Douglas Weber leads his team to maximize their individual strengths in delivering exceptional service as a whole team to their customers.Samantha West, FCNB Bank, Steelville Through Banking Leadership Missouri, Samantha West, vice president/market leader for FCNB Bank, has gained more conﬁdence to guide individuals using various leadership styles. Doing so will enhance their mission to continue building customer relationships based on lasting experiences. THE MISSOURI BANKER 19

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By Brent Melton, VizalineGuest CommentaryAt some point in their careers, bankers will encounter asituation in which virtually everything seems to go wrong. Such was the case for one Missouri banker. However, workingwith MBA endorsed partner Vizaline lessened the snags incompleting a successful transaction.Tom Frasher, vice president of special assets forThe Bank of Missouri in Cape Girardeau, has dealt with arelationship he “would wish on no one” regarding real estatebusiness.“If it had not been for Vizaline, I don’t think we would be as faras we are on liquidating our real estate position,” he said.Frasher describes the situation as very complicated. Theprimary notes and documents for the real estate propertyoriginated from a bank that merged with The Bank of Missouri,and those with the best knowledge of the relationship withthe borrower were no longer with the bank.“There were nearly 40 deeds of trust in imaging, with closeto 190 full and partial deeds of release on the borrower thathad been documented throughout the past 20-plus years,”Frasher said.He contacted Vizaline CEO Brent Melton and Vizaline ChiefFinancial Ofﬁcer Scott Dow to assist him in determining thebank’s options for foreclosure and liquidation.visual auditspinpointpropertydescriptions“The order I placed with Vizaline wasn’t necessarilystraightforward,” Frasher said. “There are multiple deeds oftrust with multiple tracts on each deed of trust.”Vizaline converts written property descriptions into picturesusing satellite images to help determine if a legal propertydescription is correct. Its visualization tool, or “Viza-Audit,”provides a rapid, inexpensive report to help lenders betterunderstand their assets and protect portfolios and customers.With the Viza-Audit reports, Frasher and his team couldactually see what the bank had in terms of the properties.It also provided a good visual for the bank’s attorney, andthe title company appreciated knowing what the propertyentailed in writing a commitment.Frasher said this instance was the ﬁrst experience the bankhad in working with Vizaline.“I can’t tell you how pleased I have been with their services.Brent and Scott helped me pinpoint exactly what the bankhad and how to proceed with foreclosing,” he said.Vizaline also aided Frasher with a transaction in Illinois toliquidate ﬁve different properties from a borrower who hadacquired some of the properties in the early 1990s. Themortgages and warranty deeds were underwritten by titlecompanies. Frasher said the borrower signed the deeds in22 mobankers.com

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lieu. Normally, the bank does not usually take possession without going through foreclosure. However, because Illinois is a judicial state, the deeds in lieu signiﬁcantly cut the time of taking ownership of the properties.“The bank just started its ﬁrst contract with Vizaline, so I asked the bank’s chief credit ofﬁcer to approve the properties to be run through Vizaline,” Frasher said.The Viza-Audit report found two of the ﬁve properties had legal descriptions that did not close because of a “call” error within the metes and bounds legal descriptions.“Unless you are a guru on reading and following all of the twists and turns in a metes and bounds legal description, you won’t pick up on an error of that type. Vizaline found them,” Frasher said. The bank ﬁxed the legal descriptions of the properties. Frasher said that not only are the property descriptions sound, but the bank’s potential liability for an issue from 30 years ago has been alleviated.In another situation in which the bank used Vizaline, the Viza-Audit report found the survey picture was drawn correctly, but the legal description on the survey document and recorded by the surveyor had a call wrong. “The picture was correct, but they simply typed the wrong call direction in the narrative, even though it was correct on the survey picture,” Frasher said.He said the bank has had a few other instances where Vizaline identiﬁed some issues that were taken care of before loan closings. The bank also has seen innocent errors that have been outstanding for a number of years.“I feel much more at ease if I know I am dealing with a metes and bounds legal description that Vizaline has processed,” Frasher said. “I recommend any bank taking metes and bound descriptions on deeds of trusts or mortgages use Vizaline’s service. It is worth it for your own ease of mind and to head off potential legal issues and costs.” Vizaline LLC is a software ﬁrm that converts written property descriptions into pictures using satellite images to help determine if a legal property description is correct. The visualization tool, or “Viza-Audit,” provides a rapid, inexpensive report to help lenders better understand their assets and protect portfolios and customers. Visa-Audit lets a banker know quickly if there is an issue requiring an attorney or a survey. For more information, contact Brent Melton, CEO, at 601-405-1802 or brent@vizaline.com. Vizaline is an MBA endorsed partner.WHEN MAKING A LOAN, WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A OR B TO KNOW IF YOUR LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS CORRECT?We know that 15–20% of meters and bounds legal descriptions are incorrect. Do you want these in your portfolio?• Conrms acreage• Conrms that improvements are on the property • Conrms ingress/egress• Conrms that polygon closes and calls are correctA Bwww.viza-audit.com THE MISSOURI BANKER 23

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When working with ﬁnancial institutions to improve proﬁtability, the debit card program receives a bright spotlight because of its potential to increase the organization’s revenue and decrease its costs. These four common myths about debit cards can be a barrier to maximizing proﬁt potential, and they cost more than you might think.MYTH #1: DEBIT CARDS TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.Debit cards are the primary method that your customers access their money and engage with your ﬁnancial institution. An active debit card customer is more proﬁtable than a check writer because interchange income from your debit card program is the top source of deposit-based noninterest income. On the cost side, PIN network and processor costs are negotiable. On the revenue side, VISA and Mastercard offer incentives that allow ﬁnancial institutions to increase the proﬁtability of their debit card programs.To maximize revenue and minimize costs associated with the debit card program, consider incorporating the following actions into your operations.• Create a debit card P&L. Isolating the debit card program from other ﬁnancial institution products will demonstrate both the value of the program over time and highlight areas of potential improvement. • Track proﬁtability by active card and transaction to spot anomalies. • Don’t try to eliminate all fraud. Some fraud is a necessary evil, and as volume increases, it will too. Work to prevent and mitigate fraud, but don’t try to eliminate it entirely or you risk the entire relationship with the customer. If a debit card is rejected improperly for fraud, a quarter of customers will put it away and never use it again. By Candace Debarger, PRI Guest CommentaryDebunking Common Debit Card Misconceptions24 mobankers.com

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• Market your debit card program. It’s not enough to simply offer a card — ongoing promotion helps keep it top of wallet and builds long-term usage. • Hold someone accountable for the revenue and the expenses.MYTH #2: I SHOULD USE MY PROCESSOR’S PIN NETWORK.Not all PIN networks are created equal. Just because your EFT processor owns a PIN network does not mean they’re your only choice. PIN networks, in fact, offer a wide range of expense structures, and some fees are not immediately obvious. PIN network processor costs should be tracked and negotiated. “A small swing in fees can make a big difference to the institution’s bottom line over time,” said Mike Holt, PRI partner.Here are some tips to remember as you evaluate your PIN network.• There are wide ranges of expense structures and multiple places to hide those expenses. These costs can be negotiated. • Interchange ﬂuctuates regularly. Don’t commit for more than ﬁve years. • You can change PIN networks without impacting your cardholders negatively.MYTH #3: CONTACTLESS DEBIT CARDS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE.Contactless cards are more expensive than their chipped counterparts, but they are not too expensive. Contactless debit cards are faster and produce less customer friction. Inserting a chipped card into a reader typically takes about seven seconds to complete the transaction whereas tapping the card is nearly instantaneous. Contactless cards are secure, and the average consumer uses their contactless card for two more transactions each month over a chipped card. In an average 10,000-card portfolio, that’s $120,000 in incremental revenue! MYTH #4: WE NEED A SURCHARGE-FREE ATM PROGRAM.Cash is not winning and, in fact, has been on a sustained and severe decline since the pandemic, when many people did not want to handle cash because of the perception of germs. Although surcharge-free ATMs were a good idea in the past to attract and retain customers, they are now more akin to giving away revenue. Consumers have become accustomed to paying surcharges for cash, and they no longer base their selection of a ﬁnancial institution on the absence of ATM fees. In addition, there are other ways to obtain cash such as “cash back” at retail outlets. By concentrating on the ﬁnancial institution’s debit card program, substantial revenue growth can be achieved over time through the implementation of simple yet effective strategies and tools. By dispelling common myths about debit cards, your institution can reveal the true potential for proﬁtability in this area. Candace DeBarger, PRI director of payments, has 37 years in ﬁnancial services, including 30 years at Mastercard. She has a foundation in debit card operations and technology, project management and product management. She has worked with ﬁnancial institutions under $10 billion in assets to help them grow and manage their debit and credit card programs. She has a deep understanding of network proﬁtability, card program KPIs, card marketing strategies and the connection between an engaged card user and proﬁtable checking customer.PRI specializes in identifying proﬁtability improvement areas for ﬁnancial institutions through revenue growth, cost control, streamlining processes and effective use of technology. Visit proﬁtresources.com to learn more about its personalized approach to propel growth and improve proﬁtability. PRI is an MBA associate member.“By concentrating on the ﬁnancial institution's debit card program, substantial revenue growth can be achieved over time through the implementation of simple yet effective strategies and tools. THE MISSOURI BANKER 25

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Allure Security provides online brand protection, making it simple for companies to proactively protect against brand impersonations across the internet. Allure Security analyzes tens of millions of digital assets daily, including domains, social media proﬁles and posts, search engine results and mobile application marketplaces. Within minutes, it quickly identiﬁes online impersonators and deploys its patented multilevel response, incorporating immediate blocklisting, efﬁciently moving through the takedown process and injecting realistic decoy data to render any captured consumer data useless, minimizing the impact on businesses, customers and brands. Wayd Davis, wdavis@alluresecurity.com | alluresecurity.comAmericom Technology Solutions prides itself on being a leading provider of managed IT and print services that offers a range of solutions, including data security, cloud-based phone systems, document management, compliance and governance services. With a focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, Americom has become a reliable partner for businesses seeking to improve their technology and operational efﬁciency. Rusty Elam, rustye@americomis.com | americomis.comDedicated to empowering ﬁnancial institutions through strategic technology partnerships, Arriba Advisors provides a framework that aids in ﬁntech vendor decisions, enhances competitive differentiation and achieves strategic goals. Arriba offers a comprehensive suite of services, including core processing evaluation and selection, digital banking evaluation and selection, payments evaluation and selection, and contract negotiation. Arriba Advisors' commitment to client success is evident through our partner-level engagement, ensuring that each ﬁnancial institution leverages technology effectively to cut costs and maximize revenue. Tom Russell, trussell@arribaadvisors.com | arribaadvisors.comMBA Welcomes New Associate Membersvisit mobankers.com for more detailsCook Vetter Doerhoff & Landwehr has been a strong legal partner for banks and banking interests for more than 50 years. Its ﬁrm includes skilled advocates, negotiators and conﬁdential advisors who have assisted banking clients in a wide range of civil matters covering business litigation, government issues, class actions, employment, appellate, creditor bankruptcy and trust and estate litigation and advice. Heidi Doerhoff Vollet, hvollet@cvdl.net | cvdl.netCorServ provides innovative payment card issuing programs for banks, including a turnkey issuing program for credit and p-cards. It’s end-to-end solutions enable ﬁnancial institutions to deliver a competitive, integrated payments solution that deepens relationships with commercial and retail clients. Scott Kelley, skelley@corservsolutions.com | corservsolutions.comDCI is the developer of the award-winning iCore360® core banking software, plus iCoreGO® digital banking and ﬁntech processing solutions for community ﬁnancial institutions nationwide. DCI offers private ATM network/card management, frontline teller software, custom data analytics, risk/vendor management and more. By providing digital and ﬁntech deliverables that integrate with any system, DCI offers unique partnerships for their customers. Jason Schneider, jschneider@datacenterinc.com | datacenterinc.comDolphin Debit Access provides ATM and ITM-as-a-service solutions for banks. Its solution is complete outsourcing for ATM & ITM program. It eliminates capital expense and compliance, reduces operational costs and vendor due diligence, allowing banks to reallocate staff to better serve cardholders. Trinity Hadel, thadel@dolphindebit.com | dolphindebit.com26 mobankers.com

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Joyce Kennedy Manager, Insurance Servicesjkennedy@mobankers.comLesley WeaverDirector, Business Developmentlweaver@mobankers.comTina WoehrEmployee Beneﬁts Account Executivetwoehr@mobankers.comMedicalDentalVisionLife & Additional LifeLong-Term & Short-Term Disability Felonious AssaultGroup AccidentWorksite ProductsPet Insurance800-234-4939 mobankers.comAs the largest global manufacturer in safe locking hardware for ﬁnancial institutions, dormakaba is often found on ATMs, TCRs, under counter steel, coin machines and various other applications. Some of its brand names include LA GARD, Cencon, Axessor, Auditcon and Paxos. Its latest innovation allows for remote code and user management. Jack Laski, john.laski@dormakaba.com | dormakaba.com/us-en/offering/products/safe-locksHUB Financial Services is a full-service insurance brokerage and risk management consulting company. Its primary expertise is in performance enhancement programs, with multidimensional capabilities in generating noninterest fee income, risk management, enterprise insurance and solutions to improve the lending process. The HUB Taylor Advisors division is a balance sheet management-consulting ﬁrm and an SEC-registered investment advisor offering services for ﬁnancial institutions. Brett Walburn, brett.walburn@hubinternational.com | hubﬁnservices.comThe Kirk Gross Company is a design-build and contract interiors company. Since 1937, it has specialized in designing, building, remodelling and furnishing ﬁnancial institutions throughout the Midwest. Benjamin Buckley, benbuckley@kirkgross.com | kirkgross.comRessler Consulting is an industry-leading executive search ﬁrm specializing in the banking industry. Its mission is to enhance the candidate and client experience by providing exceptional service and serving as trusted advisors. Ressler is committed to understanding your unique needs and goals — and delivering on them. Through innovative tools, meaningful human connections and a structured search process, Ressler identiﬁes and places the right talent in the right opportunities to create long-term success. Austin Ressler, brett.walburn@hubinternational.com | hubﬁnservices.comSeptagon Construction Company is a full-service general contractor based in Missouri whose services include maintenance, small repairs, tenant ﬁnishes, remodeling and turnkey ground up construction. By focusing on complete customer satisfaction and long-term relationships, Septagon has built a solid reputation based on mutual trust, respect and integrity. Septagon is committed to building service; its success results from fully understanding customers' needs, effectively fulﬁlling commitments and its industry leadership. Craig Galassi, cgalassi@septagon.com | septagon.comVoya Investment Management helps community banks grow commercial and industrial loan portfolios. The Voya Bank Advisory Group assists banks to acquire and risk-manage C&I loan portfolios in an cooperative partnership. Loans are acquired in the broadly syndicated senior loan market. Using Voya’s access and support, the bank develops a C&I loan portfolio in line with each its credit standards and regulatory best practices. The ﬂoating rate loans can help manage interest rate exposure, diversify loan portfolios and provide higher interest margins. David Wood, david.wood@voya.com | voya.comWorks24 Corporation is the leading provider of on hold music and messaging services, digital signage video displays and overhead music systems to the banking industry. Works24 provides a true partnership that makes it effortless and extremely easy to create custom programs for your marketing and promotions while reinforcing your bank’s unique image. Rick Wilson, rwilson@works24.com | works24.com

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Around the StateBeyond Banking: MRV Banks Team Members Shine On & Off the StageBy Megan Cattoor, MRV BanksThe team members at MRV Banks bring passion and purpose to everything they do — both in the ofﬁce and beyond. For three employees — Mary McNamara, Brandon Dougherty and Bill Seek — that passion comes alive under the bright lights of Spotlight Community Theatre, a growing arts organization in Jefferson County.FROM CASTMATES TO CO-WORKERSMcNamara, personal banker with MRV Banks in Festus, joined the theatre in fall 2023 and has already performed in four productions — “Wizards and Wands,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Oklahoma!” and “Cut.” Her most memorable role? The Wicked Witch of the West. “I will never forget that role and all the friends I made along the way,” she said. One of those friends was fellow MRV Banks employee Dougherty, BSA specialist with MRV Banks in Ste. Genevieve, who appeared in “Oklahoma!” with her and Seek, vice president/business development ofﬁcer for MRV Banks in Festus. “It’s been incredible to go from stage partners to co-workers,” McNamara added. “They’ve both made a huge impact on my life — more than they know.”McNamara also is growing her theatre involvement behind the scenes. She is assistant stage manager for “High School Musical Jr.” this spring and assistant director for the fall kids’ show, “Gran’s Guide to Stop an Ogre.”LIGHTING THE WAY, ONSTAGE AND OFFDougherty’s theatre journey began behind the scenes and has since taken him center stage, literally and ﬁguratively. “I was involved in theatre all four years of high school as a lighting tech,” he shared. “Years later, I saw this newish group called Spotlight Community Theatre and decided to come out of retirement.”He jumped in with 2023’s “The Wizard of Oz” as lighting tech and never looked back. Since then, Dougherty has worked on a range of productions. In January 2025, Dougherty joined the board of directors for Spotlight Community Theatre, a testament to his dedication to the local arts scene. “I never planned to act or direct,” he said. “I just liked pushing buttons in the back. But the opportunities and friendships I’ve gained have meant everything.”Up next, Brandon will be directing “Arsenic & Old Lace” this fall and plans to audition for “Tick, Tick ... Boom!” later this year.28 mobankers.com

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Beyond Banking: MRV Banks Team Members Shine On & Off the StageSTEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHTFor Seek, getting involved in community theatre was more than a personal leap; it was inspired by watching his family take bold steps of their own. After seeing several of his grandchildren and his son step out of their comfort zones through various activities, Seek was moved to challenge himself in a new way. “Their willingness to take on new challenges inspired me to do the same,” he shared. “There are thinkers, and there are doers.”Bill took the stage for the ﬁrst time in “Oklahoma!” and discovered a passion he didn’t know he had. Since then, both he and his wife Suzanne have become vital members of the Spotlight community, offering their time, support and talents to help the theatre thrive.In recognition of his commitment, Seek was appointed to the Spotlight Community Theatre Board of Directors in early 2025. COMMUNITY, CONNECTION AND CREATIVITYThe connection between McNamara, Dougherty and Seek is more than professional; it’s personal and artistic. Their work with Spotlight Community Theatre reﬂects the kind of community spirit MRV Banks is proud to support. Whether it’s on the stage or behind the scenes, they’re building something bigger than themselves — and truly living the values of “beyond banking.” Know a great individual MBA should recognize in Beyond Banking? Scan the QR code to tell MBA! THE MISSOURI BANKER 29

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AchievementsArvest Bank in Springﬁeld promoted Mikala Thurston to private banking advisor, assistant vice president. She works with private banking clients to ﬁnd customized solutions to meet their ﬁnancial needs. Thurston, who has more than 12 years of banking experience, previously served as a branch sales manager, assistant vice president. Shelly Miller was named health care relationship banker. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry to this role and works with local nursing clients to meet their ﬁnancial needs using Arvest’s full range of products and services.Central Bank in Springﬁeld named Eric Gerke as senior vice president/regional lending manager to oversee commercial lending. He ensures the growth and sustainability of commercial lending activities, establishing team goals and strategies affecting both short- and long-term objectives. Gerke has 20 years of banking experience.Central Bank of Boone County promoted Angela Gentry to executive vice president of consumer banking for Central Bank of Boone County, Central Bank of Audrain County and Central Bank of Moberly. Gentry oversees the overall operation of services dedicated to consumers, including the branch network. In addition, she leads the bank’s strategic planning process and works closely with consumer banking leaders at Central Bank corporate headquarters in Jefferson City. A graduate of MBA’s School of Bank Management, Gentry has been with the bank for nearly 24 years. Brian Dial was named senior vice president of commercial lending for Central Bank of Boone County, Central Bank of Audrain County and Central Bank of Moberly. As a lender, Dial assists with a wide array of lending and business banking needs for companies of all sizes. He has more than 19 years of experience in ﬁnancial services. Ryan Bross was named senior lending ofﬁcer for Central Bank of Boone County, Central Bank of Audrain County and Central Bank of Moberly. Bross oversees the lending operation of the banks and works to establish strong ﬁnancial relationships with businesses and consumers.Around the StateEric GerkeSend achievements, news and announcements to Lori Bruce, MBA communications director, at mba@mobankers.comfor possible inclusion in The Missouri Banker.Submit Your News! Beth Koppang has joined Central Trust Company, a division of The Central Trust Bank, as a senior trust ofﬁcer and relationship manager. Based in Springﬁeld, Koppang has a decade of experience in wealth management. Her professional credentials include the Certiﬁed Trust and Fiduciary Advisor and Accredited Trust and Fiduciary Advisor designations. Weston Kendall joined OMB Bank in Springﬁeld as vice president and director of BaaS compliance. He has more than a decade of ﬁnancial fraud prevention experience that includes roles as a senior anti-money laundering investigator and Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering ofﬁcer. Courtney McMonigle joined the bank’s compliance team as its new BSA/AML ofﬁcer. A Certiﬁed Anti-Money Laundering specialist, McMonigle holds certiﬁcates in fraud prevention and BSA and AML compliance from the American Bankers Association. She began her banking career in 2003. Kay Shoptaw was promoted to branch manager for the bank’s Carthage facility. Shoptaw, who joined the bank in 2021, has more than two decades of banking experience that includes responsibilities as a personal banker, supervisor and branch manager. Cody Rogers was named branch manager for the bank’s ﬂagship facility in Springﬁeld. Rogers has nearly a decade of industry experience that includes roles as a personal banker, supervisor, assistant manager and manager. Katie Bradford joined the bank’s mortgage team as a mortgage loan ofﬁcer. Bradford, who is ﬂuent in both English and Spanish, began her mortgage career in 2000. Mikala Thurston Shelly Miller Beth KoppangWeston Kendall Courtney McMonigleKay Shoptaw Cody RogersAngela Gentry Brian DialRyan BrossKatie Bradford32 mobankers.com

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Joyce Kennedy Manager, Insurance Servicesjkennedy@mobankers.comLesley WeaverDirector, Business Developmentlweaver@mobankers.comTina WoehrEmployee Beneﬁts Account Executivetwoehr@mobankers.comMedicalDentalVisionLife & Additional LifeLong-Term & Short-Term Disability Felonious AssaultGroup AccidentWorksite ProductsPet Insurance800-234-4939 mobankers.comLuke BurlingameThe Missouri Bankers Foundation established the MBA InternConnect Scholarship Program in 2018 to encourage college students majoring in a banking-related discipline to explore careers in the Missouri banking industry. The scholarship selection committee for the Missouri Bankers Foundation reviewed 67 applications from Missouri high school seniors. The committee members were amazed by the achievements of these exceptional students and awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the following students.• Lillian Harvey, a 2025 graduate of Craig High School, will attend Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, to study sustainable business management. Citizens Bank & Trust in Rock Port presented the scholarship to Harvey.• Riley Howell, a 2025 graduate of Brookﬁeld High School, will attend Missouri Valley College in Marshall to study agribusiness. Preferred Bank in Brookﬁeld presented the scholarship to Howell.• Cash Honeycutt, a 2025 graduate of Orrick High School, will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to study agribusiness. Community Bank of Missouri in Richmond presented the scholarship to Honeycutt.• Jonah Slovensky, a 2025 graduate of Wellsville-Middletown High School, will attend State Fair Community College in Sedalia to study mathematics. Jonesburg State Bank presented the scholarship to Slovensky.• Isiah Kutrip, a 2025 graduate of Grandview High School, will attend Maryville University in St. Louis to study accounting. First State Community Bank in Hillsboro presented the scholarship to Kutrip.• Luke Burlingame, a 2025 graduate of New Covenant Academy in Springﬁeld, will attend Missouri State University in Springﬁeld to study ﬁnance. Arvest Bank in Springﬁeld presented the scholarship to Burlingame.• Cianna Clowdus, a 2025 graduate of Farmington High School, will attend Missouri State University in Springﬁeld to study accounting/ﬁnance. First State Community Bank in Farmington presented the scholarship to Clowdus. Seven Graduates Receive $1,000 MBA Foundation ScholarshipsLillian HarveyCash HoneycuttIsiah KutripCianna ClowdusRiley HowellJonah SlovenskyMBA Foundation to Award InternConnect Scholarships This FallSince then, the foundation has awarded scholarships to college students completing an internship with an MBA-member bank. Up to ﬁve $1,000 MBA InternConnect scholarships will be awarded to individuals interning at MBA-member banks in 2025. Applicants must be a Missouri resident or attend a Missouri state accredited college or university and must have at least college sophomore standing. Seniors may apply if they are pursuing graduate studies.The application deadline for 2025 InternConnect scholarships is Friday, Oct. 3. Visit mobankers.com for more details. THE MISSOURI BANKER 33

The Missouri Banker May June 2025

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