Ben Wagner

Articles by Ben Wagner

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This Is How ICBA Keeps Community Bankers Informed

From the NewsWatch Today newsletter to social media, ICBA delivers the industry news and resources community bankers need.

Nebraska Bank Launches In-School Branch at Elementary School

Nebraska Bank's in-school savings program at Bridgeport Elementary teaches kids real money management skills—and students saved $9,000 in year one.

Out of Office: A Drive to Remember

For over a decade, Lesa and Andrew Black of $125 million-asset Princeville State Bank in Princeville, Illinois, and Doug Parrott of $325 million-asset State Bank of Toulon in Toulon, Illinois, along with his wife, Karin, have participated in the St. Jude Peoria to Memphis Corvette Drive. The annual 500-mile journey raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Inside ICBA Education's Webinars

Live and on-demand webinars can help take your community bank to the next level. Here's how and why to take advantage of them.

Out of Office: Karin Smith, Jewelry Maker

A California community banker on her passion for creating and selling her own jewelry.

Out of Office: Evelyn Franco

The chief operating officer at $970 million-asset Frontier Bank of Texas in Elgin, Texas, is determined to hike and canyoneer through all 63 U.S. national parks alongside her sister.

First American Bank Draws a Chalk Path of Kindness

First American Bank in Artesia, New Mexico, embraced the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Month in February.

CorTrust Bank's Blue Jeans Fulfill Big Dreams

CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has turned “casual Fridays” into a rally for community causes.

Out of Office: Matt and Sean Doyle

Matt Doyle, chairman of the board, and his son Sean Doyle, senior VP and sales manager, at Texas First Bank in Texas City, Texas, manage Shamrock Ranch, their family-owned cattle ranch.

Out of Office: Robin McDougald

The chief retail and product officer at $2.3 billion-asset Texas First Bank in Texas City, Texas, is an amateur actress at the Baytown Little Theater in Baytown, Texas.

Community State Bank Brings Joy to Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors

A breast cancer awareness fundraiser at Community State Bank in Union Grove, Wis., culminated in a $1,000 donation for the Heavenly Locks Foundation.

Powering Potential: 5 Ways ICBA Can Improve Your Advocacy Efforts

Discover how ICBA’s resources equip you to excel in your lobbying efforts.

Out of Office: Gerardo Munoz

The SVP and chief information officer at $3.4 billion-asset D.L. Evans Bank in Burley, Idaho, collects and refurbishes vintage watches.

Community Bank of Parkersburg Shreds for Security

Community Bank of Parkersburg, partnered with local shredding company Gator Shredding to host a community “shred day,” where members of the community could bring documents to be safely destroyed.

Out of Office: Richard Thiessens

The EVP and chief technology officer at $746 million-asset FinWise Bank in Murray, Utah, makes his own wine, cider and mead.

Find Your Rhythm at ICBA LIVE 2025

Do you hear that? That’s the sound of community bankers across the nation heading to Nashville to learn, network and enjoy all Music City has to offer.

Relief From the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Community banks around the country came together to help those affected by Hurricane Helene, assisting with cleanup, donating supplies and more.

Out of Office: Michael Hatfield

The applications analyst at $2.2 billion-asset First Western Bank and Trust in Minot, N.D., and his wife, Carissa, co-own Hatfield Handmade, a woodworking business.

Ion Bank: A Reflection of the Customers It Serves

Ion Bank makes a point of fostering a diverse workplace and supporting local communities through its multilingual staff, fundraising efforts and inclusive outreach.

Grand Savings Bank Lends a Hand After the Storm

On June 5 and 6, employees at Grand Savings Bank in Grove, Okla., volunteered to serve meals to families and volunteers cleaning up after two tornadoes hit Decatur, Ark., on May 26.

Out of Office: Ben Sanders, Chainsaw Artist

In this employee spotlight, community banker Ben Sanders of The Maries County Bank shares how chainsaw sculpting helps him achieve work-life balance while contributing art to his small-town community.