2025 Annual Convention Recap

The Nebraska Bankers Association hosted its 2025 Annual Convention last week. The event featured a variety of speakers, several banks and bankers and marked the beginning of a new year of leadership and advocacy.
 
View photos from the 2025 NBA Annual Convention here.
 
New Leadership Announced
Mark Linville, president and CEO of First State Bank in Randolph, was officially elected NBA Chair. Travis Sears, vice president of bank operations at Union Bank & Trust in Lincoln, was named Chair-Elect. Learn more about Linville and Sears.
  
The NBA also recognized the following:

• Bankers with 50 years of service in the Nebraska banking industry and a Nebraska bank with 75 years of service; (Learn More)
• Banks receiving Leaders in Financial Education Awards; (Learn More)
• NBA Foundation Scholarship recipients. (Learn More)
• Bankers completing terms of service on NBA boards and committees (Learn More)
• Members of the NBA Board of Directors, Nebraska Bankers Insurance & Services Co. Board of Directors and members of the NBA Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association Board of Trustees (Learn More)

 
The NBA State BankPAC auction raised $14,450 toward the 2025 fundraising goal of $200,000. You can support BankPAC by making an online contribution.
 
Linville’s Address: Challenges and Optimism
During a speech, Linville addressed several issues facing the banking industry, including regulatory challenges, fraud prevention and the state of the economy.
 
“Often our industry is politicized, and regulations change depending on who is elected each November,” said Linville. “Our customers and communities benefit when bankers can be bankers. Useless, expensive and often foolish overregulation prevents us from being at our best.”
 
He emphasized the importance of advocacy and engagement across the industry:
“We have to be at the table when lawmakers are making decisions about our livelihood. We do that through BankPAC. When I was chair of the NBA BankPAC Committee, I learned how important it is to have everyone in our industry involved.”
 
On the topic of fraud, Linville pointed to the increasing risks faced by customers:
“Our community’s most vulnerable are relentlessly targeted by fraudsters. Money moves so quickly that it remains a challenge to stay one step ahead. Fighting fraud will remain a priority as the NBA is fully committed to not just education and action but also a substantial financial investment to protect Nebraska banks and our customers.”
 
He also addressed current economic conditions:
“Nebraska bankers are fortunate to have customers that are hardworking and resilient, and customers are blessed to have bankers that are committed to partnering with them through uncertain times. We’ve been here before, and we can get through it again.”
 
Despite the challenges, Linville shared his optimism about the industry’s future:
“The future of banking is in good hands. We have bright, committed professionals joining us every day. The NBA is filled with extraordinary members... and most importantly, bankers that are the cornerstone of their respective communities through volunteerism and leadership.”
 
He closed by reaffirming the connection between banks and the communities they serve:
“I’m proud to call myself a banker. We work in an incredible industry. One that serves as the heartbeat of our state. Show me a thriving bank and I will show you a thriving community.”
 
“The NBA is a critical partner to banks of all sizes, from the very smallest to the very largest. Balancing the different challenges is sometimes difficult, but we share many common interests, and those interests are what bind our organization together. Nebraska is stronger with a healthy and diverse banking sector.”
 
Convention Highlights
The convention opened with a performance of the national anthem by students from Gretna East High School: Claire Hayworth, Colton Knott, Gracyn Randecker, Jada Randecker and Eli Reinarz.
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Speakers included:

• Steve Cadigan, Talent Strategist and Culture Expert – Make Culture Your Competitive Advantage
  • ​As the number of career options increases, work is in transition. To stay competitive, build a new talent agenda and embrace experimentation.
• Kirsten Sutton, EVP of Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs, American Bankers Association – ABA Industry and Washington Update
  • Banker engagement is essential to achieving successful outcomes on pending legislation like the ACRE Act, stablecoin bills and others.
• Eric Cook, WSI Chief Digital Strategist – AI in Banking: From Disruption to Strategic Advantage - A C-Suite Perspective
  • AI is less scary than you think! Banks can find a competitive edge by utilizing the increasing number of AI tools available.
• Maggi Thorne, Ninja Warrior 7X Competitor – Never Give Up
  • Our habits, our choices, our decisions - they all contribute to who we are and who we become. It's possible to overcome difficult circumstances through perseverance.
• Luke Russert, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Author – Look for Me There: A Journey Through Grief
  • It's important to recognize and process grief, but be careful to not stay there. Sometimes it's the most difficult moments that help teach us who we really are and who we want to be.
• Brandon Milhorn, President, Conference of State Bank Supervisors – Dual Banking System Conversations
  • Our unique regulatory framework has led to the most diverse, innovative and dynamic financial services industry in the world.
• Frank Lavin, Former Reagan Administration National Security Council Member – U.S. and the World: Embracing the Challenges of 2025 with Confidence
  • Putting today's current geopolitical complexities in a historical context helps us respond effectively.
• Johnny Crowder, Founder & CEO, Cope Notes – Life Is So Tough. So Are You!
  • It's important to prioritize building an infrastructure of mental health awareness in the workplace to help it become the norm.

Throughout the convention, interviews with student tellers from in-school savings programs were featured. Check them out here.

Thank you to everyone who make this year's convention a success! Mark your calendars for May 6-8 for the 2026 convention.