Bankers Honored for Service to NBA

The Nebraska Bankers Association recognized several bankers who recently completed terms of service on NBA boards and committees during the association’s annual convention in La Vista.

• Lydell “Woody” Woodbury, chairman of First Nebraska Bank in Valley, was recognized for his contributions on both the NBA Board of Directors and the NBISCO Board of Directors. He served on the NBA Board from 2015 to 2025 and the NBISCO Board from 2022 to 2025. He also held the role of NBA chair for 2023-2024.

 

• Rick Chochon, president and CEO of Great Plains State Bank in Columbus, was recognized for his service on the NBA Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) Board of Trustees. He served on the board from 2020 to 2025.

 

• Katy Wolf Bode, CEO of Platte Valley Bank in North Bend, was honored for her contributions to the NBA VEBA Board of Trustees. She served from 2020 to 2025 and chaired the board from 2023 to 2025.

 

• Luke Rickertsen, president of Flatwater Bank in Gothenburg, was recognized for his leadership on the NBA BankPAC Committee. He served on the committee from 2012 to 2024 and as chair from 2022 to 2024.

 

• Tim Sladek, president and CEO of Waypoint Bank in Cozad, was honored for his role as chair of the NBA Government Relations Committee. He served on the committee from 2021 to 2025 and chaired it from 2024 to 2025.

 
"These bankers have helped shape the direction of the NBA and strengthen the banking industry in Nebraska," said NBA President and CEO Richard Baier. "We are grateful for their time, insight and commitment to our association."
 
"The financial and organizational guidance provided by these board members has been invaluable," added NBA CFO Scott Yank. "The work of our board members often happens behind the scenes, but their contributions are visible in strengthening the services we provide."
 
The NBA Board of Directors is composed of bankers from across the state who provide strategic guidance and oversight for the association’s advocacy, education and member services.
 
The NBISCO Board of Directors oversees the operations of Nebraska Bankers Insurance & Services Co. (NBISCO), the wholly owned subsidiary of the NBA, which offers insurance products and other services to member banks.
 
The NBA VEBA Board of Trustees directs the group health, dental, life and disability insurance plans available to NBA members.
 
The NBA Government Relations Committee reviews and recommends legislative and regulatory policy priorities to the NBA Board of Directors.
 
The NBA BankPAC Committee is responsible for raising and distributing funds to support candidates for political office at both the state and federal levels.

Lydell “Woody” Woodbury

Katy Wolf Bode

Luke Rickertsen and Tim Sladek