NBA Awards Awards Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award for Women in Banking to Margaret Burkholder

The Nebraska Bankers Association announces Margaret (Margie) Burkholder, chief operations officer at West Gate Bank in Lincoln, as the recipient of the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award for Women in Banking. The award was presented at the NBA's 2025 Women in Banking Conference.
 
Named in honor of Alice Dittman, a trailblazing leader in Nebraska's banking and business communities, the award recognizes a young, female banker who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professional achievement and community service. Nominees are evaluated based on their impact within their bank, contributions to their community and commitment to the banking industry and the Nebraska Bankers Association.
 
As chief operations officer, Burkholder provides strategic oversight and direction for West Gate Bank’s operations and plays a key role in shaping the bank’s long-term vision. She also helped develop the West Gate Bank Code of Excellence, which defines and guides the organization’s culture and values.
 
West Gate Bank President and CEO Carl Sjulin nominated Burkholder for the award. "Her servant leadership is a role model for women at West Gate Bank, where she has been a pathfinder for the members of our executive committee,” Sjulin said. “Margie inspires those around her to think bigger, push harder and do better.”
 
Burkholder is active in several veterans’ organizations, including the Department of Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary #3606 and the American Legion Auxiliary Post #355. She has also served on the boards of the Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln-Lancaster County Crime Stoppers and Fresh Start.
 
As part of the award, recipients receive $1,000 to be donated to a charity of her choice. Burkholder has chosen to direct her donation to the Department of Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
 
Burkholder is a member of the NBA Leadership Class of 2022 and a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
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"We're proud to recognize Margie as she continues to pave the way for the next generation of women leaders in Nebraska banking,” said Richard Baier, president and CEO of the NBA. “Her accomplishments at West Gate Bank and her commitment to serving veterans and her community make her an outstanding recipient of this award."

From left: West Gate Bank President and CEO Carl Sjulin, Margie Burkholder (2025 Trailblazer Award recipient; West Gate Bank), Mandy Hoover (2024 Trailblazer Award recipient; Adams Bank & Trust), and NBA ​EVP/COO/Director of Education Ron Arrigo

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About Alice Dittman
Alice Dittman was a true trailblazer in Nebraska's banking and business arenas. She began her career at Cornhusker Bank in Lincoln in 1948, where she held various roles, eventually serving as president, CEO and chair of the board. Dittman was the first woman to chair the Nebraska Bankers Association and also led both the Lincoln and Nebraska Chambers of Commerce Boards of Directors. Renowned for her generosity and dedication to mentoring, she inspired many young women to pursue careers in banking, finance, and business.
 
For more information about the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award, visit nebankers.org/dittman