BSB Announces 2022 Promotions

February 24, 2022

Salina, KS —  The Bennington State Bank (BSB), a leading independent community bank in Central Kansas, is announcing promotions in 2022.  These strategic changes will contribute to the growth and expansion of the bank.

BSB is excited to announce the following new hire and promotions:

Keith Leonard, Jr. Wealth Advisor, Bennington State Bank

New Hire:

Keith Leonard joined BSB in December 2021 as Jr. Wealth Advisor.  Leonard graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor’s of Education.  As a Jr. Wealth Advisor, Leonard is responsible for the promotion and selling of investment management and trust services to new and existing clientele, as well as the administration of assigned accounts.

Laurie Aufdemberge, Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Laurie Aufdemberge, who joined BSB in 2010, has over 23 years in Banking, was promoted to Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer. Aufdemberge initiates the mortgage process for potential clients; preparing, analyzing, and verifying mortgage loan applications for the purchase or refinance of real estate.  Aufdemberge has been recognized by the USDA First Time Home Buyer and Rural Development Programs due to BSB’s commitment to these programs that afford many residents of the State to become home owners through this partnership with USDA.

Sevda Baker, Jr. Wealth Advisor, Bennington State Bank

Sevda Baker, who joined BSB in 2020, was promoted to Jr. Wealth Advisor.  Baker graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Personal Financial Planning.  As a Jr. Wealth Advisor, Baker is responsible for the promotion and selling of investment management and trust services to new and existing clientele, as well as the administration of assigned accounts.

Toni Born, Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Toni Born, who joined BSB in 1991, has nearly 35 years in Banking was promoted to Vice President, Retail Manager. Born is responsible for the implementation of the strategic direction and tactics in conjunction with the Retail Banking Officer while assuring that optimal customer experiences are consistently provided whether delivered in person, via phone, or through other avenues.  Born provides direction for the retail line of business through branch supervisors.

Shay Cox, Assistant Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Shay Cox, who joined BSB in 2007, has over 20 years in Banking was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Portfolio Manager. Cox made the move from Loan Operations to the Portfolio Management Department last year.  The Portfolio Managers provide relationship management and support to Lending Officers in originating, monitoring and servicing an existing portfolio of complex loans and borrowing relationships. The Portfolio Manager interacts with customers as well as assists Lending Officers in all aspects of servicing customers.

Ayla Fairchild, Assistant Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Ayla Fairchild, who joined BSB in 2019, has over 11 years in Banking was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Loan Operations Manager. Fairchild is responsible for loan operations and management oversight of the Commercial, Real Estate, Agriculture and Consumer loan staff and systems.  This includes processing, servicing, accounting, reporting and customer service functions. In addition, Fairchild works across business lines to ensure optimal customer experience.

Steve Phillips, Senior Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Steve Phillips, who joined BSB in 2018, has over 30 years of experience in Banking was promoted to Senior Vice President, Senior Credit Analyst. As one of BSB’s Senior Credit Analyst, Phillips works with other members of senior management to develop procedures that evaluate and provide guidance on credit risks related to the Bank’s lending programs. Senior Analysts provide recommendations that align with Loan Policy and the vision and mission of the Bank to provide optimal customer experience.

Carolyn Sichley, Assistant Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Carolyn Sichley, who joined BSB in 2019, was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Marketing Officer. Sichley has over 20 years of experience in the marketing sector with 7 years in Bank Marketing. Sichley is responsible for all marketing strategies and activities within the Bank and manages the overall brand strategy by providing direction and feedback on marketing initiatives and projects. She makes key decisions regarding digital marketing, product distribution, budgeting, and branding while working with other Bank officers to set overall branding objectives while focusing on implementing creative design and community engagement.

Cameron Stanley, Assistant Vice President,  Bennington State Bank

Cameron Stanley, who joined BSB in 2012, has 10 years in Banking was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Portfolio Manager. The Portfolio Managers provide relationship management and support to Lending Officers in originating, monitoring and servicing an existing portfolio of complex loans and borrowing relationships. The Portfolio Manager interacts with customers as well as assists Lending Officers in all aspects of servicing customers.

Shawn Wilson, Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Shawn Wilson, who joined BSB in 2016, has 20 years in Banking was promoted to Vice President, IT Manager. Wilson is responsible for coordinating, planning, and leading technology-related initiatives for the Bank. Wilson is also responsible for the development and oversight of the Bank’s technology and IT Security strategies in order to support growth objectives while strengthening the Bank’s competitive advantage.

Susan Young, Senior Vice President, Bennington State Bank

Susan Young, who joined BSB in 2005, has over 25 years in Banking was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief HR Officer. Young is responsible for developing and executing a talent strategy in alignment with the vision and values of the Bank while supporting the overall strategic direction. Young serves as an operational leader while overseeing the HR functions including talent management and development; employee relations; policy development; and compensation and benefits design and administration.

About Bennington State Bank

Bennington State Bank was founded on the principles of integrity, trust, and fostering long-term customer relationships through the delivery of excellence in customer service and financial products including state-of-the-art online and mobile platforms. For nearly 130 years, BSB has served the financial needs of their customers, offering a full range of banking services to Central Kansas and beyond.   BSB is a full-service financial provider, offering Consumer banking, Ag solutions, and Commercial banking, including Trust and Wealth Management, Portfolio Management and Employee Benefit Services.  BSB is made up of employee-owners with the Employee Stock Ownership Program owning more than 10% of the Bank.  With over $950 million in assets, BSB has locations in Bennington, Minneapolis, Salina, Lucas, Sylvan Grove, Wamego, Wichita and Abilene. Always committed to local decision-making, excellent customer service and community investment, BSB is your trusted hometown bank. For more information, please visit bsbks.com. Member FDIC.