The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC) in 2014 launched its prestigious Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers® (EDI) with a vision to transform the way community banks approach and execute succession planning. On April 16, 2025, the school saw its 11th cohort of community banking professionals complete the program.

The following 14 graduates were honored during a ceremony on April 15 in Broomfield, Colo.:

  • Benjamin J. Drouhard, Citizens Bank of Kansas (Wichita, Kan.)
  • Clare Carswell Easterlin, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. (Louisville, Ga.)
  • Josh Erickson, Farmers State Bank (Cameron, Mo.)
  • Brooke Gates, The First National Bank of Gordon (Gordon, Neb.)
  • Krista J.S. Gibson, High Plains Bank (Keenesburg, Colo.)
  • Andy Hubbart, BankWest (Pierre, S.D.)
  • Melanie Lasley, Anna-Jonesboro National Bank (Anna, Ill.)
  • Chris Martin, Farmers State Bank (Cameron, Mo.)
  • Suzanne Mendlik, Core Bank (Omaha, Neb.)
  • Margaret Nightengale, Grant County Bank (Ulysses, Kan.)
  • Paul A. Pick, Iowa Trust Bank (Clive, Iowa)
  • Michael Russell, Famers State Bank (Cameron, Mo.)
  • Jennifer O. Waddell, First State Bank of the Florida Keys (Key West, Fla.)
  • Sean Woodring, NBT Financial (Fort Worth, Texas)

EDI: The Only Program of its Kind in the Country

EDI participants are bold, forward-thinking leaders in their organizations who have been identified as up-and-coming C-suite leaders for their organizations.  EDI is designed to provide each participant with individual and bank-specific resources that contribute directly to their individual development plans and banks’ strategic plans.

“Our newest EDI graduates have formed a strong connection and supported each other in this journey, stated GSBC President & CEO Michael Stevens. “They are a great group of leaders who will rise to the needs and opportunities of their communities and the industry.”

In addition to the graduates, GSBC hosted two other cohorts of up to 15 participants representing 18 U.S. states total. GSBC is now enrolling a 14th cohort scheduled to begin in October 2025. For more information, visit www.GSBColorado.org.