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 23, 2024, the school saw its 10th cohort of community banking professionals complete the program, marking a milestone in EDI’s success. 

The 14 graduates listed below were honored during a ceremony in Broomfield, Colo.  

  • Nichole Aubert, Frontier Bank of Texas (Austin, Texas) 
  • Rob Bixenman, Ambank Company, Inc. (Sioux Center, Iowa) 
  • Steven Caddell, Heritage Bank (Burlington, Ky.) 
  • Michael Curtsinger, Town & Country Bank and T rust Company (Bardstown, Ky.) 
  • Caleb Dimick, Bank of Idaho (Idaho Falls, ID) 
  • Shelbi Duke, First Bank & Trust Company (Perry, Okla.) 
  • Richard Geloff, Starion Bank (Bismark, N.D.) 
  • Dan Johnson, State Bank & Trust Co. (Nevada, Iowa) 
  • Michael Levine, First Liberty Bank (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 
  • Matthew Morris, Charter Bank (Johnston, Iowa) 
  • Jeri Ann Penny, Citizens State Bank (Buffalo, Texas)
  • Niki Stotler, High Country Bank (Salida, Colo.) 
  • Bret Swennes, Farmers State Bank of Calhan (Falcon, Colo.) 
  • Brian Wilborn (Great Bend, Kan.) 

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.  

“As we send off our 10th cohort of EDI graduates, we celebrate not just their individual accomplishments, but the enduring impact they’ll have on their banks and communities,” stated GSBC President & CEO Michael Stevens. “They are equipped to provide bold, resilient leadership for the industry.” 

In addition to the graduates, GSBC hosted two other cohorts of up to 15 participants representing 20 U.S. states total. GSBC is now enrolling a thirteenth cohort scheduled to begin in October 2024.