Hometown leaders help make good works possible

Even though the Nebraska Community Foundation has only been in existence for 11 years, it has already built a reputation as one of most outstanding state community foundations in the nation. That is why it is such an honor to have two bankers from Southwest Nebraska as the top-ranking officers on the statewide Nebraska Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Leading the board throughout the 2005-06 term will be Kathy Thuman of Maywood, as the chair; and Mark Graff of McCook, as vice chair. On a statewide board, it is unusual to have two directors from the same area. But, it is even more rare to have two officers froms towns only 33 miles apart, as is the case with Kathy and Mark.

The banking executives traveled separate but similar paths to service on the Nebraska Community Foundation Board.

Thuman became impressed with the Nebraska Community Foundation's mission seven years ago when two foundation enthusiasts, Francis Moul and Janelle Anderson, stopped by to visit her at the bank in Maywood. "My father and I had been discussing ways to give back to the communities the banks serve. The Nebraska Community Foundation struck me as an excellent way to do so."

Shortly thereafter, Kathy was asked to serve on the state community foundation board and has steadily risen to the chairmanship position, with duty in past years as treasurer, vice chair and chairman-elect.

Graff's involvement with the Nebraska Community Foundation began in 2001 when the state board gathered in McCook for one of its quarterly meetings. He sat in on the meetings, held at the McCook National Bank board room, and came away impressed with the foundation's commitment to community building through planned giving. His interest led to appointment to the state community foundation board, and a quick rise through the offices as treasurer and vice chair. In addition, Mark serves as chairman of the McCook Community Foundation fund advisory committee.

Both Thuman and Graff have prominent roles in the Southwest Nebraska banking industry. Kathy is president and CEO of Farmers State Bank of Maywood and Trenton, as well as being president and CEO of Farmers State Bank in Big Springs. Mark is chairman of the McCook National Bank board of directors and is president and CEO of MNB Financial Services of McCook and Stratton. Despite their extensive banking responsibilities, both Thuman and Graff regard service on the state foundation board as a high priority. "The Nebraska Community Foundation is unique in the United States," Thuman said. "In other states, the state foundations are in charge of distribution. But, in Nebraska, we have empowered local communities. They gather the donations and decide how the funds are distributed."

A large share of the credit for this goes to the statewide board of hometown leaders. We are honored that two of those leaders -- Kathy Thuman and Mark Graff -- represent Southwest Nebraska.