photo: High Plains Bank
High Plains Bank Thanks Ed Rarick, Gail Stencel, and Laura McDonald for Their Years of Service and Impact
High Plains Bank announces the upcoming retirement of two of the bank’s long-serving leaders: Ed Rarick, Senior Oversight Officer (Flagler) and Gail Stencel, Relationship Manager (Wiggins), as well as Laura McDonald, Integrator, who is also leaving for other pursuits. All three will officially step down from their current roles in January 2025.
Ed Rarick began with High Plains Bank in 1993, after beginning his banking career with Farm Credit in Limon, Colorado. He received his degree in Agricultural Business from Colorado State University and is also an alumni of the Graduate School of Banking. His tenure at High Plains Bank is marked by a diverse range of leadership roles, including Flagler Market President, Loan Officer, Relationship Manager, and Chief Credit Officer, a role he served in for more than 20 years. Additionally, he has actively contributed his insights and guidance as a member of both the High Plains Bank Board of Directors and the High Plains Bank Group Inc. Board of Directors.
Ed names a number of proud moments that mark his time with High Plains Bank, in particular the bank’s growth. “We were a little bank in Flagler, but after the bank began to branch out to other locations, we noticed that other Flagler businesses followed suit, such as Stop and Shop and the Co-op,” Ed shares. He also reflects that High Plains Bank’s commitment to towns like Flagler and remaining an independent entity has resulted in a robust Main Street, support for agricultural customers, and highlights the importance of community banks in smaller, rural communities.
Throughout the many challenges the bank and the communities served have faced, Ed is particularly proud of the bank’s commitment to thoughtful transformation that has led to more efficiency, increasing loan turn around, and faster approvals. He hopes that his legacy will be that he worked hard to provide stability for customers and employees, and support ongoing innovative and creative solutions.
“Working alongside such a talented and dedicated team has been an absolute privilege,” says Ed. “Together, we've built something special at High Plains Bank. The most rewarding aspect of my time at High Plains Bank has been using my experience with farming and business to provide customized lending solutions for our customers.”
“Wow, 31 years with High Plains Bank! That's a testament to Ed’s commitment and expertise in all things banking,” says Leigh Andersen, High Plains Bank Flagler Branch Manager. “Ed’s contributions to our organization have been invaluable. He has always been so dedicated to providing the greatest of service and building lasting relationships with all of our customers. We all wish him nothing but the best in his well-deserved retirement and hope that he gets to spend more time traveling and spending time with his family.”
Ed's commitment to community development is evident through his involvement in numerous local organizations. He currently serves as the Chairman of Prairie Development Corporation, a vital organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to low and moderate income entrepreneurs. Ed will continue to serve on the High Plains Banking Group, Inc. Holding Company Board, and on special projects for the bank.
“Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for all that Ed has done for the bank, me and the Creighton family,” shares John Creighton, High Plains Bank CEO. “Over the years, Ed has instilled a great deal of confidence in the bank with shareholders, board members and regulators. We are grateful that Ed will continue on the Holding Company board and be available for projects when needed. We look forward to continuing our friendship with Ed for many years to come.”
Gail Stencel has spent her entire career in banking. She became part of the High Plains Bank organization in 1973 when Wiggins became part of the High Plains Bank family in 2001 and has served as the Wiggins Market President, and Relationship Manager. Gail’s legacy is one of leadership, compassion, community dedication, ushering in the new Wiggins building in 2022, representing a new era of commitment to the Wiggins community.
Gail reflected that High Plains Bank came into the Wiggins market at a time when the current bank she was part of, a large national bank, had no interest in the community. She also shares that it was due in large part to Esther Lingo being part of the High Plains Bank Bennett team that convinced her, along with Jim Pieters, to continue on.
Throughout the many challenges the bank has faced throughout the years, from the 2008 financial crisis, to COVID, and everything in between, Gail has always appreciated High Plains Bank’s compassionate approach to problem solving and commitment to family and community first, as well as how team members have grown in their roles, in large part because of how Gail has served as a mentor.
"How can we describe someone who is an awesome co-worker, but most of all, a friend here in Wiggins,” says Esther Lingo, Wiggins Market President. “Gail has worked alongside us for so many years, laughing with us, crying with us, praying for us. She has always made each and everyone of us feel important and part of the success the Wiggins branch location has had through the years."
“Gail will be missed dearly,” shares Debbie Grosz, Wiggins Branch Manager. “She's been a great mentor and teacher throughout and has also always been there for personal support as well. I attribute my growth here to Gail's knowledge and life's work and I thank her for that.”
“This organization is unique. You will never find people like we have at HPB anywhere else,” shares Gail. “I’m proud to be part of an organization which believes in serving our communities and appreciates the contributions of every bank team member. It has been rewarding to be a part of the growth that is due in large part to everyone being willing to learn, adapt, and support one another. I’ve been blessed to have a great career and have enjoyed every single day.”
"Gail’s legacy is profound,” says John Creighton, High Plains Bank CEO. "Gratitude and service are the words she often refers to as how she tries to lead her life. You see that in the way she approaches her work, her relationships, and her family. Gail has set a standard of customer care that we will work hard to live up to. Her approach of gratitude and service will continue to guide what we do.”
Gail will continue to serve on the High Plains Bank Inc. Holding Company Board through 2025.
Laura McDonald was drawn to work at High Plains Bank due in large part to her relationship and trust in CEO, John Creighton and their shared commitment to education and community impact. Laura shares that she “took a leap of faith. John saw something in me that he felt would benefit the bank, even though I could not see it.”
Five months after Laura joined the team, COVID hit which allowed her to demonstrate where her true skills and contribution would lie - through her involvement with the Payment Protection Program loan process. Laura helped develop systems and processes that enabled the bank to help hundreds of small businesses secure PPP loans, while at the same time supporting the people who had to use the new technology.
“I want to thank Laura for the profound contributions she has made to our organization and to many of us individually,” says John Creighton, High Plains Bank CEO. “We will benefit for many years to come because of the work she has helped us do. I am very appreciative for the opportunity we have had to have Laura as part of our team and it is with much confidence that I look forward to the opportunities for High Plains Bank and our team members.”
“Laura's contributions to the organization are too numerous to count,” shares Alison Bush, Employee Experience Director. “From ‘Getting Things Done’, process improvement, leadership development, Google Ramp-up, Learning Fridays - the list goes on. But her contributions to me, personally, have been invaluable. She has been a mentor, sounding board, advocate, partner and friend. Her support and leadership have allowed me to grow and become confident in my role, and I can't thank her enough for that.”
“Over the past five years, I have been fortunate to be part of building something truly special with you all. I am incredibly proud of the skills we have developed and the milestones we have achieved. I am deeply grateful for the experiences we have shared and the relationships we have built,” McDonald shares. “What really makes me reflect and smile are the people I got to work with, know, and who I hopefully helped to empower their unique strengths to become new opportunities for them. I know there are exciting times ahead for High Plains Bank.”
Laura's impact on High Plains Bank has been immense,” says Brian Otteman, High Plains Bank Chief Experience Officer. From rebranding and website development to spearheading our network transformation as CIO, her vision and leadership have been invaluable. She seamlessly guided us through the PPP storm and bravely led the charge to embrace Google Suite and a modernized network infrastructure. She has a knack for tackling complex projects with rare efficiency, always willing to mentor and empower those who are ready to do more. She taught me the power of intentional training, giving others the context to create and innovate independently, and celebrating team wins. Her legacy is a stronger, more capable organization, and we're incredibly grateful for her contributions.”
Laura is looking forward to spending quality time with her husband and daughters. And if we know Laura, — she will not sit still for long: “What energizes me most is working at the intersection of people and technology. My time at High Plains Bank has been a journey of growth and self-discovery, and whatever comes next will align with my strengths, stay true to my values, and focus on making a positive impact for people.”
Everyone at High Plains Bank expresses gratitude to Ed, Gail, and Laura for their dedication and wishes them all the best in their future endeavors.