SALINA, KAN. - Buer Announces Retirement from FBK. After 27 years of distinguished service, Kent Buer, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of First Bank Kansas, will retire on Jan. 29, 2027.
To ensure a seamless transition, Buer has been working closely with the bank’s leadership team on a thoughtful succession plan. On behalf of bank ownership and the board of directors, we are pleased to announce the following leadership changes to take effect upon his retirement.
Angie Eilrich, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, will become Chairwoman of the Board in addition to her current role of Chief Operations Officer.
Curt Glaser, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer along with his role as Chief Lending Officer.
Andew Manley will assume the role of President while retaining his position of Chief Financial Officer.
“Working with the wonderful people of First Bank Kansas and Advantage Trust Company, since joining the organization in 1999, has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Buer said.
Buer was raised on a farm near Norway in Republic County, KS. He earned a Finance Degree from Kansas State University after which he became a Financial Examiner with the State of Kansas Banking Department based in the Salina field office. After six years, he made the switch to Agricultural/Commercial Loan Officer with a bank in Concordia.
In 1999, he joined First Bank Kansas as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. The family-first priority and genuineness of the team convinced Buer that First Bank Kansas would be a good fit for him personally and professionally. In 2010, a new opportunity was presented as he assumed the role of President and CEO, along with the responsibilities of being Chairman of the Board. During his time with First Bank Kansas, Buer has been vital to the bank’s strategic planning and execution, risk management, business development, talent acquisition and retention.
“I speak for the entire team when I say that Kent’s leadership has been a driving force behind the success of First Bank Kansas,” Eilrich said. “Kent has done a wonderful job developing a strong team that will ensure First Bank Kansas continues to serve our customers and communities for years to come.”