While there are so many clichés about how important it is for a person to enjoy their vocation, I can truly say, I love my job. I have been in the wealth management business for over 34 years, 25 of those years in this Trust Department in Ellsworth, Kansas beginning in April of 1996. Over time I have worked with many clients and businesses to help build and manage wealth for their own benefit, or the benefit of their families as well as the surrounding community. I often say to our staff that you can study trusts and investments and you can attend seminars on wealth management, but until you actually see a client enjoying a comfortable retirement, or an addition to a city park or library, or a college student receiving a scholarship, all of which were made possible through our firm, then it sinks in just how important and fulfilling this job is.

My wife and I still live on, and manage, the farm where I was born and raised. The challenges of farming in the 1980’s led me to pursue a career in finance. I feel very fortunate to have kept our third generation family farm intact. I attained my Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 1990 and Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor designation in 2007. Some of my financial industry and other leadership roles include:

• Past member of the Kansas Bankers Association Trust Division Board and executive committee, one year as President of that body.
   
• Past member of the Board of Directors of the Schools of Banking & Trust.
   
• Member of Class I (1995-1997) of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program and current member of the Board of Directors for KARL.
   
• Past President of both the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the National Association of  Wheat Growers.
   
• Currently active in Ellsworth Kiwanis, having served a number of roles including club President.
   
• Active in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove, Kansas having served a variety of roles.

I have been blessed with a wonderful family, my wife Shelley, my daughter Rachel and son James; and the most handsome, brilliant and talented grandson ever, Ben. I enjoy working on my farm in my free time, I love shooting sports, Corvettes, classic rock (Led Zeppelin), playing the guitar and occasionally there will be some oil painting in progress on an easel in my home office.

Please call for an appointment, if you are not a client now, I hope you will be soon. 

Mark Kennedy has been a member of the CTI team since July 2012. Born and raised in Ellsworth, Mark returned home after earning degrees from the University of Kansas and has been with CTI ever since. In his role, Mark guides clients through every stage of life, creating strategies to maximize the impact of their stated goals. His daily focus is on understanding each client’s unique needs and being a dependable, trusted partner.

His leadership extends beyond the workplace. Mark currently serves on the Kansas Bankers Association Trust Division board, and he actively participates in community organizations including the Ellsworth Kiwanis Club, Smoky Hills Community Foundation, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He is also a former City Councilman and Mayor of Ellsworth, KS, reflecting his commitment to civic service.

Mark and his wife, Emily, live in rural Ellsworth County with their two young children.

Jim Metz began providing Trust & Investment services to the Lincoln, Sylvan Grove and surrounding communities in 2016. Jim is an active member of the community and volunteers his time by serving as the President of the Lincoln Recreation Commission, Treasurer of the Lincoln Hospital & Healthcare Foundation and the Bud Finch Memorial Community Theatre Foundation.

Jim became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in April, 2023 and has shared his knowledge and expertise to help clients achieve their financial, and life goals. Working with and getting to know his clients better is what Jim enjoy's most about working at Citizens Trust & Investments.

Jim attended Kansas State University where he received a B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Management with a Minor in Business Administration. After graduating from KSU, Jim took the long way home to Lincoln. From 2008-2011, Jim served in the Peace Corps as a Village Based Development and Tourism Planning volunteer in the Pacific island nation of Samoa. During this time Jim met his wife Faye, and upon ending his service with the Peace Corps, Jim took a job managing a local resort. In 2015, Jim and Faye moved back to Lincoln with their two children, Hazel and Jack, and completed their family of five when their son Jordy was born in 2017.

Jim’s role as Trust Officer is to serve the Lincoln & Sylvan Grove area by providing investment management, retirement and education planning, and Trust Administration for clients of all ages and demographics.

Originally a western Kansas girl, my husband and I moved to the area in 2002.  Three short years later, in 2005, I joined the Citizens State Bank & Trust family as a teller with five years of previous bank experience.  Wanting to try something new, in 2007 I made the move to the Trust Department taking on the role as Trust Clerk and later as Trust Operations Officer.  Taking on the task of Trust Operations Officer has been a challenge that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

I began my college career at Barton Community College where I earned my Associate's Degree and finished at Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. I grew up in rural Ellsworth County and continue to reside in Wilson with my husband, Levi, and our 4 children.

I began my work at Citizens State Bank & Trust in 2014 as an intern moving throughout all departments in the bank to fulfill college credit. After my stint in the Trust Department, I accepted a position as a Trust Operations Specialist.