Newsroom

Council Bluffs, IA  ·  2026

UNbelievable Workplace — Four Years Running

Midstates Bank · Recognized by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce

Midstates Bank has once again been named an UNbelievable Workplace — earning this distinction for the fourth consecutive year. The recognition is based on a comprehensive Employee Engagement Survey measuring satisfaction, work-life balance, leadership, inclusion, flexibility, and overall culture.

What our employees say

99%
I am deeply motivated by the mission of Midstates Bank.
99%
I enjoy working at Midstates Bank.
99%
My coworkers and I have a great working relationship.
99%
I am satisfied with the workplace flexibility offered.
99%
People of all cultures and backgrounds are respected and valued.
99%
I can make decisions that affect my work.

In their own words

Why Our Team Loves Coming to Work

Employee Voice
The people. Both customers and coworkers make it all worth it!
Employee Voice
I'm valued, supported, and I have the opportunity to help our community.
Employee Voice
I have flexibility and management has trust and faith in myself and my capabilities.
Employee Voice
From ownership on down, we are surrounded by people that genuinely care about our employees.
"This recognition reflects the kind of team we have at Midstates Bank. Our people show up for each other, for our customers, and for our communities every day. That commitment is what makes Midstates different — and it's something I'm incredibly proud of."
Kevin Stull
Midstates Bank President
For more information on the UNbelievable Workplaces program, visit UNbelievable Workplaces Council Bluffs.
 
 
 

More Midstates News





 

Alford Promoted to Vice President and Branch Manager 

 

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – We are pleased to announce that Nikki Alford has been promoted to Branch Manager, following her two years as Retail and Business Banking Manager at our Council Bluffs location. Nikki succeeds Doug Rew, who is retiring after over 30 years in the financial industry. In her expanded role, Nikki will oversee daily branch operations while continuing to lead the customer service team.

With over 20 years of branch management experience, Nikki has made significant contributions to employee engagement, policy development, and leadership initiatives.

 In addition to her professional accomplishments, Nikki is deeply committed to community service, volunteering at New Visions, organizing food drives, and coordinating winter clothing drives for local schools.

 

Blum Promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

Additionally, we are excited to announce that Chris Blum, Senior Vice President, will now oversee the credit and lending teams as the Chief Lending Officer at the Council Bluffs Branch. In this expanded role she will continue client support while managing the branch's credit strategies and portfolio performance.

With 20 years at Midstates Bank and 35 years in the banking industry, Chris has held multiple roles, including Market President, Senior Credit Analyst, Loan Review Officer, Staff Accountant, and Bank Examiner with the FDIC.

Chris remains actively involved in the community, currently serving as a Board Member of Green Hills AEA and as a member of the Noon Rotary. She has previously served on the boards of Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation and the Mid-Day Optimist Club.

This new leadership team will build on the strong foundation established by Doug and contribute to the continued success, growth, and exceptional service to our clients of Council Bluffs and throughout the broader southwest Iowa region.

 


Hawkins Appointed as Vice President, Regional Agriculture Manager

HARLAN, IA – Midstates Bank is excited to announce the appointment of Josh Hawkins as the new Vice President, Regional Agriculture Manager. Josh succeeds Terry Arentson, who has retired after 26 years of service.

In this role, Josh will manage and expand our regional banking portfolio across five-states, lead regional ag lenders and collaborate with branch leadership to enhance services and drive initiatives. Josh will be based at the Harlan office.

With over 15 years of experience in agribusiness, Josh spent 7 years as a Business Relations Manager at Agriland FS and most recently served 5 years as Vice President of Agriculture and Business Banking Relationship Manager at U.S. Bank.

Josh currently serves as Treasurer for the Leadership Council Bluffs Alumni Association and is an active member of the Ag Committee at the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce.

Josh holds Bachelor of Science degrees in both Agronomy and Horticulture from Iowa State University. He resides in Council Bluffs with his wife, Melissa, and their two sons.

Please join us in welcoming Josh Hawkins to his new role. We are confident that he will build on the strong foundation established by Terry and contribute to the continued success and growth of our agricultural division.

 

Stull Appointed as New Senior Vice President, Office of the President

HARLAN, IA – Midstates Bank is excited to announce the appointment of Kevin Stull to the newly established role of Senior Vice President, Office of the President.

In this capacity, Kevin will work closely with President, Mike Kenealy, to provide strategic direction and operational support. He will also collaborate with branch leadership to drive loan and deposit growth, mentor lenders, and lead business development and client relationship initiatives.

Kevin will be based at the Harlan MBI office and will serve on the Executive Officer Loan Committee (EOLC) and the Innovation Committee, while also contributing to additional committees.

With 20 years of experience at U.S. Bank, Kevin offers a wealth of expertise and leadership to our organization. Most recently, as Commercial Banking Team Lead and Market President, he led a team of 12 professionals, managed client portfolios, cultivated long-term relationships, and drove significant revenue growth.

Kevin is committed to his community, serving as Vice President of the Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation and actively participating in several Council Bluffs School District committees. He previously served as Treasurer of the Leadership Council Bluffs Alumni Board, volunteered as a Teammates Mentor, and served on the Chamber of Commerce Finance Committee.

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Dana College. He resides in Council Bluffs with his wife, Renee, and their son and daughter.

Please join us in welcoming Kevin Stull to Midstates Bank. We are excited about the leadership and contributions he will bring to our organization.