"We are honored to receive such recognition from the readers of the Nonpareil and the southwest Iowa community. Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything we do, and we owe our success to our great clients and dedicated staff," stated Mike Kenealy, President of Midstates Bank.
May 2025 | Community, Newsroom
Alford and Blum Join Council Bluffs Leadership Team
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.
More Midstates News
May 2025 | Hawkins and Stull Join Leadership Team
Hawkins and Stull Join Leadership Team
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.
Adventureland Tickets
Discounted Tickets are BACK!
As a Midstates Bank client, you can receive a discount on Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark tickets! For just $37.99 + tax and fees, clients can purchase tickets to experience all the thrills during the 2025 season!
How to Purchase Tickets
Discount Code: IBAIA (must be entered in all caps, no spaces)
Park Information
Adventureland Resort
3200 Adventureland Drive
Altoona, IA 50009
Opening Day: May 17, 2025
Adventure Bay Opening Day: May 24, 2025
Daily Operations Close: August 22, 2025
Closing Day: October 26, 2025
March 2025 | Midstates Bank earns UNbelievable Workplace Recognition for 3rd year
Midstates Bank earns UNbelievable Workplace Recognition for 3rd year!
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - Midstates Bank is proud to announce that it has earned the UNbelievable Workplace recognition for the third consecutive year! This honor, presented by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, is based on the results of an Employee Engagement Survey that evaluates key factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and workplace flexibility.
For the third year running, Midstates Bank received exceptional feedback from employees, with over 90% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the workplace flexibility offered.
Our success is a direct result of our talented and engaged team.”
Mike Kenealy | Bank President
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition once again," said Mike Kenealy, Bank President. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and I’m grateful for their continued dedication in making Midstates Bank such a great place to work.”
For more information on the UNbelievable Workplaces program, visit UNbelievable Workplaces Council Bluffs.
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COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - The Daily Nonpareil has announced the winners of their 2024 Reader's Choice Awards and Midstates Bank has been voted #1 Bank and #1 Mortgage Broker! Additionally, Midstates Bank was highlighted as a favorite in the categories of Customer Service and Places to Work. Stephanie Morales was also recognized as a top bank teller in Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa.
Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything we do, and we owe our success to our great clients and dedicated staff.
Mike Kenealy | Bank President
The Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual initiative where readers cast their votes for the best businesses and services across southwest Iowa. For more information on the awards or to view other winners, visit The Daily Nonpareil Reader's Choice.
Adventureland Tickets
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Discounted Tickets are BACK!
As a Midstates Bank client, you can receive a discount on Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark tickets! For just $37.99 + tax and fees, clients can purchase tickets to experience all the thrills during the 2024 season!
How to Purchase Tickets:
Discount Code: IBAIA (must be entered in all caps, no spaces)
Park Information
Adventureland Resort
3200 Adventureland Drive
Altoona, IA 50009
Opening Day: May 18, 2024
Adventure Bay Opening Day: May 25, 2024
Daily Operations Close: August 18, 2024
Closing Day: October 27, 2024
Sept 2024 | Midstates Bank Proud Participant of the Walk to End Alzheimer's
Sept 30, 2024 | Community, Newsroom
Midstates Bank Proud Participant of the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Midstates Bank has pledged to join in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by participating in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Harlan on September 21st, Council Bluffs on September 28th, and Sioux City on October 5th.
Join our Team!
For every generation. This is why we walk. Join the Midstates Bank Walk to End Alzheimer’s teams or donate at the links below. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease.
- HARLAN - September 21 at Pioneer Park; register here
- COUNCIL BLUFFS - September 28 at Iowa Western; register here
- SIOUXLAND - October 5, at Morningside University; register here
This is why we walk. #MSBEndALZ
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org(Opens in a new Window) or call 800.272.3900.
August 2023 | Midstates Bank Launches 1949 Chevy Pickup, "Penny."
HARLAN, Iowa – When World War II ended in 1949, Midstates Bank had been providing services for nearly three-fourths of a century, while American automobile factories were transitioning from manufacturing military vehicles to civilian cars. Among them was this 3600 series truck that included Chevy's stylish "Advance Design" with a rounded profile, five-bar horizontal grill, in-dash radio, and a three-person cab.
It was during the fall of 2022 that this classic 1949 Chevy Truck was discovered in a shed in South Dakota. Although it was covered in dust, its signature Midstates Bank green hue was unmistakable, prompting the Bank to purchase the vehicle and commission its refurbishment with new brakes, tires, and a wood floor in the box.
To give the vehicle an identity, the Bank organized a "Name the Truck" campaign, and it was ultimately Jessica Small, a Customer Service Representative from the Missouri Valley Branch, who had the winning suggestion - "Penny." Its vanity plates were also updated to read "MSB 1949."
Midstates Bank recognizes the crucial role that local parades and event play in bringing our communities together. Our dedicated employees, along with Penny, will be participating in these hometown traditions throughout the summer in Avoca, Council Bluffs, Harlan, Kingsley, Le Mars, Neola, Missouri Valley, Mondamin and Sergeant Bluff.
Penny the truck embodies Midstates Bank's devotion to their customers and longstanding dedication to excellence. We look forward to seeing where this story goes next!