CBA Announces New President & CEO

Dear CBAK Members,

On behalf of the Community Bankers Association of Kansas, we are pleased to announce that Melissa Flachsbarth has been selected to serve as our next President & CEO, succeeding Shawn Mitchell.

Joining CBAK on November 9, 2026, Melissa Flachsbarth brings extensive experience in government relations, association management, public policy, and organizational leadership to her role as President and CEO of the Community Bankers Association of Kansas (CBAK). Prior to joining CBAK, Flachsbarth served in an association management and government relations role with Kearney & Associates, where she worked closely with boards of directors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to advance legislative priorities, strengthen member engagement, and support organizational growth. Flachsbarth previously spent nearly seven years with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, serving as Deputy Legislative Director and Special Assistant. Her career also includes leadership roles with the Kansas Department of Labor and the Institute for American Police Reform, where she focused on program management, strategic initiatives, and organizational development. Throughout her career, Flachsbarth has developed strong relationships across Kansas government and the Statehouse. Known for her collaborative approach, enthusiasm, and ability to bring people together, she is passionate about building meaningful relationships and helping organizations achieve their goals. In her new role, Flachsbarth looks forward to advocating for Kansas community banks, strengthening relationships with members, and ensuring their voices are heard in policy discussions that impact the communities they serve. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Flachsbarth grew up in Lawrence and resides in Topeka with her family.

“I'm incredibly honored and excited to join the Community Bankers Association of Kansas. Community banks are more than financial institutions. They're neighbors, community partners, and an essential part of what makes Kansas communities thrive. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation CBAK has established, strengthening relationships with our members, and finding new opportunities to grow the association and expand its impact. I'm excited to work alongside our members and leadership to ensure community banks continue to have a strong voice and a bright future in Kansas.” said Melissa Flachsbarth.

The selection represents an important next chapter for our association. The President & CEO works closely with CBAK leadership to develop and implement policies and programs, support members, lead the association's staff and operations, strengthen relationships with policymakers and the public, and represent community banking at both the state and national levels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Flachsbarth as the new President and CEO of CBA! Melissa brings the leadership, vision, and passion to build on CBA’s strong foundation and lead our organization into an exciting new chapter. We are confident that her experience and commitment will be a tremendous asset to our members and the industry we serve. I’m excited about what lies ahead for CBA under Melissa’s leadership, and we look forward to all we will accomplish together!” said Tanner Johnson, Chairman of the Community Bankers Association of Kansas.

The transition follows the retirement of Shawn Mitchell after more than 17 years of service to the association. During his tenure, Shawn helped expand membership, made more than 2,200 bank visits, strengthened CBAK's national involvement, established new programming and helped CBAK purchase its first owned office debt-free. “I am incredibly proud of CBA and the work we have accomplished together. CBA’s future is bright, and I am confident that Melissa will bring the leadership, vision, and passion needed to build on this strong foundation and lead the organization into its next chapter of success. It

has been a privilege to serve, and I look forward to seeing CBA continue to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact under Melissa’s leadership.” Said Shawn Mitchell.

Please join us in welcoming Melissa to the CBAK family and thanking Shawn for the tremendous commitment he has shown to Kansas community banking.

Warm regards,

Tanner Johnson
Chairman
Community Bankers Association of Kansas