Devoted father, respected banker and active community leader.
These words help describe Paul Snapp, the 2024 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. But, his wife Elise noted, they are not enough.
“It’s hard to summarize my husband,” she said. “I am very proud of who he is. He lives what he thinks is important and that is faith, family and community. Outside of being busy following our four girls, he tries to be involved in our community as he thinks it’s important to be engaged.”
Snapp, who serves as president and CEO of First Kansas Bank, was nominated for his “leadership, unwavering commitment to community development, and exemplary role model behavior,” the nomination reads.
He joined Business of the Year Mpire Realty, Legacy Award recipient Sheryl Cheely and NextGen Leader of the Year Dr. Ty Brunswig in receiving their recognition during the chamber’s 103-Annual Awards Night and Banquet Saturday, March 1, at the Corinthians Hill Event Center north of Great Bend. The gala highlighted the myriad contributions made to the community’s success made by the awardees.
“Paul Snapp is a deserving winner due to his exceptional dedication to our community and Bank team,” said friend and co-worker Jay Luerman, vice president at First Kansas. “With the support from his wife, Elise, Paul has graciously volunteered his time throughout the years.”
On the work front
At the office, “Paul is a great leader for the First Kansas Bank team,” Luerman said. Whenever a situation arises, Paul always asks the co-worker what their thoughts are first before he shares his opinion.
“That little gesture truly makes each employee feel like they have authority within the decision,” he said. “Paul truly enjoys mentoring and seeing others on the team be successful. It brings him more joy than any personal recognition. He is a valuable asset to our team and community.”
With over 35 years of experience in the banking industry, Snapp has guided First Kansas since 2007, overseeing its expansion across the region. His leadership extends beyond the bank’s walls, as he actively participates in strategic planning initiatives fostering economic growth in Great Bend.
In the community
In addition to his professional achievements, Snapp epitomizes social responsibility, the nomination notes. He sets high standards within his organization and inspires his colleagues and the broader community.
His service includes boards and organizations such as Great Bend Economic Development, United Way of Central Kansas, Great Bend Kiwanis Club, Great Bend Rotary Club, Central Kansas Development, Golden Belt Community Foundation, Golden Belt Bankers, Prince of Peace Parish, USD 428 Foundation, Barton Community College Foundation, Barton County Kids Ag Day and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.
“Paul’s dedication to the community is undeniable,” the nomination reads. He serves on the Great Bend Economic Development Board, collaborating with other leaders to enhance the local economy.
And “under his leadership, First Kansas Bank has generously supported numerous local events and organizations, contributing a remarkable $46,000 in donations and thousands of volunteer hours in a single year,” the nomination continues. Snapp’s commitment to community service is further evident through his past service on the Chamber Board of Directors, where he served as board chair in 2017.
“Paul has always been committed to improving the community where he and his family live,” Luerman said, citing one of many examples. When Paul and Elise moved to Claflin they made a grassroots effort to help raise money to plant trees and install new playground equipment at the Claflin Community Park for the youth and families to be proud of and enjoy.
And then, there is the home front.
“Our girls got involved in summer swim and, over the years, the program has experienced a shortage of officials,” she said. “So, he became an official to help keep the summer club going. This involves a lot of extra hours, but he felt it was important to help and as a result, kept it possible for the kids to continue to swim.”
In addition, he volunteers to set up and take down flags on Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day, Prior to this, he helped with the annual Kiwanis Club pancake feed.
For the last two weeks, he was selling half-court shot tickets for a fundraiser at Great Bend High School basketball games.
“Paul Snapp is a true asset to our community,” the nomination reads. “His dedication to making Great Bend a better place is truly inspiring.
“Snapp’s visionary leadership, steadfast involvement, and exemplary conduct make him a deserving candidate,” the nomination continued. “His continuous efforts to improve the quality of life in Great Bend have made a significant and lasting impact on the community.”
Paul was born in Belleville, the youngest of four. His father was a postmaster and farmed and Paul helped on the farm growing up. Most of Paul’s family attended K-state so he thought he would take a different path and went to KU.
He has a special interest in history, especially World War II. His interest was largely because his dad was a leg amputee from fighting in that conflict, but he didn’t think job opportunities would be as good with a history degree, so obtained a business degree instead.
His world revolves around his family, faith and community. “He believes in volunteering to help the community be a better place,” Elise said.
