LA VISTA, Neb. -- Mark Linville, President and CEO of First State Bank in Randolph, has been selected as the Chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA), while Travis Sears, vice president of bank operations with Union Bank & Trust in Lincoln, was selected as the chair-elect during the association’s annual convention in La Vista. Sears will assume the position of NBA Chair in May 2026.

Mark Linville, a Broken Bow native and founder/owner of 1st Financial Services, began his career in Beloit, Kansas, before joining First State Bank and First State Insurance Agency in Randolph in 1992, becoming President and CEO in 2002.

A University of Nebraska graduate and alumni of the Banking at Colorado and Nebraska LEAD Program Class of 23, Linville has been heavily involved in the banking industry through various NBA and ABA committees.

Beyond his professional life, Linville is deeply engaged in his community, holding leadership positions in organizations like the Randolph Area Community Club and Randolph Community Fair, as well as volunteering as an EMT and mentor.

“I work in an incredible industry,” Linville said. “Banks are cornerstones of their communities, not just through financial services, but through volunteerism and leadership. There will be plenty of challenges that will require the industry to provide leadership in the coming months and years, but Nebraska banks are committed to partnering with our customers through uncertain times.”

With over 30 years in banking since starting at National Bank of Commerce, Travis Sears currently oversees key operational areas at Union Bank & Trust.

He holds a business management degree from Concordia University and is a graduate of the KBA/NBA Advanced Schools of Banking.

Sears has actively contributed to the banking industry through his involvement on the NBA Board of Directors and various committees, as well as his participation in several payment user councils. Beyond banking, Sears has served on the Crete City Council, the Crete Volunteer Fire Department, and the Nebraska Safety Council's Board of Directors.

“Serving on the NBA Board has shown me just how collaborative and resilient Nebraska’s banking community really is," Sears said. "As we face challenges like growing regulatory demands and increasing fraud, it’s clear that we’re stronger when we tackle them together. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to working with my fellow bankers to find solutions and move our industry forward.”