Welch Receives Newton Area Four Under Forty Award
Union State Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer Brittany Welch recently received the “Four Under Forty” award by Emerge Harvey County. Welch is one of eight community leaders who were recognized as finalists. It was announced she was selected as one of the four award recipients during the organization’s annual banquet.
“The purpose of these awards is to recognize young adults who give of their time and talents to better the community around them. Winners are selected based on specific scoring criteria according to engagement, leadership, and service,” according to the Emerge Harvey County website.
Welch has been a member of Emerge Harvey County since 2015. This is the second time she has been nominated for the Four Under Forty award.
“Since becoming involved in local boards and non-profits I’ve found there is never enough help to go around. A lot of boards struggle to find members, and as boards turn over, they are often looking for the next generation to come in and fulfill the need,” said Welch.
Originally part of the Midland National Bank team which merged with Union State Bank in 2020, Welch has a combined fifteen years with the organization. In her role, she oversees the credit and loan administration functions of the organization.
“I strive to contribute to and improve any organization I work with where I can. In my role as Chief Credit Officer at Union State Bank I am constantly working on building the right team to serve our communities, improving efficiencies, and having an eye on market needs,” said Welch.
In addition to being a Four Under Forty recipient, Welch has also been recognized as a Young Professional in Financial Services by the Wichita Business Journal. Welch says that her position at a community bank influences her local volunteer efforts.
“On the boards I serve on I’ve offered my skills in financial management, people management, and problem solving as needed to the organization, while learning from others as I go. I have an eye to the future while always being willing to learn and grow in whatever area I work,” Welch said.
Along with Emerge Harvey County, Welch is as a director for the Harvey County Parks Advisory Board and Chair of the North Newton Housing Authority. In addition, she volunteered on the North Newton Strategic Planning Project, sponsors a week of snacks each semester for USD 373’s Opportunity Academy, and regularly donates groceries to Porch Pantry and the Newton Homeless shelters.
“We have to work together to get things done, support and grow our communities. Without teamwork we wouldn’t get anywhere, and I want to contribute to where I live so that it continues to be a great place for everyone to be,” Welch said.
About Union State Bank: Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield, and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 412388