Equity Bank Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Equity Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, information technology, and regional market operations.

Focused on delivering comprehensive financial solutions, Equity Bank empowers clients through robust checking, savings, and commercial lending services while maintaining a commitment to regional economic growth and stability.

Leadership Roles at Equity Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Richard Sems
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Jason McDowell
  • Chief Executive Officer & Owner - Ken Fergeson
  • Market President - Corbin Cain
  • Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President - Russell Sebek
  • President (Kansas City) - Jefferson Keyes
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Laurel Cline
  • Chief Information Officer, Information Technology - John Wamai
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Maxwell Onjoro
  • Presidentchief Executive Officer - Deborah Harris
  • Richard Sems - Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Sems, the Chief Executive Officer at Equity Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for all banking operations. Overseeing the expansion of commercial loan portfolios, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that financial products align with the evolving needs of business clients across the Midwest. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health and regulatory compliance. By optimizing internal processes, Richard Sems drives operational efficiency across the entire organization. The Chief Executive Officer monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for growth in savings and investment services. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the institution. Sems maintains a focus on delivering high-quality customer experiences while managing risk profiles. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence that supports the broader mission of providing accessible financial services to diverse communities.

    Jason McDowell - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Jason McDowell, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Equity Bank, architects the long-term ownership strategy and corporate governance framework. Managing the intersection of shareholder interests and daily banking operations, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the institution remains competitive in the home loan and personal banking sectors. This role involves high-level decision-making regarding mergers, acquisitions, and capital investments. By aligning corporate objectives with market demands, Jason McDowell strengthens the bank's position as a leader in regional finance. The Owner & Chief Executive Officer evaluates performance metrics to ensure that all departments meet profitability targets. Through strategic planning, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer guides the organization toward sustainable growth. McDowell prioritizes the development of innovative digital banking tools to enhance client engagement. Ultimately, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the brand while expanding the reach of financial services across the company's operational footprint.

    Ken Fergeson - Chief Executive Officer & Owner

    Ken Fergeson, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner at Equity Bank, oversees the foundational stability and strategic direction of the enterprise. Focusing on the integration of business financing and commercial lending, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner ensures that the bank provides tailored solutions for corporate clients. This leadership position requires constant assessment of economic conditions to mitigate risk and capitalize on emerging market trends. By fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, Ken Fergeson drives the bank's reputation for reliability and service excellence. The Chief Executive Officer & Owner manages the alignment of departmental goals with the overarching mission of the institution. Through careful resource management, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner supports the expansion of the bank's service offerings. Fergeson directs initiatives that improve operational workflows and customer satisfaction. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner secures the financial future of the organization through disciplined leadership and a commitment to community-focused banking.

    Corbin Cain - Market President

    Corbin Cain, the Market President at Equity Bank, directs regional operations and business development efforts. Overseeing the growth of commercial and personal banking portfolios, the Market President ensures that the bank maintains a strong presence in the local community. This role involves building relationships with business owners and individual clients to provide customized financial solutions. By analyzing local market conditions, Corbin Cain drives the expansion of lending services and deposit growth. The Market President collaborates with the executive team to implement corporate strategies at the branch level. Through active community engagement, the Market President strengthens the bank's reputation and client loyalty. Cain manages the performance of local teams to ensure that service standards meet the bank's high expectations. Ultimately, the Market President secures the bank's competitive position by delivering personalized service and fostering long-term relationships with clients throughout the assigned market area.

    Russell Sebek - Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President

    Russell Sebek, the Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President at Equity Bank, manages the strategic operations and client relations within the Lincoln market. Overseeing the delivery of commercial loans and investment services, the Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President ensures that the bank meets the specific financial needs of the local business community. This role involves leading branch teams and driving business development initiatives to increase market share. By fostering strong connections with local leaders, Russell Sebek drives the bank's growth in the region. The Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President collaborates with corporate leadership to align regional activities with the bank's overall mission. Through the management of local portfolios, the Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President ensures that the bank maintains high levels of customer satisfaction. Sebek monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for service expansion. Ultimately, the Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President strengthens the bank's regional footprint through dedicated leadership and community-focused banking.
    Russell Sebek

    Jefferson Keyes - President (Kansas City)

    Jefferson Keyes, the President (Kansas City) at Equity Bank, directs the strategic growth and operational success of the bank's Kansas City market. Overseeing the expansion of commercial lending and business financing, the President (Kansas City) ensures that the bank provides competitive solutions to local enterprises. This role involves managing regional teams and driving initiatives that enhance the bank's visibility in the metropolitan area. By analyzing local economic data, Jefferson Keyes drives the development of strategies that capture new market opportunities. The President (Kansas City) collaborates with other regional leaders to share best practices and improve service delivery. Through active networking and relationship management, the President (Kansas City) builds a loyal client base. Keyes monitors performance metrics to ensure that the region meets its financial targets. Ultimately, the President (Kansas City) secures the bank's position as a trusted financial partner by delivering exceptional service and tailored banking solutions to the Kansas City community.

    Laurel Cline - Chief Marketing Officer

    Laurel Cline, the Chief Marketing Officer at Equity Bank, directs all brand strategy and customer acquisition campaigns. Overseeing the promotion of home loans and investment services, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the bank's value proposition reaches target demographics effectively. This role involves managing digital marketing channels and traditional advertising to increase market share. By analyzing consumer behavior, Laurel Cline drives the development of targeted messaging that highlights the bank's unique financial solutions. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with product teams to launch new services and enhance brand visibility. Through strategic partnerships, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the bank's presence in competitive markets. Cline monitors campaign performance to optimize marketing spend and maximize return on investment. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the brand identity of the institution, ensuring that the bank remains a top choice for individuals and businesses seeking comprehensive financial support and reliable banking services.

    John Wamai - Chief Information Officer, Information Technology

    John Wamai, the Chief Information Officer, Information Technology at Equity Bank, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework. Overseeing the implementation of secure online banking platforms, the Chief Information Officer, Information Technology ensures that all data systems remain resilient and compliant with industry standards. This role involves managing the technology roadmap to support the bank's digital transformation goals. By integrating advanced software solutions, John Wamai drives improvements in transaction processing and customer data management. The Chief Information Officer, Information Technology collaborates with other executives to align technology investments with business objectives. Through the oversight of IT operations, the Chief Information Officer, Information Technology maintains the stability of the bank's digital services. Wamai directs the team responsible for protecting sensitive financial information against emerging threats. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer, Information Technology enables the bank to provide seamless and secure digital experiences for all clients across the organization.

    Maxwell Onjoro - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Maxwell Onjoro, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Equity Bank, supports the development and maintenance of core banking systems. Overseeing the daily operations of the IT department, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that internal networks and software applications function without interruption. This role involves managing technical support teams and coordinating system upgrades to enhance service delivery. By optimizing database performance, Maxwell Onjoro drives efficiency in the bank's back-office operations. The Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to implement new security protocols and infrastructure improvements. Through the management of technical projects, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that all IT initiatives align with the bank's strategic goals. Onjoro monitors system health to prevent downtime and maintain high availability for online banking services. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Information Officer provides the technical foundation necessary for the bank to deliver reliable and innovative financial solutions to its customers.

    Deborah Harris - Presidentchief Executive Officer

    Deborah Harris, the Presidentchief Executive Officer at Equity Bank, executes the daily operational strategy and manages the execution of corporate policies. Overseeing the delivery of checking and savings products, the Presidentchief Executive Officer ensures that service standards remain high across all branches. This role involves coordinating between various departments to streamline the customer experience and improve internal efficiency. By analyzing performance data, Deborah Harris drives improvements in service delivery and product accessibility. The Presidentchief Executive Officer collaborates with other leaders to implement technology upgrades that support online banking initiatives. Through active management of regional operations, the Presidentchief Executive Officer ensures that the bank meets the specific needs of local markets. Harris maintains a focus on operational excellence to support the bank's growth objectives. Ultimately, the Presidentchief Executive Officer fosters a productive environment that enables the organization to provide consistent and reliable financial services to every client.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Equity Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Equity Bank?
    Equity Bank is led by Richard Sems (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jason McDowell (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Ken Fergeson (Chief Executive Officer & Owner).
    Who is part of Equity Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Equity Bank includes leaders such as Richard Sems (Chief Executive Officer), Jason McDowell (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Ken Fergeson (Chief Executive Officer & Owner) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Equity Bank have?
    Equity Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Equity Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Equity Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Owner, Market President, Senior VP, Market (Lincoln) & President.