Pawnee County native Pete Schartz has joined American State Bank and Trust Company in Great Bend as its new vice-president for agricultural and commercial lending.
Schartz grew up on the family farm south of Larned and graduated from Larned High School in 1981. He earned a bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University in 1985.
After college, Schartz worked for 15 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an executive director in Lane and Pratt Counties. In 2001, he became a loan officer with First State Bank and Trust Company in Larned.
“I continue to remain active in the family farming operation which will keep me well informed of the challenges that ag/rural communities face on a daily basis,” Schartz said.
Rick Chochon, president and CEO of American State Bank added, “We are extremely pleased to have the strong farm and agricultural background that Pete brings to our bank. His experience in ag lending and tremendous knowledge of the local farming community will be invaluable to American State Bank customers.”
Pete and his wife Lisa reside in Larned and have four children.