David Nowling Receives James C. Scarboro Memorial Award From GSBC
GSBC is honored to announce David Nowling as the 2026 recipient of the James C. Scarboro Memorial Award, the school’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership and service to community banking education. Nowling was recognized July 29 during the 75th Annual School Session in Boulder, Colo.
Named in honor of James C. Scarboro, one of GSBC’s founders, the award recognizes commercial bankers and banking educators whose leadership and lasting contributions have advanced the banking industry and banking education. Nowling’s decades-long commitment to developing community bank leaders has made him a respected educator, mentor and executive coach whose influence extends throughout the industry.
For more than 20 years, Nowling has served on the faculty of GSBC’s Annual School Session, where he has challenged and inspired generations of community bankers to become stronger leaders. He also serves as Leadership Chair, executive coach and faculty member for GSBC’s Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers®, helping prepare future bank executives through executive coaching, leadership development and organizational effectiveness.
“Dave brings passion and commitment to everything he does,” said GSBC President and CEO Michael Stevens. “He cares deeply about the experience of every student and has left an enduring mark on both our Annual School Session and the Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers. His influence will be the invisible hand shaping generations of future community bank leaders.”
Throughout his career, Nowling has become widely recognized for his expertise in leadership, organizational alignment, cultural transformation, executive coaching and team development. His ability to help individuals discover their potential while guiding organizations through meaningful change has strengthened community banks across the country and advanced GSBC’s mission of developing bold leaders for the future of community banking.
Nowling retired from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Denver Branch after a distinguished 31-year career, where he served as an examiner and manager of the Examinations and Inspections and Consumer Affairs departments. A graduate of GSBC’s Annual School Session, he earned his diploma in 1999 and later completed a certificate in organizational development. He holds bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting from the University of Colorado and an MBA from the University of Denver.
Established in 1991, the James C. Scarboro Memorial Award honors individuals whose character, leadership and contributions embody GSBC’s commitment to excellence in community banking education and the development of community bank leaders.