GSBC is honored to announce Karl Nelson as the 2025 recipient of the James C. Scarboro Award, the school’s highest honor for service and commitment to community banking education. Nelson was recognized at a ceremony during the 74^th Annual School Session in Boulder, Colo.

Named for GSBC’s founding president, the Scarboro Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the mission of GSBC through a sustained commitment to the development of community bank leaders. Nelson’s decades of service to the industry, dedication to banker education and his longstanding affiliation with GSBC make him a fitting and distinguished recipient.

Nelson is the founder and chief executive officer of KPN Consulting, a respected firm serving community banks with strategic guidance in balance sheet and risk management. His career includes executive leadership roles with Promontory Interfinancial Network, IDC Deposits and nearly a dozen years as senior vice president at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, where he oversaw sales and marketing, strategic planning and regulatory outreach.

Nelson’s passion for education is evident in his deep and continued involvement with banking schools nationwide. He currently serves on the faculty of GSBC’s Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers®. He taught at GSBC’s Annual School Session for more than 15 years and has served on the faculties of other graduate banking schools and numerous state banking schools across the Southeast. His dedication to developing future leaders has made a lasting mark on the banking industry.

“Karl has been a tireless servant of the industry for decades. He understands the power of data and engagement as critical elements to generating ideas and advancing development,” stated GSBC President Michael Stevens. “For me personally, he has been a wise counselor with the hard question at the ready and a steady hand to lead forward.”

In addition to his professional and academic contributions, Nelson is the past Chair of Neighborhood Lending Partners, an affordable housing consortium based in Tampa, Fla.

The Scarboro Award was established in 1991 and honors individuals whose character and contributions uphold GSBC’s legacy of excellence in community banking education. See the list of past recipients.