Christie Huber Obenauer to Lead GSBC’s Mission of Developing Bold Leaders

 

 

GSBC proudly announces Christie Huber Obenauer, president and CEO of Union State Bank in Hazen, N.D., as the Chair of its Board of Trustees.

Huber Obenauer knows community banking has always been about people, and cares deeply about people, purpose and service in the community banking industry she loves. Those values have defined her leadership and continue to shape her vision for the future of community banking.

Although her banking career began outside the family business, Huber Obenauer felt called to return home in 2002 to help lead Union State Bank. Today, she represents the fourth generation of her family to lead the nearly 120-year-old institution. She also serves on the Bank of North Dakota Advisory Board and the American Bankers Association Board of Directors, bringing a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing community banks today.

“Christie has a remarkable ability to inspire people with her optimism and unfailing support,” said GSBC President & CEO Michael Stevens. “She believes in the power of community banking, the importance of developing leaders and the responsibility we all share to move this industry forward. Those qualities make her an exceptional choice to serve as Chair of the GSBC Board of Trustees.”

A 2016 graduate of GSBC’s Annual School Session, Huber Obenauer credits the school with helping shape her own leadership journey. As Chair, she will work alongside the Board of Trustees and GSBC leadership to advance the school’s mission of developing bold leaders for the future of community banking.

“For the past seven decades, GSBC has been shaping leaders who have been shaping the banking industry,” said Huber Obenauer. “Now more than ever, our industry needs bold leaders with bold ideas to shape a bold future in a landscape that is evolving at light speed. My own experience as a GSBC graduate helped me grow into a leader who pulls up her chair to the table of change and innovation. I am honored to serve as Board Chair of an organization that is developing leaders who are curious, thoughtful and confident in their voice, ensuring a vibrant future for the community banking industry and the communities it serves.”

Huber Obenauer succeeds Lance White, president and CEO of Bank of the Flint Hills in Wamego, Kan., who served as Chair of GSBC’s Board of Trustees from 2025 to 2026.