Barry Lockard, president and chief executive officer of Cornhusker Bank in Lincoln, Neb., has been named chair of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC) for 2023-2024.

Lockard, a 2013 graduate of GSBC and trustee since 2018, has played a pivotal role in advancing its current strategic plan, which focuses on positioning community banks for the future by building sound, innovative and resilient bank leaders.

“GSBC has set itself apart by educating students and equipping them with solid banking fundamentals coupled with innovative approaches focused on leadership development and readiness for the banking industry–now and into the future,” stated Lockard. “Aligning our approach to ensure each student has the essential tools and knowledge to prepare them for the next level is our top priority. GSBC transforms lives and careers through a unique experience that lasts a lifetime.”

Lockard began his banking career at First National Bank of Omaha. He joined Cornhusker Bank in 2006 after operating his own consulting firm that aided banks and insurance companies focused on enhancing business development and operational efficiencies.

Before his banking career, Lockard served in the Nebraska Army National Guard for eight years. Following the National Guard, Lockard was recruited by Black and Decker where he helped launch the DeWalt power tool line. Later he was recruited by Cincinnati Bell and became the Worldwide Account Manager for Microsoft, managing a multi-million relationship that handled technical support calls for Microsoft.

Lockard succeeds Kevin Erickson of Independent Financial in Longmont, Colo. as chair of the school.