Kristy Bartak Receives 2026 Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award
The Nebraska Bankers Association honors a top executive for her professional leadership and service to the community.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Nebraska State Bank & Trust Company executive Kristy Bartak received the 2026 Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award for Women in Banking. The honor recognizes her significant professional achievements and dedicated service to her bank and state communities.
Why it matters
The award honors the legacy of Alice Dittman by highlighting women who excel in banking leadership while actively working to improve the communities they serve. This recognition underscores the vital role female bankers play in driving both corporate performance and local philanthropy across Nebraska.
As part of receiving the award, Bartak is directing a $1,000 donation to the Anselmo-Merna Foundation. This contribution supports the philanthropic component of the organization's annual Women in Banking Conference recognition.
The players
Kristy Bartak
She is the executive vice president and chief financial officer at Nebraska State Bank & Trust Company.
Nebraska Bankers Association
This trade association represents banks throughout Nebraska and hosts the Women in Banking Conference.
Anselmo-Merna Foundation
This foundation will receive a $1,000 donation directed by Bartak as a result of her award.
The details
Bartak serves as the executive vice president and chief financial officer for the Nebraska State Bank & Trust Company. Her background includes a career beginning with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and board roles with organizations including the Custer Economic Development Corporation.
Timeline
2018: Bartak participated in the Nebraska Bankers Association Leadership Class.
2026: Bartak received the Alice Dittman Trailblazer Award.
Market Landscape
This award highlights the ongoing trend of formalizing professional recognition for women in the male-dominated financial services sector. It positions the recipient as a leader within the state banking community while reinforcing the industry focus on community-based philanthropic engagement.
For customers of Nebraska State Bank & Trust Company, this award highlights the community involvement of senior leadership. The recognition reflects a commitment to local development and regional economic stability that informs the bank's operational priorities.
The takeaway
Professional recognition through industry awards can serve as a powerful tool for directing capital toward community-based nonprofit organizations. Leaders looking to increase their impact should note how integrating philanthropy into career milestones fosters stronger regional development.
Further reading
Learn more about the Philanthropy sector and its impact on Nebraska communities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sandhills Express.
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