Nebraska's banking commissioner steps down

Sam Baird, director of Nebraska's Department of Banking and Finance, resigned his post effective Dec. 31, 2004. The state's top regulator for banks said he hasn't made plans other than enjoying his winter home in Palm Desert, Calif.

"I just felt like it was time," Baird said of his suddenly announced retirement. He wouldn't rule out the possibility of seeking part-time opportunities in the future, however, and the native of Superior said he plans to hold onto his home in Lincoln indefinitely.

Baird, who has led the department since March of 1999, said his tenure hadn't been a particularly challenging one. "It's been a good time for banking," he said. "We didn't have the problems we saw 15 years ago, but the department has changed a lot."

Under his tutelage, bank examiners were extracted from the state's employee classification system, where salaries were mandated to stay in line with similar government positions. "As a result of that change, we've been able to pay more competitive salaries and as we've had older examiners retire, we've been able to replace them with quality people," Baird said. "I think that's been good for the state banks in the state of Nebraska and it was a real accomplishment."

Another highlight Baird mentioned of his term as chief regulator was moving to state-wide branch banking. "It wasn't too many years ago that that would have been unthinkable," Baird recalled. As it turned out, the change was a non-event, he said.

Baird got his start in the industry after graduating from University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law. He took a job with FSB Inc., the holding company for Farmers State Bank & Trust Co., Superior and Farmers State Bank of Mankato, Kan. He was president and CEO of FSB Inc., when Gov. Mike Johanns appointed him banking commissioner.

"Sam has been a great liaison with the banking community," Gov. Johanns said. "His leadership has helped to increase the efficiency of the department and I am very grateful for his service over the years."

Baird also has an extensive record of industry service. He served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City from 1996-1998, he was 1989-1990 president of the Nebraska Bankers Association, he was chairman of the government relations committee for the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, and also served on the CSBS board. Baird also has participated on several committees for the American Bankers Association.

Baird said it was a pleasure serving as part of the Gov. Johanns' cabinet. "I have enjoyed getting to know his staff and have very much enjoyed working with everyone in the department of banking," he added. "They are a very professional and dedicated group of people and I will miss them."

By Jackie Hilgert

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