NORMAN — A retirement reception honoring Kenneth M. Cubbage, President Emeritus of First State Bank, will be held Friday at the bank’s Noble location. Customers, friends and business associates are welcome to visit with Ken and enjoy refreshments during the reception hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cubbage joined First State Bank in 1991 as Senior Vice President. Promotions to Executive Vice President and an appointment to the Board of Directors preceded his being named President in 2004, a position he filled through September 2011. His title changed to President Emeritus Oct. 1, 2011 and B. Don Steveson was promoted to president. Cubbage’s retirement is effective with the end of business on Dec. 31.
In 1969, Cubbage began his banking career with Security National Bank in Norman. In 1980, he joined First National Bank of Oklahoma City before a move in 1982 to First National in Norman through 1986. He also served in positions at Liberty National, Mercantile, First Fidelity (Moore) and Citizens (El Reno) in addition to serving as a private banking consultant. Cubbage also served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years of active duty in Ft. Gordon, Ga.
After graduating from high school in Cushing, Cubbage earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing from the University of Oklahoma. He graduated from the School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin. Throughout his career, he completed banking industry courses through the Oklahoma Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association as well as online programs while serving at First State Bank.
Throughout his career, Cubbage has been involved in numerous business and civic organizations.
He is a past president of the Norman chapter of Optimus International, a former director for Juvenile Services, Inc., and past president of the Noble Chamber of Commerce. A Life Member of Rotary International and has served Rotary clubs in Norman, Moore and El Reno where he has also been a member of the Chambers of Commerce.
His involvement in area youth sports includes Norman Soccer Association (Director/Coach) as well as coaching baseball and basketball. He and wife Elena, a Spanish translator and housewife, and son Derek reside in Norman. They are members of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Norman.
“I saw community banking in my grandfather’s bank in Cushing,” saidCubbage. “That showed me how a bank contributes to the growth of a community. Being from a small town, that closeness stayed with me. I enjoyed the education of the ‘big banks in OKC’,” he said, “but always felt that building relationships in the community was a stronger tie. Being able to help customers reach their dreams and help local development has been my commitment. When I came to Noble in the 1990’s, the late Ken King, First State Bank and this community provided that opportunity for me. That involvement has been fulfilling.”
Kim King, CEO and Chairman of the Board said she is proud to have worked with Cubbage, and counts him as a friend, collegue and integral part of Frist State Bank family.
“Ken’s commitment to serving our customers and our community represents what our bank’s philosophy has been for more than 100 years.
“Over his 20 year tenure, he has contributed greatly to FSB’s on-going success with his professionalism, attitude, knowledge of the banking business and eagerness to stay ahead of the curve,”King said.
