First Kansas Bank congratulates Helen J. Combs on her retirement and her outstanding 50 years of service in banking.

Combs graduated from Brown Mackie College in Salina with an accounting degree. She started her career in banking on April 19, 1975, as a bookkeeper at American State Bank in Great Bend, later Bank IV, Boatman’s, Nations Bank and Bank of America. She also served as a customer service representative, personal banker and became a loan officer in 1993.

She started with First Kansas Bank on May 8, 2008 as vice president.

“Helen’s leadership in innovative residential real estate lending along with developing close relationships with local realtors was instrumental in the Bank’s growth from $67 million in assets to the present day $280 million in assets,” a press release from the bank stated.

The public is invited to a retirement reception for Combs on Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at First Kansas Bank, 4001 10th St., Great Bend.