First Published December 2025
Union State Bank recently celebrated the retirements of two long-time employees within the organization. Marcene Carstensen, Mortgage Loan Officer in Newton, and Gary Watkins, Commercial Loan Officer in Wichita have concluded their careers.
“As you embark on these exciting new chapters, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication, hard work, and insight each of you have shared over the years,” said Eric Kurtz, Union State Bank President and CEO. “Your contributions have left a lasting impact, and you will both be greatly missed.”
Carstensen has been with USB since the organization merged with Midland National Bank in 2020. She had joined Midland in 1996. Carstensen held the role of mortgage lender throughout her tenure with both organizations.
“Marcene’s career is a testament to her dedication and expertise,” expressed Bryan White, Newton Market President for USB. “She has helped countless individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership and guiding them through one of life’s most significant events.”
Carstensen is well known in the Newton community and has consistently been recognized as a trusted advisor and top performer in mortgage lending.
“Marcene is an invaluable asset to our team and community. Her accomplishments speak volumes,” White said. “We celebrate her remarkable career and thank her for the countless contributions.”
Carstensen shared that she is looking forward to traveling in her retirement but will look back fondly at the relationships she has formed over the years.
“I will miss the customers and my co-workers,” said Carstensen.
Watkins has worked at Union State Bank for almost 10 years as a commercial lender, starting in January of 2016.
“I had been working for a bank in Rock Springs Wyoming (before joining USB),” said Watkins. “I started out assisting the Market Presidents in Winfield, Bartlesville and Ark City.”
Watkins is very active within the Wichita business community and is a member of the Wichita Manufacturers Association, Wichita Independent Business Association, and the Wichita Area Builders Association.
“I will miss the people I have had the pleasure to work with and the customers who I have built not just financial relationships with but personal as well,” said Watkins.
“We are deeply thankful for the time, energy, and care Gary has invested throughout his career. His steady dedication and the example he set have helped shape our workplace in lasting ways,” said David Harris, Union State Bank’s Kansas Regional President. “We extend our best wishes for continued fulfillment and success beyond the workplace.”
Watkins expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of well-wishes but has plans for his upcoming free time.
“I’m looking forward to going to grandkids events, walking my lab Koda more and riding my motorcycle,” said Watkins.
About Union State Bank: Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield, and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 412388