FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leading the Future: How Two Women Are Powering the Largest Modernization in Company History
Jefferson City, Mo. (July 15, 2026) — When an organization undertakes the largest technology transformation in its history, success depends on more than strategy and resources. It depends on steady, resilient, people-centered leadership. At Central Bank, that leadership is embodied by two seasoned executives: Cheryl Kendrick, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Jill Hansen, Senior Vice President of Application Development.
Together, Kendrick and Hansen are guiding the company through a comprehensive core modernization, a project that will redefine the bank’s technological foundation and position it for the future of financial services.
Two Journeys, Decades in the Making
Kendrick joined the organization in 1992 as a part-time proof operator while re-entering the workforce as a young mother. Over the next three decades, she rose through the ranks at Central Technology Services (CTS), the technology arm of Central Bank. She established and now leads the operations department, which includes check processing, deposit services, fraud, lockbox, document imaging, loan operations, wire services, and more. Her leadership has helped shape CTS into what it is today, grounded in operational excellence and strengthened by mentorship and team development.
Hansen joined CTS in 2006 following a distinguished career with the State of Missouri, where she served as Chief Information Officer. At Central Bancompany, she modernized development practices, built quality assurance processes, enhanced mobile and web platforms, strengthened database infrastructure, created a project prioritization engine, and doubled the size of the development organization. Known for her calm leadership style and commitment to empowering her teams, Hansen has brought structure, sophistication, and strategic clarity to the company’s technology evolution.
Different backgrounds. Different disciplines. One shared commitment to service and excellence.
A Project That Redefines the Future
The scale of this core conversion is unlike anything the company has undertaken before. The legacy core system, expanded and refined over more than five decades, has reliably supported customers and sustained the organization’s growth. However, as the financial services industry accelerates toward real-time payments, seamless fintech integration, and advanced data intelligence, evolving that foundation is no longer optional — it is essential to remain competitive, agile, and future-ready.
The transformation will deliver:
- Modern, intuitive user interfaces
- End-to-end real-time posting
- 360-degree customer views
- Faster product deployment
- Streamlined processes for frontline staff
- Integration readiness for emerging technologies, including AI
- A flexible platform to support innovation and acquisitions
“This is not just a simple system upgrade, it’s a full rebuild of the engine while the plane is in flight,” said Russ Goldammer, Chief Information Officer. “The scale and complexity are greater than anything we’ve done before. But because of leaders like Jill and Cheryl, we’re executing with discipline, clarity, and confidence.”
Leadership in Action
Kendrick and Hansen operate with a philosophy of shared leadership and daily collaboration. Alongside fellow project leader Pete Beard, they meet each morning to remove obstacles, align priorities, and guide workstreams.
Kendrick is known for her presence and empathy, checking in with teams, building trust through transparency, and balancing critical decision-making with thoughtful support.
Hansen leads with clarity and empowerment, frequently whiteboarding solutions late into the evening and removing friction so her experts can excel. Together, they balance operational precision with strategic vision.
“What Jill and Cheryl are doing is extraordinary,” said Dan Westhues, Chief Customer Officer. “They’re not just managing a project, they’re leading people through change. Their leadership is one of the greatest strengths of this effort.”
A Turning Point for the Organization
For senior leadership, the importance of this moment is clear.
“The dedication Jill and Cheryl bring to this company is extraordinary,” said John “JR” Ross, Chief Executive Officer. “They’ve poured their experience and judgment into this project because they believe in the future we’re building. Their leadership reflects the values that have guided our company for generations.”
While the technical conversion will mark a milestone, its true impact will unfold in the years ahead:
- Faster time to market for new products
- More seamless onboarding experiences
- Smoother acquisition integrations
- Tools employees enjoy using
- Enhanced customer experiences powered by modern infrastructure
Looking Ahead
With implementation on the horizon, momentum is building across Central Technology Services and the broader organization. Hansen looks forward to her teams returning to full-scale innovation and development. Kendrick is energized by the possibilities that automation, AI, and real-time capabilities will unlock for employees and customers alike.
Together, and supported by hundreds of dedicated team members, they are writing a new chapter in the history of Central Bank — one defined by vision, innovation, and commitment to the people and communities it serves.
About Central Bancompany, Inc.
Central Bancompany, Inc. is headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri. Its banking subsidiary, The Central Trust Bank, has been serving businesses and customers since 1902. The bank is built on a strong foundation of people, community service, and technology. As of December 31, 2025, The Central Trust Bank is a $20.8 billion Missouri state-chartered trust company with banking powers and a Federal Reserve state member bank, serving consumers and businesses in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Florida. Divisions of The Central Trust Bank include Central Trust Company and Central Investment Advisors. To learn more about Central Bancompany, Inc. visit https://www.centralbank.net.
