ESB Announces Promotion of Kandace Wakeman to Assistant Vice President
02/06/2026
By: ESB Financial
Emporia, Kansas – ESB Financial is pleased to announce the promotion of Kandace Wakeman to Assistant Vice President.
Wakeman serves as ESB Financial’s Marketing Officer and plays a key role in shaping how the bank communicates with the communities it serves. Her work focuses on thoughtful, consistent marketing that reflects ESB’s history, values, and long-standing commitment to relationship banking.
“ESB has a long history and a clear identity,” Wakeman said. “My role is to help communicate that in a way that’s consistent and meaningful across our communities.”
With more than 125 years of history, ESB Financial remains family-owned and deeply rooted in the communities of Emporia and Manhattan. Wakeman’s role allows her to help connect the bank’s past with where it is headed by sharing stories that reflect both its legacy and its future.
“What motivates me most is getting to tell real stories,” Wakeman said. “ESB has a 125-year history, strong family ownership, and deep community roots, and my role allows me to help share those stories in a way that feels genuine. I love helping people see who ESB really is, not just what we do.”
As Assistant Vice President, Wakeman will continue focusing on storytelling, community engagement, and marketing efforts that reflect the heart of the bank.
“I want to keep supporting our team by telling their stories honestly and thoughtfully,” she said. “For our community, that means continuing to show up, celebrate the people and businesses we serve, and protect the legacy the Wayman family started. My goal is to keep building trust through clear, consistent storytelling that feels true to ESB.”
Founded in 1901, ESB Financial provides personal, business, trust, mortgage, and investment services with a strong emphasis on relationships, community involvement, and long-term financial strength.
About ESB Financial Founded in 1901, ESB Financial has proudly served the communities of Emporia and Manhattan for over 125 years. ESB offers personal, business, trust, mortgage, and investment services with a focus on relationships, community, and integrity.