The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is proud to announce that Aaron Bastian, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board. As our newest member, Bastian joins a distinguished group of global industry leaders committed to advancing the Barton School’s mission and strategic priorities by strengthening, enriching, and elevating the student experience.
“Aaron is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with an unwavering passion for growing and strengthening our community,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “His deep commitment to Wichita and to the future of business leadership makes him an outstanding addition to our Dean’s Advisory Board. I look forward to working closely with him.”
Bastian represents the fourth generation of family leadership at Fidelity Bank and has served as President and CEO since 2020. In this role, he sets the bank’s overall vision and strategic direction while overseeing daily operations. Under his leadership, Fidelity has experienced its most profitable years, significantly expanded its asset base, and successfully navigated a charter transition to become a national banking association.
Prior to becoming President and CEO, Bastian held several key leadership roles within Fidelity Bank, including Commercial Loan Officer, Oklahoma Market President, Executive Vice President, and Advisory Director on the Fidelity Bank Board of Directors. Before joining Fidelity, he served as a Credit Analyst at IBC Bank.
“The Dean’s Advisory Board is thrilled to welcome Aaron Bastian,” said Richard Dinkel, Dean’s Advisory Board Chair and Executive Vice President and CFO of Koch, Inc. “Aaron has led substantial growth within his organization and brings a sharp perspective on the future of banking, business, and our broader community.”
Bastian earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin. He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, where he graduated first in his class. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he is an active Wichita Rotarian and serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Wichita Partnership.
“It is an honor to join the Dean’s Advisory Board and collaborate with some of the most accomplished business leaders in Wichita and across the country,” said Bastian. “I look forward to strengthening the Barton School’s connections with the business community and helping provide students with transformative experiences that prepare them to lead.”
For more information about the Fab 50 Dean’s Advisory Board, visit: https://wichita.edu/profiles/academics/business/Deans-Advisory-Board.