William (Bill) Cook, Jr.
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2013
WILLIAM (BILL) COOK, JR.
BANKING
Class of 1955
Bill, as he is known in the Beatrice Community, graduated from Beatrice High School in 1955. He went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration.
He joined the Beatrice National Bank and Trust Company in 1960. After serving in various capacities, Bill was elected president of the bank in 1969 and Chief Executive Officer in 1971. At his retirement, he was Chairman of the Bank's Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, Bill was actively involved in activities related to the banking sector. He served as President of the Nebraska Banker's Association, as a member of the American Bankers Advisory Council, the American Banker Association's Banking Advisor Program and their Nebraska State Vice-President. Bill also was a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Among other state activities, Bill served as Chairman of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission, and the Nebraska Council of Economic Education. He found time to also serve the University of Nebraska in the College of Business and the Athletic Department.
At the same time, Bill was actively involved in the Beatrice community. A few of his activities include serving as President of the Beatrice Jaycees, Beatrice Community Chest, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Beatrice Country Club, and the Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation. As a private pilot, Bill provided transportation for children and their families to the Shiners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis.