The Community Development and Engagement (CDE) team adds new skills and connections with the addition of staff members Rachael Surmick and Marisa Martinez.

“Rachael and Marisa each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience advancing the well-being of lower-income communities.” Jeremy Hegle, assistant vice president and community affairs officer, said. “I couldn’t be happier to have them join our team.”

Rachael Surmick

A headshot of a pale woman with chin-length brown hair and glasses, wearing a maroon shirt and black jacket.

Rachael Surmick joined the Bank’s CDE team in October 2023 as the Omaha-based community development advisor. Rachael will cover community development for Nebraska and will lead the Bank’s districtwide housing initiatives.

Rachael has worked in the nonprofit community development sector for more than a decade, primarily focused on affordable housing. Most recently she was working to engage communities across Nebraska on broadband equity and access.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College, where she studied history and anthropology, and a Master of Public Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Marisa Martinez

A woman with large brown eyes and brown, shoulder-length hair smiles at the camera. She's wearing a grey jacket.

Marisa Martinez joined the CDE team in February as the Kansas City-based community development advisor. Marisa will cover community development for Kansas and western Missouri and will lead the Bank’s districtwide digital inclusion initiatives.

Marisa has more than a dozen years’ experience in community development and comes to the Bank from UMB. At UMB her roles included assistant vice president/CRA officer and, most recently, senior vice president/community development director.

Marisa serves on the boards of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center. She has a Bachelor of Science in social psychology and a master’s degree in public administration from Park University.