CRAIG WILKINS

Class of 1976
​Inducted in 2023

Craig Wilkins was inducted into the SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2023.

After graduating in 1976, Craig attended UNO where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance.

After beginning with Omaha National Bank, he spent 20 years at Great Western Bank as Chief Credit Officer and Loan Committee Chairman, along with serving on the bank’s Board of Directors.  Upon their sale in 2006, he became a partner in an Omaha-based CPA/Investment firm, but returned to banking in 2011 as the Chief Lending Officer and serving on the Board of Directors of American National Bank, a $5 billion institution here in Omaha with 37 offices in NE, MN, and IA.

All awards that Craig has received are bank related. Great Western Bank ‘Sales Hunter of the Year’ in 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002.  Great Western Bank, youngest Loan Committee Chairman in bank history at 40 years old.  American National Bank (the oldest bank charter in Nebraska), the first external Board member to be offered a full-time executive (FTE) position.

Craig has served on numerous local non-profit boards over the years.  Currently, he serves on the following boards: The Hope Center and past Treasurer, Advisory Board Member on UNO’s College of Business, Five Fountains SID, elected Trustee, sponsor of the annual Kayla Wilkins Memorial Scholarship in Elkhorn Public Schools, sponsor of the Kayla Wilkins Fund at Omaha Community Foundation, United Way Bridgebuilder Society, many years running.   Past Boards Craig has served on: Youth Care & Beyond, past Board Member and Board President, Grace University Foundation, past Board Member, Omaha Christian Academy Gala, 2012 Honorary Chair with his wife, The Hope Center Gala, 2019 Honorary Chair with his wife.  Leadership Omaha Class 14.

Craig has been married to his wife, Shelly, for over 42 years.  They believe this is the first ever Burke High/South High marriage in the history of Omaha!  They have three children and three grandchildren.

Craig’s fondest memory of South is the continued bond and camaraderie that sticks out for him.  His wife often comments on how his school reunions are better attended than hers, and she graduated with over 700 students in her class.

He says that his recipe for life is pretty typical South Omaha...faith, family, commitment and hard work.  Craig says he wouldn’t trade any of it.