During its recent annual meeting held on January 24, Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. announced the retirement of longtime board member, Marilyn S. Ward upon her reaching the board's mandatory retirement age. Elected to fill the position left by Ward is Michel' Philipp Cole, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Westar Energy. This same announcement also is effective for the Capitol Federal Savings Bank (the "Bank") board of directors. Before joining Westar Energy, Cole served as Vice President, Corporate Communications and Brand Strategy for Security Benefit Corporation from 2003 to 2014. She also served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Practice Group, Fleishman-Hillard in Kansas City, Missouri from 2000 to 2003.