BLAKE PORTER | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Blake applied his academic background in finance and economics to transition from civil defense litigation to his current role as corporate counsel for Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka where he conducts legal reviews of vendor risk management contracts.
He is primary counsel for the Housing and Community Development program, which in 2023 disbursed $29.8 million through FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Program.
Blake also serves the community as president elect of the Young Lawyer Division of the Topeka Bar Association, as an active volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a mentor at Washburn University School of Law.
What do you love most about your work?
I love the unassuming way FHLBank impacts our members and communities. They do billions of dollars in transactions to provide needed liquidity to financial institutions in our district, and give tens of millions of dollars annually to affordable housing projects.
What do you think is the secret to a good life?
A good sense of humor. Most things in life aren’t quite as serious as they seem and almost every situation could use a dose of levity. I believe that you can take your work seriously without taking yourself too seriously.
What are you an expert in?
Lawn care. Maybe it’s due to my affinity for golf, but I have a borderline addiction to maintaining my grass. I treasure my role as lawn advisor in my friend group and enjoy nerding out over fertilizers or overseeding strategy.
