Kenneth D. Thompson Named 2024 Banker of the Year

Kenneth Thompson; chairman of the board of Capitol Bank, Madison; honored by Wisconsin Bankers Association

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that Kenneth D. Thompson, executive chairman of the board of Capitol Bank, Madison, has been named the 2024 Banker of the Year. The award was presented the evening of February 6, 2025, in Milwaukee at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference.

“It is an honor to congratulate Ken on earning the title of ‘Banker of the Year,’” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “He is widely admired not only for his professionalism and expertise, but also for his genuine kindness and deep commitment to his family, colleagues, and community.”

Thompson’s 29-year journey with Capitol Bank began in its early days as a de novo bank with under $10 million in assets. Since that time he has steered Capitol Bank to over $600 million. Under his guidance, Capitol Bank expanded its footprint, opening new branches and fueling loans to support the local economy.

Thompson’s influence extends far beyond his local community, shaping the banking industry at large. As a former chair and board member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, he guided the organization through challenging times, including the pandemic years. His advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., service on the WBA Government Relations Committee, and his testimony to policy makers on critical issues such as the prevention of elder financial abuse have left a lasting impact on the industry. Thompson’s support of financial literacy through the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation further underscores his commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening the financial wellness of Wisconsinites.

In his professional capacity, Thompson has been a driving force behind economic growth and innovation. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, he has championed initiatives that promote housing finance and community investment. Thompson’s commitment to economic development extends to partnerships with organizations such as Madison Development Corporation, where his leadership has supported critical local projects. Under Thompson’s leadership, Capitol Bank received the ICBA Community Service Award for providing financial services to 12 senior living facilities which reflects his vision for fostering financial stability and access for all.

Thompson embodies the spirit of community service through his lifelong commitment to improving lives both inside and outside the banking world. His dedication shines brightly at Agrace, Wisconsin’s largest hospice care organization caring for over 1,000 patients per day, where he has been involved as a volunteer since 1997 and chaired their annual charity golf outing numerous years before joining the Agrace board in 2007 to the present as chair. His leadership earned him the prestigious Life Member Award. Additionally, Thompson has been a cornerstone of several local organizations, from his work on the Catholic Charities of Madison Board to his role as a founding member of the American Family Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board. For nearly 40 years, Thompson has been an active member of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Madison, where he has served as president and provided valuable economic updates.

Thompson has also volunteered for a number of local non-profits during his tenure with the bank and has been a passionate leader who encourages others to get involved. During his time as president and CEO of Capitol Bank, he advocated for his team to give resources of time and expertise to local non-profits. Current team members proudly sit on over 60 boards and committees (with a team of less than 60 people). Ken is also a United Way Tocqueville Society Member, an esteemed level of donor recognition that United Way provides.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Banker of the Year award is presented to one Wisconsin banker each year in recognition of outstanding service to their bank, to the continued vitality of their community, and to the banking profession. The Banker of the Year award began in 1986, and Thompson is the 39th banker honored with this distinction.