Dejonna Bates
Prevail Bank is excited to share that Dejonna Bates is the new Branch Manager in Stevens Point. Bates has over 10 years’ experience in account management and building customer relationships, with an emphasis on managing an assortment of financial services in the last five.
Bates, a Plainfield native, enjoys kayaking, playing with rescue dogs Parker and Lola, home improvement DIY projects, and spending time with family.
The WBA is pleased to announce the winner of the second annual WBA Marketing Excellence Award for 2024: Horicon Bank and the bankers behind the ‘Blazin’ Savings’ campaign, Grace Bruins, Amy Banaszak, Becki Schimpf, Rose Petitte, Kara Guse, Cassie Voight, and Karin Langsdorf!
Last year, the WBA and WBA’s Marketing Committee created this award to recognize and celebrate marketing teams who excel in communicating bank products, services, or initiatives through interesting and dynamic campaigns.
Pictured left to right: Becki Schimpf, Amy Banaszak, and Darlene Kurtz
Horicon Bank received the award on November 21 at the 2024 WBA FLEX Retail and Marketing Summit. Their ‘Blazin’ Savings’ campaign increased deposits and brand awareness in several new communities. The direct mailing piece that promoted the Blazin’ Savings Account featured an exclusive barbeque recipe that included a special seasoning you can only find at Horicon Bank. Anyone interested in stopping by a branch to ask about the account got a free jar of the spice. Congratulations, Horicon Bank, on your success and creativity!
Submissions for the 2025 Marketing Excellence Award will open in August 2025!
By Rose Oswald Poels
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your engagement and leadership within the Wisconsin banking community and the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) this past year.
Traditionally, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, gratitude is often top of mind. In addition to being grateful to be entrusted with my role at WBA and being appreciative of the excellent work done by WBA staff, I am struck by how fortunate the association is to have active and involved members who are consistently engaged with WBA.
Your dedication to participating in our educational programs, advocacy efforts, volunteer committee work, and financial education strengthens not only the association but also the entire banking industry in Wisconsin. Whether you’ve contributed by attending educational events, serving on committees, engaging in grassroots advocacy, or supporting our financial education initiatives, your involvement makes a tangible difference.
To underscore the scope of that involvement, I thought I would share some impressive numbers from the year with you.
Education:
• 500+ bankers are members of our free WBA Connect online peer groups
• 600 members belong to the Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) section
• Over 6,000 people have attended WBA hosted events in 2024
Advocacy:
• Over 80% of our advocacy goal of $300,000 has been raised so far
• 37 BIGG Award recipients
• 36 Gold Triangle members
• 13 Leadership Circle members
• 89 Silver Triangle members
• 183 banks designated Advocacy Officers
• 210 members attended WBA Capitol Day in Madison
Wisconsin Bankers Foundation:
• 400+ volunteers made a total of approximately 900 financial education presentations – reaching more than 30,000 community members
• 79 individuals and 21 banks recently received Excellence in Financial Education Awards
• 78 banks utilized Reading Raises Interest Kits in conjunction with Teach Children to Save Day
• Generous attendees made the second annual Gala in September a success
Volunteerism:
• Approximately 170 members serve on the WBA board of directors, WBA committees, WBA section boards, and FIPCO and MBIS boards
Power of Community Week:
• 373 branches of 57 banks participated
Because of members like you, WBA is able to provide meaningful resources, create opportunities for professional development, and advocate effectively for policies that allow our banks, customers, and communities to thrive. Your commitment ensures that we continue to be a strong, unified voice in the industry, driving innovation and fostering economic growth throughout our state.
Thank you for all that you do to impact and advance the mission of WBA. It is a privilege to work alongside such passionate and dedicated leaders. As we reflect on this season of gratitude, please know how much your contributions are valued and appreciated.
Wishing you, your family, and your team a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.
Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC), is pleased to announce the addition of Ryan Streicher to its team as well as the promotion of Julie Luker and Denise Goebel.
Ryan Streicher
Ryan Streicher has recently joined the Bank as Internal Audit Officer. “We are excited to welcome Ryan to our team,” commented Scott Tuma, Vice President – Enterprise Risk Management at Bank First. “His experience in audit oversight and banking operations will strengthen our internal processes, enhance risk management, and help to ensure the delivery of secure, dependable services that align with our growth strategy.” Ryan joins Bank First with over 10 years of experience in the banking sector, specializing in audit oversight related to financial reporting, treasury and liquidity management, commercial lending, risk management, and other related functions. He also launched and successfully operated an accounting and consulting firm that focused on assisting small businesses, highlighting his dedication to fostering financial stability and growth at a local level.
In his role at Bank First, Ryan will oversee the transition of the internal audit function to an in-house model. His responsibilities will include building and leading an internal audit team, developing annual audit plans, conducting enterprise risk assessments, and managing risk across the Bank’s various departments. His experience positions him to identify areas for improvement and implement efficient, compliant practices that benefit the Bank and its valued customers. Ryan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from UW – Green Bay and holds a CPA license. Additionally, he serves as Secretary for the Fox Valley – Central Wisconsin Institute of Internal Auditors and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, emphasizing his active engagement in the professional community.
Julie Luker
Julie Luker has been promoted to Vice President – Retail Banking. Julie joined the Bank in January 2013 and has been an integral part of the Bank First team, serving in its Appleton and Oshkosh offices. In February 2016, Julie was promoted to Assistant Vice President – Retail Banking. Before joining the Bank, Julie had over 20 years of banking experience, primarily in mortgage origination, branch management, and retail banking roles. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to exceptional customer service while building strong relationships with her community, her local team, and the Bank’s retail bankers throughout the state. “Julie’s community involvement, her exceptional leadership at the Appleton branch, and her unwavering commitment to delivering an outstanding guest experience exemplify the core values we uphold at Bank First,” said Albert Curl, Senior Vice President – Retail Market Manager at Bank First. “Her dedication to fostering strong relationships has been instrumental in enhancing our service quality and strengthening our presence in the Fox Valley region. We are proud to recognize Julie’s hard work and achievements.”
In her new role, Julie will continue to support the Bank’s new and existing retail customers in Appleton and the surrounding communities. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marian University and an associate’s degree from UW – Oshkosh. Passionate about community engagement, she actively volunteers with her family’s church, the Realtor Association of Northeast Wisconsin (RANW), and various local builder associations. Julie has previously served as a board member for the Winnegamie Home Builders Association (WHBA), earning their Associate Member Award in 2022. Her dedication was further recognized when she received RANW’s Jim Smith Excellence in Professionalism Award in 2023 and was once named RANW Affiliate of the Year. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Julie helps manage her family businesses and enjoys walking, outdoor activities, reading, and spending time with her husband, their three sons, and friends.
Denise Goebel
Denise Goebel has been promoted to Business Service Officer. With a banking career spanning 32 years, Denise has been a valued member of the Bank First team since 2010, beginning her journey as Loan Operations Manager and most recently serving as Lead Business Service Representative. “Denise has a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping our team and clients succeed,” stated Jason Krepline, Chief Lending Officer at Bank First. “She has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers and an exceptional ability to drive results. Denise’s leadership will be central in Bank First’s ongoing efforts to deliver a remarkable customer experience to our commercial and agricultural clients.”
In her new role, Denise will provide leadership and mentorship to the Bank’s Business Service Representative team, manage the loan documentation process, and ensure seamless communication between customers, relationship managers, and the Bank’s internal teams. By overseeing the team’s efforts, she will play a key role in maintaining consistency and efficiency in the Bank’s processes while enhancing the overall customer experience. Denise holds a bachelor of business administration in finance from UW-Milwaukee and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking in Madison. She is an active community member, volunteering with the Humane Society of Sheboygan County and Meals on Wheels. Denise resides in Sheboygan with her husband. They have three grown children and a beloved yellow lab. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dog, reading, volunteering, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Visit www.bankfirst.com for more information.
First Business Financial Services, Inc., parent company of First Business Bank, is saddened to share that John J. Harris, 72, passed away on November 13, 2024. John served as a distinguished member of the First Business Financial Services, Inc. Board of Directors for 12 years, including six years serving concurrently on the First Business Bank board, making invaluable contributions to the company’s growth and success.
“John’s passing is a profound loss to our First Business Bank family,” said Corey Chambas, CEO of First Business Financial Services, Inc. “His exceptional leadership, particularly as Chair of the Capital & Acquisitions Committee, helped shape our strategic direction. Beyond his professional achievements, John was a deeply respected colleague and friend who brought wisdom and integrity to our organization.”
During his tenure, John served in several key leadership positions, including on the Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and Operational Risk Committee, as well as Chair of the Capital & Acquisitions Committee from 2018 to 2024. His extensive, successful career in investment banking spanned over two decades, including senior positions at Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, Piper Jaffray, William Blair & Co., and ABN Amro, where he specialized in financial institutions and capital markets. This deep expertise in banking and financial services proved fundamental in guiding the bank’s strategic initiatives.
A graduate of the Naval Academy, John served his country with distinction on nuclear submarines before earning his MBA from the University of Chicago. His combination of military service, academic excellence, and professional achievement exemplified the highest standards of leadership and dedication.
John is survived by his wife, Ginger, three children, and three grandchildren. The Board and First Business Financial Services, Inc. employees extend their heartfelt condolences to the Harris family and join them in honoring his remarkable legacy.
Pictured (from left to right): Steven Schowalter, PWSB Chairman and CEO, and James Schowalter, PWSB President and COO, next to the new playground sign.
Port Washington State Bank (PWSB), celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2024, continues its legacy of community giving with the donation of new playground equipment to Schowalter Park in Saukville. The park holds a special place in the bank’s history, as it was originally gifted to the village in 1985 by the bank’s third-generation owner, Ron Schowalter, and his mother.
The updated playground now features a new double-slide structure with a climbing wall, new children-and toddler-sized swings, two sand diggers and a log roller. All equipment has been installed and is officially ready for the upcoming spring and summer season. To commemorate the end of the project, James Schowalter and Steve Schowalter—Ron’s grandson and son, respectively—joined officials from the Village of Saukville at the park this past week.
“This park represents the Schowalters’ commitment to our home town,” said Chairman and CEO Steve Schowalter. “It’s an honor to continue that tradition. My father and grandfather would have been very pleased to know the park is still a place where children can play and families can gather.”
Village Administrator Dawn Wagner shared, “The Village of Saukville is grateful for the generous donation of the new playground equipment in Schowalter Park. This project is an excellent example of PWSB’s dedication to the Saukville community.”
The playground equipment project is one of five major gifts PWSB has made as part of its anniversary celebrations, underscoring its dedication to Ozaukee County and beyond.
Darci Miller
Waukesha State Bank, a trusted full-service community bank with 14 locations across Waukesha County, is excited to announce the appointment of Darci Miller as Vice President – Commercial Banking Officer. This strategic addition reinforces the bank’s commitment to enhancing commercial banking services and strengthening relationships with businesses throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
“We are thrilled to welcome Darci to our commercial banking team,” stated Tony Laszewski, Waukesha State Bank Senior Vice President – Commercial Banking Manager. “Her extensive experience in commercial banking makes her an ideal fit for supporting the diverse needs of our business clients. We are confident that she will significantly contribute to our team and the local business community.”
With nearly 30 years of financial experience, Darci has built a distinguished career in the business banking sector. Prior to joining Waukesha State Bank, she served as Senior Vice President – Business Services for a local credit union and played a pivotal role in expanding market presence in the Greater Milwaukee area.
Darci holds both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Marquette University. In her new role, she will focus on prospecting, developing and managing commercial loan portfolios, ensuring that local businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive.
A strong advocate for community engagement, Darci is a member of Tempo Milwaukee, South Suburban Chamber of Commerce, and Muskego Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the boards of several organizations, including Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services, the Public Policy Forum in Milwaukee, and Habitat for Humanity. Residing in Franklin with her family, Darci is dedicated to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.
Waukesha State Bank is thrilled to welcome Darci to the team and eagerly anticipates the valuable insights and leadership she will contribute to the commercial banking division.
Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Recognizes Volunteer Service of Bank Employees
On Thursday, November 21, 79 Wisconsin bankers and 21 banks were honored by the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) for their efforts in promoting financial literacy to Wisconsin’s community members. WBF is the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) whose mission is to promote financial literacy and financial capability to the public and to broaden consumer empowerment in the financial services industry through research, education, grants, and scholarships.
Excellence in Financial Education award recipients were recognized during the WBA FLEX Retail & Marketing Summit in Wisconsin Dells.
The outstanding efforts of all honorees were celebrated at the recent WBA FLEX Retail and Marketing Summit held in Wisconsin Dells on November 21, 2024. During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, the individual and bank-level WBF Excellence in Financial Education award winners helped WBF expand its financial education to reach over 30,000 people throughout the state. These efforts included giving presentations in local classrooms to teach children about saving and managing money, leading homeownership workshops, and hosting fraud prevention seminars, among many other initiatives.
“Wisconsin bankers are very passionate about promoting financial wellness and helping their communities to thrive,” said Rose Oswald Poels, chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Board. “We are glad to recognize the remarkable work of these banks and individual bank employees in equipping Wisconsinites with skills to make informed decisions about money and build bright financial futures.”
Pictured (from left to right): Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Executive Director Cassie Krause, Financial Literacy Banker of the Year Award recipient Sue Krause of Fox Valley Savings Bank in Fond du Lac, and Financial Literacy Banker Award recipient Paige Vieth of Royal Bank in Elroy.
This year, Sue Krause of Fox Valley Savings Bank in Fond du Lac was awarded the prestigious Financial Literacy Banker of the Year Award. Krause completed 138 financial education presentations over the year. Paige Vieth, of Royal Bank in Elroy, was recognized with the Financial Literacy Banker Award for completing 70 financial education presentations.
In addition, Krause and Vieth were honored with the Certificate of Excellence alongside Rachael Ehrenberg, Farmers State Bank of Waupaca; Tammy J. Tongusi, Forte Bank, Hartford; Katlein Detloff, Ladysmith Federal Savings & Loan Association; and Jenean Friedl, Ashley Lombard, and Jen Yager of Royal Bank, Elroy, for exceeding 20 financial education presentations in their local communities during WBF’s 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Seventy-one individuals received a Certificate of Recognition completing at least five financial education presentations. This year’s recipients are Katelyn Hodel, Shane Moen, Ty Neupert, Peter Schleicher, and Sharilyn Zimmerman, Bank of Lake Mills; Laurie Janowski, Heather Kadletz, Sue Neuzil, Kala J. Schmitt, and Stephanie Slaby, Bank of Luxemburg; Tiffany Hilliard, Bank of Wisconsin Dells; Ann Cooley, Shari Huza, Sara Pahl, and Kim Rabska, Community First Bank in Boscobel; Rachael Danielson, Tami Miller, Emily Pfannes, and Amy Weiss, First National Bank of River Falls; Aaron J. Mork, FNC Bank in New Richland; Carol Swanson, Ladysmith Federal Savings & Loan Association; Jade Brindley, Tami Brogley, Amanda Brown, Kari Geyer, Jeffery Glass, Kayla Hamlin, Donna Hoppenjan, Linda Kress, Erika Nemitz, Courtney Pickel, Trisha Rehlinger, Sarah Rogers, Barb Skaife, Jenni Thomas, and Sheryl Tierney, Mound City Bank in Platteville; JoNell Empereur, Molly Gilbertson, Dan Lenz, Morgan Payne, Kendra Ruenger, Jaclyn Rutkowski, Amanda Schultz, and Tammy Wagner, National Exchange Bank & Trust in Fond du Lac; Ameilia Abraham, Hannah Corning, Jace Gustafson, Nona Havey, and Tracy Odegaard, One Community Bank in Oregon; Christine Buckman and Erik Thompson, Pillar Bank in Baldwin; Gina Patzer, Premier Community Bank in Marion; Silvia Donday-Selenske, Rochelle Mitchell, and Marisa Rivera, PremierBank in Fort Atkinson; Cody Belken, Courtney Dean, Morgan DeGuire, Brandie Howell, Luke Manke, Jessie Preston, Shania Sake, Holly Shelton, Maizee Splinter, Michael Starks, and Ashley Tabbert, Royal Bank in Elroy; Veron Gray and Mario Monterrey, The Equitable Bank SSB in Wauwatosa; and Jenni Badtke, Traci Chisholm, and Eric Hopfensperger, Wolf River Community Bank in Hortonville.
The WBF Excellence in Financial Education Award was presented to 21 WBA-member banks for their bank-wide dedication to financial education: Bank of Lake Mills; Bank of Luxemburg; Bank of Sun Prairie; Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Waterloo; First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; First National Bank of River Falls; FNC Bank, New Richmond; Forte Bank, Hartford; Horicon Bank; Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan Association; National Exchange Bank & Trust, Fond du Lac; One Community Bank, Oregon; Pillar Bank, Baldwin; Premier Community Bank, Marion; PremierBank, Fort Atkinson; River Bank, Stoddard; Royal Bank, Elroy; The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette; Waukesha State Bank; Waumandee State Bank; and Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville.
Long-time partner of MACC Fund encourages community to join in on holiday spirit, bring in coins for free counting, and donate to childhood cancer research.
North Shore Bank recently announced the community bank will help kick off Candy Cane Lane by hosting North Shore Bank Night on Friday, Nov. 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. During opening night, North Shore Bank will be onsite collecting donations for Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc. (MACC Fund). Additionally, bank employees will be on hand to collect loose change for the North Shore Bank “Change for a Cure” drive, in which the bank matches donations.
“There is so much to celebrate as we look ahead to another year of Candy Cane Lane and supporting the MACC Fund,” said Joline Lazarski, branch manager for North Shore Bank. “We’re excited to kick off the holiday season by once again sharing in the spirit of this beloved neighborhood event. We invite families and friends to join us in the festive celebration and help make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.”
North Shore Bank will also collect coins in its annual “Change for a Cure” matching campaign from Nov. 29 through Dec. 25 at area North Shore Bank offices in Wisconsin. Throughout the state, anyone who stops at a bank office will be able to count their coins for free and donate a portion or all of the funds to the MACC Fund, which uses the funds to support the Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital, University of WI, Cancer Center and Marshfield Clinic. The bank will match donations up to $1,000.
Each season, the West Allis neighborhoods bordered by 96th Street on the west, 92nd Street on the east, Montana Avenue on the north, and Oklahoma Avenue on the south transform into a festive holiday light display called Candy Cane Lane. Families and friends come from all over the Midwest to drive or stroll through the uniquely decorated neighborhoods. The free event runs from Friday, Nov. 29 through Wednesday, Dec. 25.
In addition to donating at the branches, visitors can make a MACC Fund donation at Candy Cane Lane throughout the event and can donate online at www.candycanelanewi.com.
Lisa Benike
Lisa Benike celebrated 30 years of service at National Exchange Bank & Trust on November 2, 2024.
Benike joined the bank in 1994, as a customer service representative. In her current role, Benike oversees the account services staff and operations and plays an integral part of the account services leadership team in employee engagement, risk management and leading project teams as a vice president.
Benike grew up in Campbellsport, where she attended Campbellsport High School and currently resides with her family. She earned her AAP accreditation from MACHA as well as a deposit compliance certificate from the Wisconsin Banker’s Association.
