Archive for category: Member News

Oak Bank Welcomes Izzy Coughlin as Treasury Management Specialist

Izzy Coughlin

Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s trusted community bank since 2000, is pleased to announce the addition of Izzy Coughlin as its new Treasury Management Specialist. Izzy joins Oak Bank after refining her client service skills at a local community financial institution, bringing with her a passion for building strong relationships and supporting local businesses. In her role as Treasury Management Specialist, Izzy will play a key part in Oak Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to its clients while continuing to grow its Treasury Management division.

“Izzy brings a great blend of energy and client-first focus to our Treasury Management team,” said Linda Zimdars, Senior Vice President Business Banking. “Her passion for serving others and her strong community roots align perfectly with Oak Bank’s values. I’m confident she will build lasting
relationships with our business clients and contribute greatly to their success.”

Izzy shared her enthusiasm for joining the Oak Bank team, saying, “I’m excited to be part of a community-focused organization that truly values its
clients and team members. I look forward to helping our business clients find the right financial tools to support their growth and success.”

Izzy lives in Monticello with her husband and enjoys running her photography business in her free time. She also supports the Oregon FFA, where she
previously served as Vice President during her time in high school.

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Northwestern Bank Announces Leadership Transition as Jerry Jacobson Retires After 47 Years

Pictured (L-R): Jamie Leibrandt, CEO; Jerry Jacobson; Tracey Smiskey, CEO.

Northwestern Bank is entering a new era of leadership with the upcoming retirement of longtime President Gerald H. (Jerry) Jacobson, effective December 31, 2025. After 47 years of dedicated service, Jerry leaves behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community banking. He will continue to serve on the Northwestern Bank Board of Directors.

As part of this transition, the Northwestern Bank Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Tracey Smiskey, Market President of Eau Claire will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, and Jamie Leibrandt, Market President, will serve as Bank President.

Darrin Senn, Chairman of Northwestern Bank Board of Directors:

“Under Jamie and Tracey’s leadership, Northwestern Bank will continue to thrive as a trusted financial institution, building on its strong foundation of personalized service, community engagement, and operational excellence.”

Both leaders are deeply committed to the values and vitality of the communities Northwestern Bank serves. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a shared passion for community-focused banking.

Tracey Smiskey, CEO:

“It’s an honor to step into this role following Jerry’s remarkable leadership. His dedication to our customers, employees, and communities has shaped the heart of Northwestern Bank. I’m honored to continue that legacy and lead with the same commitment to service and community impact.”

Jamie Leibrandt, President:

“With over 25 years in commercial banking, I’ve seen firsthand how strong relationships and local decision-making make a difference. I’m proud to serve a bank that puts people first. Tracey and I are passionate about our community, and we’re ready to guide Northwestern Bank into its next chapter.”

The future of Northwestern Bank is bright. With a strong leadership team and a continued focus building stronger communities where people matter through operational strength, customer care and community values, the bank is well-positioned to serve future generations.

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Bank of Kaukauna Announces New Business Banking Portfolio Manager

Tyler Van Boxtel

The Bank of Kaukauna is pleased to welcome Tyler Van Boxtel as its new Business Banking Portfolio Manager. This strategic hire underscores the bank’s commitment to delivering expert financial guidance and personalized solutions for local businesses.

Tyler brings extensive experience as a Credit Analyst with expertise spanning Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Commercial and Industrial, Construction and Transportation. He has a diverse and proven track record in financial analysis, underwriting, portfolio management, loan documentation and client communication.

Most recently, Tyler served as a Credit Analyst at Unison Credit Union in De Pere, WI. Previous roles include Credit Analyst positions with Business Lending Group in Appleton, WI, and National Exchange Bank & Trust in Fond du Lac, WI.

“Tyler’s depth of experience makes him an outstanding addition to our team,” said TJ Minnehan, President of The Bank of Kaukauna. “His knowledge of portfolio management and devotion to client relationships aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering success for local businesses.”

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Prevail Bank Honors Linda Susa on Her Retirement After 12 Years of Service

Linda Susa

Prevail Bank proudly announces the retirement of Linda Susa, Branch Manager of its Owen location, after 12 years of dedicated service and an impressive 45-year career in banking.

Linda began her banking journey immediately after graduating high school, joining Farmers & Merchants Bank in Greenwood, WI as a teller. Her eagerness to learn and passion for helping customers quickly propelled her into roles of increasing responsibility, including Assistant Cashier, where she managed student loans, consumer loans, mortgages, and even sold insurance through the bank’s independent agency. Through evening classes at technical colleges, Linda mastered multiple aspects of banking, paving the way for her eventual promotion to Branch Manager.

In 2013, Linda joined Prevail Bank—then known as Time Federal Savings Bank—as Owen’s Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator. Her expertise and commitment to customer service continued to shine as she helped countless individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Linda also contributed to the bank’s insurance services during her tenure.

Reflecting on her career, Linda shared: “I was fortunate to have a bank president who saw potential in an 18-year-old girl just out of high school. I didn’t know then that I would spend the next 45 years doing a job I loved. What I gained in my banking career is the ability to help people attain their financial goals and create life-long relationships with customers and fellow employees. I will miss the people the most—the daily conversations that make your day a bit better.”

To celebrate Linda’s retirement, Prevail Bank will host a public Open House at its Owen branch on Wednesday, December 3, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Customers, colleagues, and community members are invited to stop by, share memories, and wish Linda well in her next chapter.

Prevail Bank President & CEO, Nathan Quinnell, expressed his gratitude: “Linda’s dedication and passion for helping customers achieve their financial goals have been an inspiration to all of us at Prevail Bank. Her leadership and commitment to the Owen-Withee communities have left a lasting impact, and we are truly appreciative of her years of service. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

In retirement, Linda plans to spend more time with family, tackle her long-standing “to-do” list, and travel with her husband.

Prevail Bank thanks Linda for her years of leadership, dedication, and service to the communities of Clark County. Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed by colleagues and customers alike.

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National Exchange Bank & Trust Included in the Forbes List of America’s Best-In-State Banks 2025 Ranking

National Exchange Bank & Trust has been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Banks 2025. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was recently announced and can be viewed on the Forbes website.

America’s Best-In-State Banks 2025 aims to showcase the institutions most valued by residents in each state and to recognize the banks that have excelled in meeting the unique needs and expectations of their local communities. The ranking is based on an independent survey of over 26,000 customers in the U.S. Participants evaluated banks on several criteria, including Trust, Financial Advice, Customer Services, Digital Services, Branch Services, and Terms & Conditions. They also rated the importance of these criteria. A sentiment analysis was conducted using publicly available reviews and scores.

National Exchange Bank & Trust Chairman of the Board Peter Stone, said, “We are honored to be recognized as one of the best banks in the nation, and ranked the number one bank in Wisconsin. This recognition speaks to the trust our customers place in us and the dedication our team brings to every interaction. We’re proud of the work we do and remain focused on providing excellent customer service, creating a culture of caring for our employees and giving back to the communities we serve.”

National Exchange Bank & Trust is an independent, family-owned financial institution that has been proudly serving Southeastern Wisconsin since 1933. With a strong balance sheet, prudent asset management and substantial cash reserves, National Exchange Bank & Trust is well-equipped to meet the lending needs of both individuals and businesses.

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Bank of Prairie du Sac Welcomes Richelle Alt to Lending Team

Richelle Alt

Bank of Prairie du Sac is pleased to welcome Richelle Alt as a Commercial Loan Officer, expanding the bank’s commitment to personalized lending and community connection. Alt brings over two decades of experience in the financial industry, having served in a variety of roles including loan underwriter, branch manager, mortgage underwriter, credit analyst, and e-lending manager. Her career began as a teller in her teens and has grown to reflect a deep understanding of lending and customer service.

After working remotely for the past five years, Alt is excited to return to face-to-face interactions and serve the community she calls home. “While I wasn’t born here, Sauk Prairie has been home since early in my life, and I deeply value the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with those I serve,” Alt shared. “I enjoy problem solving with customers to find solutions they may not even know they need.”

Alt’s passion for helping others and her strong analytical skills make her a valuable addition to the Bank of Prairie du Sac team. She is eager to expand her knowledge in business lending and looks forward to supporting local individuals and businesses in achieving their financial goals.

Pictured (L–R): Crystal Lautenbach – VP, Mortgage Lending, Brad Prohaska – SVP, Chief Credit Officer, Mark Ladsten – VP, Ag & Commercial Lending, Casey Koenig – SVP, Chief Lending Officer, and Richelle Alt – Commercial Loan Officer.

Her decision to join Bank of Prairie du Sac was intentional. “I had been watching the bank for some time, hoping for the right opportunity,” she said. “When I saw they were adding another commercial lender, I was thrilled.”

Outside of banking, Richelle studied nursing and music therapy, and she continues to bring empathy and creativity into her work. Whether it’s helping a business secure funding for expansion or assisting an entrepreneur with a startup loan, she finds joy in making visions reality. Bank of Prairie du Sac is proud to welcome Richelle Alt and looks forward to the positive impact she will have on our customers and community.

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Ryan Streicher Promoted to Assistant Vice President – Internal Audit at Bank First

Ryan Streicher

Scott Tuma, Vice President – Enterprise Risk Management at Bank First is pleased to announce the promotion of Ryan Streicher to Assistant Vice President – Internal Audit. Ryan joined Bank First in November 2024 as Internal Audit Officer. Since that time, he has played an instrumental role in advancing the Bank’s internal audit program and building relationships across departments and with external partners. His expanded responsibilities will include managing audit processes, preparing materials for the audit committee, and overseeing relationships with external auditors and third-party providers.

“Over the past year, Ryan has consistently demonstrated professionalism, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to enhancing our audit processes,” said Tuma. “His work has elevated the effectiveness of our audit function, and as the Bank continues to grow, his leadership will be essential in further strengthening and advancing it.”

Ryan is a Certified Public Accountant and serves as Secretary of the Institute of Internal Auditors – Fox Valley Central Wisconsin Chapter.

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Peoples State Bank Named One of Nation’s Best Banks to Work For

Peoples State Bank has been named one of the nation’s 2025 Best Banks to Work For. American Banker has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees. This year, 90 banks earned a spot in the ranking of Best Banks to Work For, based on an anonymous employee survey and a thorough review of the benefits and perks offered.

“The banks recognized as Best Banks to Work For are institutions employees want to join and stay,” said Chana Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. “They understand how to give workers reasons to find purpose in their jobs.”

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a Best Bank to Work For, for the seventh consecutive year. At the core of our success is our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous growth,” said Scott Cattanach, Peoples State Bank president and CEO. “Our bank emphasizes ideal team player values of staying humble, hungry, and smart. This environment empowers staff to provide exceptional service to our customers, creating a positive impact in every community we serve.”

The survey and awards program is designed to identify and honor banks with the best cultures for helping employees thrive. Peoples is chosen year after year for creating and maintaining a
supportive, healthy, and winning workplace.

“This achievement reflects the dedication and passion of our incredible team members,” said Tina Seidl, Peoples executive vice president of human resources. “This acknowledgement inspires us to continue investing in our people, as they are the heart of our success.”

Determining the Best Banks to Work For involved a two-step process. The first consisted of evaluating each participating bank’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the final ranking.

To be considered for participation, banks had to have at least 50 employees working in the U.S. and been in business for a minimum of one year. Best Companies Group managed the registration and survey process and also analyzed the data to determine the final ranking. For more information on the Best Banks to Work For program, visit www.BestBankstoWorkfor.com.

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Dave Lempko Joins First Business Bank As Senior Vice President – Sales Manager – Equipment Finance

Dave Lempko

First Business Bank welcomes Dave Lempko to its subsidiary, First Business Specialty Finance, LLC, as Senior Vice President – Sales Manager – Equipment Finance.

Dave brings over 30 years of equipment finance and sales leadership experience to help vendors and equipment finance brokers deliver effective financing solutions to their customers. Throughout his career, he has led high-performing sales teams across direct origination, vendor programs, and technology sector financing. His expertise spans the full spectrum of equipment finance operations, including portfolio management, credit, and asset management, positioning him to understand client needs from multiple perspectives. Dave’s hands-on approach to building partner relationships and developing customized financing programs helps businesses close more transactions and strengthen their competitive position in the marketplace. 

Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from PennWest Clarion. He is based in Buffalo, New York, where he serves clients throughout the United States.

A reputable, nationwide direct lender, First Business Bank’s Equipment Finance team develops customized equipment financing programs with manufacturers, distributors, and dealers designed to help them retain more customers with a streamlined process that features an easy, online equipment application, quick approvals, and responsive client service.

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Farmers & Merchants Union Bank has agreed to acquire American Bank of Beaver Dam

Jewel Box Financial Services, Inc. (“Jewel Box”), the holding company of Columbus-based Farmers & Merchants Union Bank (“FMUB”), and Ambanc Financial Services, Inc. (“Ambanc”), the holding company of Beaver Dambased American Bank of Beaver Dam (“American Bank”), have jointly announced today that they have entered into an agreement and plan of merger whereby Jewel Box will acquire Ambanc subject to customary shareholder and regulatory approval. Jewel Box will then merge American Bank into FMUB and the surviving bank will operate under the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank name.

Based on most recent reported financials, the combined institution is expected to have approximately $860 million in total assets and 13 banking offices, inclusive of American Bank’s 4 locations spanning Dodge and Juneau Counties.

“We are excited to bring together two of Wisconsin’s oldest banking institutions focused on exceptional customer service and equipped with premier products to continue to serve the banking needs of our communities,” said Randy Bobholz, President and CEO of Jewel Box and FMUB. “Because the cultures and values of both banks align closely, American Bank’s customers can feel confident that this merger will strengthen our ability to serve them in the way they’ve come to expect.” Bobholz added, “We look forward to building on our shared legacy of commitment to our customers and communities.”

“We are proud to partner with Farmers & Merchants Union Bank and believe the combination to be an excellent fit,” commented John Oathout, President & CEO of Ambanc and American Bank. “Being part of a larger banking company that shares our same customer-first focus will allow us to better provide competitive products and services to our customers while remaining actively involved in our community.” Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial Advisor to Jewel Box and Godfrey & Kahn, SC served as its legal counsel. Wipfli Corporate Finance (WCF) Advisors LLC served as financial advisor to Ambanc, and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C served as its legal counsel.

The transaction, which has been approved by the Board of Directors of both companies and is subject to regulatory approvals and the approval of Ambanc shareholders, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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