Committee Chair Spotlight: Craig Rogan
The following is a brief interview with Craig Rogan, vice president – agricultural banking officer at Nicolet National Bank in Stevens Point. Rogan is chair of the 2023–2024 Agricultural Bankers Section.
How did you first get into the banking industry?
Actually, I started as a teller during college and worked my way through to commercial lender. Teller for about six months, then a personal banker for three years, mortgage lender for three years, and then commercial/ag lender for the last 18 years.
Why did you decide to join a WBA committee? Why should others consider lending their time and expertise to shaping Wisconsin’s banking industry?
The Board position was an opportunity to give back the banking industry that has allowed me to provide for my family and work with individual farms as they work to feed the world.
[Joining a committee or section] is a great opportunity to talk with legislators and hear what is going on in the state of Wisconsin. These conversations help inform the resources Wisconsin Bankers Association offers. In addition, it is your personal chance to work with peers in the industry from all around Wisconsin to learn and grow as a professional in the banking industry. The knowledge you obtain from peers can assist you with your customer base.
How has WBA facilitated the growth you have seen in your career and as a leader?
It has allowed me to meet with local legislators through Capitol Day hosted by WBA has at the Capitol. It has allowed me to continue my growth as a lender and ability to learn from my peers in the industry.
As a banker, and as a leader, what is the most important lesson that you have learned?
There is always something to be learned each an everyday. The knowledge you obtain by being part of the WBA board allows you to succeed.
Who (or what) motivates you to succeed?
I believe a lot of my success has come through each and every day I have the mentality that there is more to learn and that I what I know today is not good enough tomorrow.
