Community State Bank Strengthens Burlington Market with Award-Winning Lender Bakshis

Community State Bank added one of the area’s most experienced bankers to its team in welcoming longtime Burlington resident Barb Bakshis as its new Senior Vice President |Business Banking. Bakshis brings 35 years of banking experience to Community State Bank. She will be onboard in the Burlington office in late October.

The 2024 Racine County Economic Development Corporation Lender of the Year served as a community banker in Burlington for over 20 years.

“I deal with businesses of all sizes and I can recognize the economic impact those businesses have on their communities,” Bakshis said. “Community State Bank is committed to the communities it serves.”

Bakshis works out of the CSB Burlington office located at 308 Bridge St., just a short drive from her 150-acre farm where she calls home.

“Living and working in the same community certainly has its advantages,” Bakshis said. Bakshis will work closely in the Burlington office with CSB VP | Market President David Schalk and Michael Fohey, CSB VP | Residential Real Estate.

“Barb is well-respected in this community,” said David Schalk, CSB VP| Market President (Burlington).  “This allows us to get an experienced lender who’s been in the community for a long time with relationships established with some of the most reputable local businesses.”

“Barb brings with her years of valuable experience in the Burlington area, where she has built strong relationships and a deep understanding of the local business landscape,” said Robert Pieroni, EVP | Chief Lending Officer | Market President.

“As we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the Burlington area, Barb’s expertise and community insight will further enhance our ability to serve local businesses with excellence and care.”

Pieroni is a two-time RCEDC Lender of the Year, honored for two straight years in 2020 and 2021. Community State Bank VP | Market President (Waterford) Jay Cashmore won the award in 2025. With Bakshis’ arrival, a CSB lender has captured the award in four of the last six years. Bakshis serves the community in many ways, in multiple volunteer and leadership roles. She is on the Board of Directors at Experience Burlington, co-chairs the annual Burlington Christmas Parade and is a member of Racine County Leadership Committee. Bakshis is a trustee for the Burlington Catholic School Board of Directors and a trustee at her church, St. Charles Catholic Church in Burlington. Bakshis enjoys time on the farm with her husband Mike. When Barb isn’t banking, she’s relaxing at their Wisconsin cabin, hunting and spending time in her greenhouse.