2024 Leaders in Banking Excellence
The 2024 Leaders in Banking Excellence award honors current and former banking leaders who have helped shape their bank and/or our state’s banking industry. The plaques honoring these bankers can be viewed in the WBA headquarters building in Madison on the Wall of Excellence.
The Wall of Excellence is prominently featured in WBA’s Engagement Center, where thousands of bankers will view them each year as they attend the variety of meetings and training programs hosted there. The information on each honoree’s plaque gives today’s bankers a glimpse of those who have helped make our industry what it is today.
On Friday, August 16, 2024, a ceremony was held to honor the Class of 2024.
William Censky
William (Bill) Censky began his banking career working alongside his father, Gerald Censky, who started the Manitowoc County Bank in the 1960s. After the bank was sold, Bill transitioned to First Wisconsin/Firstar. He played a pivotal role in founding Investors Community Bank (ICB) in 1997. As the initial CEO and Chairman of the Board, Bill guided ICB to significant growth, reaching $1.5 billion in assets before its sale to Nicolet National Bank in 2021. After transitioning his CEO role around 2012, Bill remained on the Board, helping ICB become a leading agricultural lender with over $1.4 billion in total agricultural loans serviced. He was also instrumental in taking the bank public and trading on NASDAQ in 2015. In addition, Bill served on the organizing boards for two other banks.
Bill has been a tremendous mentor, known for his thoughtful and patient approach to decision-making. His leadership and guidance impacted many throughout his career. He was not only dedicated to the success of ICB but also committed to giving back to the community. Bill actively volunteered with numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross, United Way, Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Roncalli High School, the Capitol Civic Centre, The Haven of Manitowoc County, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc.
Bill’s legacy in the banking industry and his community involvement reflect his deep commitment to excellence and service. His contributions have left a lasting mark, demonstrating the power of thoughtful leadership and community engagement.
Gerald Jacobson
Gerald (Jerry) Jacobson has been a dedicated figure in banking since June 1978, contributing over 45 years of service at Northwestern Bank. Starting as a teller, he progressed through roles as an auditor, cashier, executive vice president, and president, a position he assumed in 1998. His leadership style emphasizes personal connections with staff and fostering their professional growth, demonstrated by his daily interactions with employees and regular visits to all Northwestern Bank locations.
Beyond banking, Jerry’s civic engagement is extensive. He has volunteered with more than two dozen community organizations, including Blugold Beginnings; Eau Claire Confluence Arts, Inc.; Junior Achievement; and the YMCA. His encouragement of volunteerism has inspired Northwestern Bank’s employees to contribute approximately 1,600 hours annually to community organizations.
Jerry’s impact on the Chippewa Valley’s economic development is notable, with leadership roles in local business organizations and efforts to revitalize downtown areas. Under his guidance, Northwestern Bank’s assets grew from $150MM to $700MM, and net income increased from $2MM to $10MM. Jerry also advocates for the banking industry and has served on various boards, including those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Community Bankers of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). He was honored as the 2023 WBA Banker of the Year. Jerry’s commitment to excellence and community has left an enduring, impactful legacy.
Thomas Pamperin
Thomas (Tom) Pamperin has dedicated more than 35 years to the banking industry and remains active in the field. An accounting major at UW–Oshkosh, he began his career at KPMG, becoming a Certified Public Accountant and served financial services clients before transitioning into a career in banking. Tom is also an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking at UW–Madison (GSB). He joined Premier Community Bank (Bank) in 1998, leading the Bank’s growth plan and expansion into insurance and investment services. In 2005, he became president and CEO of the Bank.
Believing service to others is our greatest calling, Tom has been an active figure in his community, serving many organizations on committees, councils, and boards, including his church, community and economic development groups, youth activities, local government, and educational institutions.
Tom’s involvement with the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is extensive. He served on the WBA Board of Directors, including as the 2013–2014 chair; on the WBA Benefits & Insurance Committee, Inc. Board of Directors, including as the 2010–2011 chair; as well as many other WBA committees. His leadership extends to GSB, where he served on the Banker Advisory Board and Board of Trustees, the Puelicher Center for Banking Education at UW–Madison, and the State of Wisconsin’s Banking Review Board. Additionally, Tom has served on the American Bankers Association’s Community Banker and Membership Councils. Tom’s career reflects a deep commitment to banking excellence and community service.