Committee Chair Spotlight: Get to Know WBA’s 2025–2026 Ag Section Chair Nicholas Felder

Nicholas J. Felder, vice president, commercial/ag banking with MidWestOne Bank is the newly appointed chair of the Wisconsin Banker Association (WBA) Agricultural Bankers Section.

As Felder steps into his new role, WBA asked him a few questions to help members learn more about him.

Can you share a bit about your experience in banking?
My experience in banking started with USBank on the retail side in 2004. I transitioned to a small, growing regional bank in 2006 as a commercial underwriter and have been in underwriting or direct lending for the past 19 years, the last five with MidWestOne Bank in Lancaster

What you are looking forward to most during the year ahead as chair of the WBA Committee or Section Board?
As Chair of the Ag Section Board, I want to continue to excellence in leadership of past chairs and continue to bring positive impact to the Ag Banking community here in WI through advocacy as well as programming at the Ag Banker’s Conference. The team at WBA makes our roles and the transitions as Chair seamless and nearly effortless. Their leadership makes my leadership infinitely more impactful.

Your favorite quote?
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard for their own interest.”  – Adam Smith

Your favorite podcast or binge-worthy series?
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

“When I am not at work, you can find me…”
You will find me on the golf course.