Get to Know Ryan Boebel: WBA’s 2024–2025 BOLT Section Chair

By Hannah Flanders

Ryan Boebel’s interest in community banking started at a young age. From cashing his change at the local bank to serving as a member of its Executive Management Team, Boebel credits much of his passion and success within the banking industry to opportunities provided to him by Community First Bank.

“I’ve always had such a positive perspective of the banking industry, largely in part because I have witnessed the impact that my local bank has had within my community,” notes Boebel. “Even from an early age, I could see how important banks, specifically locally owned community banks, were. The connection to its communities and culture within Community First Bank has further fueled my passion to becoming further involved in the industry.”

Boebel learned of career opportunities available at Community First Bank and began his banking career in 2011 as a high school intern and teller. Following high school, Boebel went on to pursue his associate degree at UW–Richland, his bachelor’s degree in business administration – finance at UW–Whitewater, and an MBA at UW–Parkside. All the while, Boebel was quickly advancing through the ranks, gaining experience in loan processing, credit underwriting, and lending.

Boebel began participating in the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow) program in 2017 upon a recommendation from his bank’s management. Bringing together hundreds of bankers annually, BOLT’s Leadership Summits provide a non-competitive environment for bankers to gain an introduction to advocacy, explore leadership development and educational growth opportunities, and focus on the importance of networking. Having been a BOLT member for over seven years, Boebel cites the open dialogue between members and valuable connections that he has made with peers as among the greatest benefits of his involvement.

“BOLT is a wonderful opportunity to provide further growth for professionals in our industry — regardless of the position, tenure, or title within the bank,” emphasizes Boebel. “The success that one may have in a career is largely impacted by what is learned on the job, but more importantly, what one is willing to learn from others.”

In January 2024, Boebel was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Community First Bank. From a management perspective, Boebel sees BOLT as an impactful way to develop professionals and to bring insight back to the bank.

“During sessions, I often see peers making notes and discussing ideas to bring back to their banks. Whether it is a powerful perspective shared by a speaker or a topic of conversation had with peers, BOLT really empowers individuals to structure and organize their thoughts so that they can bring insight and improvements back to their respective management teams and say, ‘We discussed this…this is how others are approaching this challenge…or have we/should we consider doing this.’”

As the incoming 2024–2025 BOLT Chair, Boebel is excited to share his passion for community banking, empower the current and upcoming generation of leaders in the industry, and represent over 500 BOLT members. Especially as it relates to advocacy — a significant pillar of the program — Boebel is focused on helping more bankers become further engaged and contribute to the long-standing success of the industry.

“I was initially hesitant to become involved in advocacy efforts, and I probably never would have become involved with the important work if not for BOLT,” Boebel admits. “Advocating for the industry and communicating the challenges that our industry faces to our elected representation is vital to our longevity as individual organizations and as an industry. Once you invest the time to listen, research, and understand the issues that are impacting the industry and your bank, it becomes more comfortable communicating with delegation and advocating for the banking industry. You come to realize it isn’t as uncomfortable as it may first appear; BOLT helps develop these perspectives through educating members.”

For many, BOLT provides the first opportunity for bankers to understand the importance of, and gain experience in, advocacy at both the state and federal level. With legislation and regulatory changes constantly impacting the banking industry, Boebel sees advocacy as a crucial tool for ensuring that the voices of bankers — especially those emerging into leadership positions — are heard and considered in the decision-making process.

From networking to advocacy, BOLT provides a comprehensive program for bankers to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of Wisconsin’s banking industry. With the next BOLT Leadership Summit just around the corner, a date range June 13–14, 2024, all banks are invited to identify their emerging leaders and encourage attendance at this summer’s event. Visit wisbank.com/Summit to register yourself and your team.