Donna Hoppenjan (left) and WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels (right) discuss the Association’s priorities for fiscal year 2023–2024.
By Hannah Flanders
In June, Donna Hoppenjan began her year-long term as chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) Board of Directors. As the second woman to serve as WBA’s chair — and one of only 18 women currently holding the position of president or CEO at a Wisconsin bank — Hoppenjan looks forward to shaping the future of the industry.
Growing up on a century-old dairy farm in southwestern Wisconsin, the value of hard work and commitment were instilled in Hoppenjan at a young age. In 1977, she began working as a teller at Platteville’s Mound City Bank. Hoppenjan graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and served for six years on the Graduate School of Banking Advisory Board.
Throughout the years, Hoppenjan has served in various roles throughout the bank including audit, compliance, human resources, trust, and operations. In 2013, she was named as the president and chief executive officer. After 46 years at the bank, Hoppenjan looks back fondly on her mentors who encouraged her to give back.
“Early in life, I saw how involved my parents were in local organizations and non-profits,” states Hoppenjan. “They, alongside my peers, inspired me to not only pursue a career I was passionate about, but to consider how I am able to serve my community.”
Today, Hoppenjan is actively involved in many areas of her community. From serving on the boards of Southwest Health and her local church, to working on the Ambassador Committee of the Platteville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Hoppenjan takes pride in aiding her community members and encouraging her team at Mound City Bank to do the same.
“Every year, Mound City Bank takes part in WBA’s Power of Community week,” notes Hoppenjan. “For this year’s event, our team aided a local non-profit organization in building 23 beds for children in Grant County. Events such as Power of Community Week are the perfect opportunity for banks throughout Wisconsin to highlight their commitment to their neighbors and inspire one another.”
As chair of the 2023–2024 Board of Directors, Hoppenjan has set her sights on encouraging the membership to be an inspiration. By standing united, being engaged, and staying educated, Hoppenjan believes that the WBA membership will play a substantial role in continuing the success of the industry, the Association, and communities in Wisconsin.
“Not only is it critical that our current leaders understand the importance of the next generation in banking by working in their communities to demonstrate the possibilities of this career to students of all ages, but it is also vital that we all play a role in emphasizing to our current team members the ways in which they can explore professional growth, leadership opportunities, and make a difference.”
By remaining actively involved in the Association, bankers can engage in various educational programs to hone their skills and expand their knowledge, utilize resources such as the WBA Engagement Center or Best Practices Library, form connections with their banking peers, and advocate for the success of the industry.
Hoppenjan and her husband, Rick, currently reside in Cuba City. She has two grown children — Chad, who lives in Dubuque, Iowa, and Sara, who lives in Sussex — and four grandchildren ranging in age from three to 17. Outside of the bank, Hoppenjan enjoys spending time with her family at their cabin in Bagley, boating on the Mississippi, and attending her grandchildren’s events.
