Leadership Transition at First National Bank of River Falls

Honoring the Past. Embracing the Future.

First National Bank of River Falls, a family-owned community bank serving western Wisconsin since 1904, is pleased to announce a significant leadership transition. At the bank’s annual shareholders meeting on May 21, 2025, Sandy Smith Wurm officially retired as Chairman of the Board. She will continue her association with the bank as Director Emeritus, a role that honors her decades of dedicated service and enduring impact.

Succeeding Sandy will be Jeff Johnson, President & CEO of First National since 2009, who will assume the role of Chairman of the Board. Polly Smith Stafford, a current Director and longtime contributor to the bank, will serve as Vice Chairman.

A Legacy of Service: Sandy Smith Wurm
Sandy Smith Wurm’s connection to First National Bank spans more than five decades. She began her career here in 1968 as a part-time employee while attending River Falls High School and later UW–River Falls. After gaining additional experience at Northwestern Bank in St. Paul from 1976 to 1979, Sandy returned to the First National staff in 1995, where she played an integral role in marketing, special projects, and charitable giving.

Elected to the Board of Directors in 1992, Sandy became Chairman in 2016, guiding the bank with compassion, insight, and a strong sense of purpose. She has also made significant civic contributions, serving on the boards of the Kinnic Falls Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center and the River Falls Community Foundation, where she served as Board Chair for three years.

“Sandy’s heart is at the center of this bank,” said Jeff Johnson. “She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support our staff, strengthen our culture, and advance our mission of community service. We are thrilled to honor her legacy with the title of Director Emeritus.”

Welcoming Polly Smith Stafford as Vice Chairman
Polly Smith Stafford brings a lifelong connection to First National and a career rooted in service. She began working at the bank in 1975 in customer service and bookkeeping before joining Northwest Airlines, where she spent 18 years. In 2013, Polly rejoined First National, serving as a receptionist and teller until her retirement in 2022. Elected to the Board of Directors in 2021, she continues to bring a strong sense of community and empathy to her work.

A graduate of River Falls High School and the Colorado Institute of Art, Polly has volunteered extensively at Homeless Connect in the Twin Cities and the Courage Center in Stillwater.

Leadership Continuity with Jeff Johnson
Jeff Johnson has served as President & CEO of First National since 2009 and brings nearly four decades of experience in the banking industry. Before joining First National, Jeff held leadership positions at community banks across Wisconsin, including roles as President at Badger Bank and Marshfield Savings Bank, and as Executive Vice President at PremierBank. He began his career as a Bank Examiner with the FDIC in Milwaukee.

Jeff is a graduate of UW–Whitewater and the Graduate School of Banking at UW–Madison. Under his leadership, First National has grown to over $325 million in assets and has deepened its reputation as a trusted, locally rooted financial institution. In addition to his banking leadership, Jeff is deeply involved in the River Falls community. He is a past Board Chair of the River Falls Community Foundation, founding Director and current Vice President of the River Falls High School Athletic Booster Club, and a longtime youth sports coach. He serves on the Board and as Treasurer of River Falls Youth Boys Basketball, is a member of the River Falls Rotary Club, and was previously honored as River Falls Citizen of the Year. Jeff is also the voice behind River Falls High School boys basketball as public address announcer and contributes to River Falls Sports YouTube broadcasts.

“I’m honored to follow in Sandy’s footsteps and continue the legacy of community-focused leadership that defines First National,” said Johnson. “We are not changing who we are—our mission remains to serve our customers and communities with integrity, care, and excellence.”

Looking Ahead
This leadership transition reflects First National Bank of River Falls’ continued strength and its enduring commitment to local leadership, service, and stability. Please join us in honoring Sandy Smith Wurm for her incredible service and in welcoming this next chapter in our bank’s story.