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Chair’s Column: Be the Inspiration for the Future of Our Industry

By Donna J. Hoppenjan

Throughout my 46 years in banking, one thing has remained absolutely certain — the dedication of bankers in Wisconsin. For over 130 years, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has stood as the pillar for banking throughout the state. From educational and advocacy opportunities to resources for members to utilize, our Association remains top tier in its ability to provide bankers in Wisconsin with a wide variety of ways in which they can get involved and make a difference in their bank and throughout their community.

As I begin my term as chair of WBA’s Board of Directors — representing over 30,000 bankers throughout Wisconsin — I look forward to continuing the Association’s longstanding tradition of inspiring success within our industry and encouraging every member to consider their role in shaping the future.

The inspiration to expand your skillset, grow your connections, and engage with your community is around every corner. In partnership with WBA, member banks have the ability to take advantage of educational programs designed to assist all bank employees in their pursuit of knowledge and expertise. Our Association hosts a variety of in-person and virtual courses that are not only relevant to bankers in our state, but also facilitate connections with their peers.

At its core, the Association is rooted in engagement. Without the participation of over 150 volunteer Advocacy Officers, committee participants, and advisory board members, WBA would be nowhere near as relevant or impactful as it is today. However, just as the WBA membership plays a role in shaping our Association, each of us has the responsibility to prepare our next generation of banking leaders and shape the perception of our industry.

Through WBA, bankers can participate in events or any combination of peer groups, networks, and committees to enhance their leadership skills and be inspired by the efforts of their peers. WBA also spearheads initiatives such as Power of Community Week, Teach Children to Save Day, Capitol Day, and career nights at various schools that encourage bankers to step out of the office and into their communities. The events offer members opportunities to establish and foster relationships with students, business owners, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and so many others.

This year, as your team considers the multitude of ways in which you can inspire your fellow bankers, encourage the next generation, and influence growth throughout the industry, I remind you to look to your Association and stand united. Together, we can continue to support the long-term growth of the banking industry and elevate our Association for years to come.

Hoppenjan is president and CEO of Mound City Bank, Platteville, and the 2023–2024 WBA Chair.

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Introducing New WBA Chair Donna Hoppenjan

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Executive Letter: Inspiring Our Future

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) began its 2023–2024 fiscal year. A ceremony, held on June 7, formally installed Mound City Bank President and CEO Donna Hoppenjan as WBA’s chair of the Board, welcomed several new Board officers, and thanked those members who ended their term in 2023 for their valuable contributions to the Association.

Donna was able to sit down with me for a short conversation to introduce herself to the membership and highlight the goals she has for the organization for the upcoming year.

Donna first started her career in banking in 1977 as a teller at Mound City Bank in Platteville. After gaining experience in several areas of the bank — including human resources, audit, and trust — she was promoted to her current role as president and CEO in 2013.

As chair of the WBA Board of Directors, Donna encourages members to be an inspiration to their peers, to their community members, and on behalf of the banking industry in the upcoming fiscal year. As members continue to invest in the future of our industry, bankers throughout the state are encouraged to utilize WBA programs, resources, and events to not only gain expertise themselves, but also to inspire others in their organizations to do the same.

Through the Association’s various education opportunities — including in-person schools, conferences, and summits — bankers can develop their skills and network with their banking peers. WBA also offers a host of peer groups to connect with others, share ideas, and help one another grow in their careers; volunteer opportunities that inform WBA staff and elected officials; and resources — such as the Best Practices Library — that are created by bankers, for bankers.

Not only does the Association provide opportunities for bank leaders to encourage growth within their organization and train the next generation of banking leaders, programming presented by the WBA also extends beyond the walls of both member banks and the Association to benefit our entire industry.

Career night presentations and Power of Community Week are just a few examples of the ways in which WBA encourages bankers to be inspirations throughout their local communities. As Donna mentioned in her address to the Board, it is vital for the continued success of our industry that each of us also takes an active role in demonstrating the opportunities provided by a career in banking to students of all ages.

Whether you and your team choose to engage by volunteering as an Advocacy Officer, furthering your knowledge in a WBA Connect peer group, or working alongside students to expand their financial capabilities, our Association is excited to work alongside each of you to inspire our future.

To learn more about WBA Board Chair Donna Hoppenjan and her goals for the upcoming fiscal year, please enjoy watching the video and keep an eye out for a detailed article in WBA’s upcoming July/August Wisconsin Banker.

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Donna Hoppenjan Leading Wisconsin Bankers Association Board

Donna Hoppenjan

Donna J. Hoppenjan, president and CEO of Mound City Bank, has been elected to serve as the 2023–2024 Board chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA).

The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing more than 200 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and over 30,000 employees.

“We are delighted to announce Donna as chair of the WBA Board,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “Her appointment is not only a testament to her individual accomplishments but also a testament to her ability to advance our mission, foster collaboration, and drive innovation in the banking industry. We look forward to working together to make a positive impact on the lives of our customers and communities.”

Hoppenjan has over 46 years of experience at Mound City Bank and is an alumna of the Graduate School of Banking (GSB) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her community involvement includes serving on the Platteville Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee, on the board of a local church, and on the board of Southwest Health.

Also serving as officers on the WBA Board are: Chair-Elect Al Araque, SVP, director of consumer, private and small business banking, Johnson Financial Group, Racine; Vice Chair Paul Northway, president and CEO, American National Bank – Fox Cities, Appleton; and Past Chair Dan Peterson, president and CEO, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette.

Joining the Board for three-year terms are Kelly Heroux, president and CEO, Peshtigo National Bank; Shay Horton, president and CEO, Cumberland Federal Bank; Anthony Nguyen, Minnesota/Wisconsin/Chicago regional bank director, SVP, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Milwaukee; and Bill Sennholz, CEO, Forward Bank, Marshfield.

Those continuing their terms on the Board are: Paul Hoffmann, president, Lake Ridge Bank, Middleton; Jay Mack, president and CEO, Town Bank, N.A., Hartland;  Ryan Kamphuis, president and CEO, Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield; Greg Lundberg, president and CEO, Fortifi Bank, Berlin; Tom Mews, president, First National Community Bank, New Richmond; Greg Ogren, president and CEO, Security Bank Shares, Inc., Iron River; Joe Peikert, president and CEO, Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville; and Dan Ravenscroft, president and CEO, Royal Bank, Elroy.

Board members who completed their terms in 2022–2023 are Jim Chatterton, president and CEO, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Fond du Lac; Jenny Provancher, CEO, The Equitable Bank, S.S.B., Wauwatosa; Terry Rosengarten, president and COO, Unity Bank, Augusta; and Ken Thompson, CEO, Capitol Bank, Madison.

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A Guide to Joining a Community Bank’s Board

Responsibilities, benefits new board members can expect

By Hannah Flanders

Community banks serve a unique and important purpose in every Wisconsin community by directly supporting the growth and stability of small businesses and families. With a mission of reinvestment, it is critical that Wisconsin’s community banks are led by individuals who share similar values to the institution, are knowledgeable of the community, and have experience in banking or local business.

As community banks across the state look to recruit new board members and enhance their strategic planning for the coming year, an increasing number of community leaders who are recruited for their knowledge and skills are curious — and rightfully so — of what responsibilities they will take on as a member of the board.

Key Responsibilities

Like any commitment, joining a bank board leaves individuals to consider many aspects of their willingness to engage with the organization, its shareholders, and bank employees; their understanding of (or desire to learn about) bank policy and regulation as well as the national and local economy; and what skills or experiences make them a qualified leader.

A strong board member adds diversity to the table — be it through their experience or their perspective — and ultimately aids in the growth of the bank.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), a bank’s board of directors is responsible for overseeing the institution’s business performance, selecting and retaining competent management, establishing the institution’s long- and short-term business objectives, adopting operating policies to achieve objectives in a legal and sound manner, monitoring operations to ensure that they are controlled adequately and are in compliance with laws and policies, and ensuring the institution helps to meet its community’s credit needs.

Joining a community bank’s board is a substantial commitment to not only the bank, but the community as well. It is essential that responsibilities, such as regularly attending board and board committee meetings, are a top priority of every member of the board.

Benefits for Community Leaders

The benefits new members experience upon joining the board of directors for a community bank range from building connections within the banking industry and expanding skills and knowledge to staying updated on local and national issues. In addition, this unique opportunity allows leaders to give back to their communities and promote economic growth and prosperity.

To many, being elected as a community bank’s board member highlights those who have proven themselves as trustworthy, knowledgeable, and active leaders both in their business and throughout the community. By joining as a board member, community leaders contribute significantly to shaping the local economy and expanding the legacy of Wisconsin’s community banks.

 

What to Consider Before Joining a Bank’s Board of Directors

  • Commitment to:
    • Professional development
    • Community growth
  • Engagement with:
    • The bank (shareholders, other directors, committee members, staff)
    • The community
  • Experience in:
    • Business, banking,
      or leadership
    • Also includes education or financial/business connections
  • Desire to learn about:
    • Bank regulations
    • National and local economy
  • Fiduciary responsibility:
    • Trustworthy, objective, responsible, and efficient

Bank Director Resources:

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Introducing New WBA Chair Dan Peterson

By Hannah Flanders

This June, Dan Peterson, a native of DePere, Wis., began his year-long term as chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). The banking veteran, nearing 35 years in the industry, inspires bankers around the state with his strong work ethic and overall dedication to local communities and the banking industry.

After graduating from St. Norbert College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Peterson began his career as a lending officer with a finance company, first located in Milwaukee, transferring to Marinette after nine months. In 1988, after two years with the finance company, Peterson began his banking career with The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNBT) in Marinette as assistant loan officer.

Peterson gained experience in all lending areas of the bank and served as head of the commercial loan department in 2003 before advancing to his current role of president and CEO in 2013.

As WBA chair, Peterson hopes to continue deepening member engagement with the Association. Between education opportunities, advocacy related events, and efforts put forth by the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) — the nonprofit arm of WBA — Peterson encourages bankers to not only foster growth in their own banks and communities by engaging with the Association, but also help WBA continue to advocate and support members as it has done for the last 130 years.

“I think as members of WBA, we owe it to the organization because they provide so many benefits to us as bankers,” says Peterson. “I would really like to see member engagement continue to increase over the next year.”

Peterson highlights the newly remodeled WBA office in Madison, including the state-of-the-art Engagement Center as being one of the many opportunities banks can utilize to further engage with WBA. The Engagement Center, open to all WBA member bankers, regularly hosts education events and training sessions. It also serves as an additional resource for bankers to reserve for meetings or strategic planning sessions.

“I think it is important for us as bankers to really support the WBA,” Peterson adds. “Your involvement will help us to remain a highly relevant and impactful organization for the membership.”

In his tenure at SNBT, Peterson has also contributed greatly to the efforts of WBA, the banking industry, and his local community. Peterson has previously served on the WBA Bank Executives Conference Advisory Board, the FIPCO (Financial Institution Products Corporation) Board, and the American Bankers Association (ABA) Community Bankers Council. Additionally, Peterson is currently the president of the Peshtigo Lion’s Club.

Peterson and his wife of 36 years, Barbara, currently reside in their little “slice of heaven” in Marinette. The couple, both St. Norbert alumni, raised two sons who also went on to attend St. Norbert College. Peterson enjoys spending his time away from the bank outside; be it hunting, fishing, or maintaining his property and spending time with his six — soon to be seven — grandchildren. Despite his banking background, Peterson jokingly states that members should not expect to find him on the golf course anytime soon, that is unless he is driving the beverage cart!

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questions@wisbank.com

608-441-1200

4721 S Biltmore Ln.
Madison, WI 53718

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