Wisconsin bankers are the definition of “community advocates” in all that they do every day to improve their local economy through bank products and services, as well as through generous philanthropy of time and money. The “Community Advocate Spotlight” feature shares and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and innovation of some of the extraordinary bankers in the state.
The following is a brief interview between WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and Dan Ravenscroft, president & CEO of Royal Bank.
Rose Oswald Poels
Rose: How did you first get into the banking industry?
Dan: Banking is practically in my blood. I say that somewhat jokingly, but there may be some truth to it. I come from a long line of bankers, with the most influential being my mom. She worked at our local community bank, and through her, I had a front-row seat to what community banking is all about. Some of my earliest memories involve representing the bank alongside her. From walking in community parades, volunteering at local events, and seeing firsthand the relationships the bank built within the community. Those experiences showed me that community banking is about much more than financial services; it’s about being present, building trust, and making a positive impact where you live and work.
My own banking journey started when I was 12 years old, mowing the lawn for my hometown bank. You could say that was my first foot in the door. Later, I joined Royal Bank as a customer service representative, which further sparked my interest in the industry. I attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and earned a degree in finance, knowing I wanted to combine my education with the experiences that shaped me growing up.
Beyond my connection to community banking, I’ve always had a natural affinity for numbers and enjoy solving problems. Banking provides the perfect opportunity to bring those interests together with my personal values of investing in and supporting local communities. Following in my mother’s footsteps and pursuing a career in community banking felt like a natural fit. It allowed me to combine my passion for people, community involvement, and problem-solving into meaningful work. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted.
Dan Ravenscroft
What is your favorite aspect of your role at the bank?
One of my favorite aspects of being a community banker is seeing the impact we make reflected throughout the communities we serve. Whether it’s our logo on a sponsorship banner at a local event, community members proudly wearing our apparel, or our employees volunteering and actively participating in their communities, those visible reminders represent something much deeper. They reflect the relationships we’ve built, the trust we’ve earned, and our ongoing commitment to supporting the people and places we call home.
I enjoy the challenge of bringing together people, ideas, and resources to solve complex problems and find the best path forward. Every day presents opportunities to think strategically, support our team, and help position the organization for long-term success. What makes that especially meaningful is knowing that our work extends beyond the walls of the bank. Community banks play a vital role as trusted partners and pillars within our communities. By keeping capital local and reinvesting in local businesses, farms, families, and community initiatives, we help strengthen the local economy and contribute to the long-term vitality of our communities. Being part of that work, and seeing the difference it makes, is incredibly rewarding.
What do you wish the general public understood about the banking industry?
While most people think of banks as a place to deposit money or obtain a loan, community banking is much more than that. In many ways, community banks serve as the economic
engines for the communities we serve.
One of the most important roles banks play is how we reinvest in the places we call home. Deposits made by local customers are reinvested back into the community through loans that help families purchase homes, entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, farmers acquire land and equipment, and local governments fund infrastructure improvements and community projects. That cycle of local deposits fueling local investment is what helps communities grow and thrive.
Banking is also a highly complex industry that operates largely behind the scenes. Every day, banks are managing risk, protecting customers, safeguarding financial assets, navigating regulations, and ensuring capital is available to support economic growth. While much of that work isn’t visible, it has a direct impact on the opportunities available to individuals, businesses, and communities.
At its core, community banking is about helping people achieve their goals and strengthening the places we call home. When local businesses succeed, families purchase homes, farms expand, and communities invest in their future, community banks are often part of making those opportunities possible.
Where do you believe the industry’s greatest challenges are in the next three to five years?
Over the next three to five years, I believe the banking industry’s greatest challenges will center around fraud, cybersecurity, and keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are giving bad actors new tools to create convincing scams, launch cyberattacks, and exploit vulnerabilities at a
scale we haven’t seen before.
At the same time, AI will be one of the most valuable tools available to financial institutions. It presents both a difficult challenge and is a necessary asset. Banks will need to become true digital warriors, using technology and AI-driven solutions to detect threats, strengthen cybersecurity, and protect customer information while staying one step ahead of emerging risks.
Beyond security, AI and automation will also help banks improve efficiency by streamlining routine tasks and allowing employees to focus more of their time on serving customers and building relationships. The institutions that will thrive are those that can successfully balance innovation with security, embracing new technology while maintaining the trust and personal relationships that have always been at the heart of community banking.
Please describe your current role at your bank and share with us one of your more rewarding experiences (e.g., A time you had to go above and beyond to help a customer, a memorable customer interaction, stepping in to help the local community after a disaster, or something more personal, etc.).
This year, I’m proud to celebrate 30 years with the bank. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, each providing valuable experiences and a deeper understanding of our customers, employees, and communities. Today, I have the privilege of serving as president and CEO, where I work alongside an exceptional team to continue building on the strong relationships and community-focused values that define our organization.
One of the most rewarding experiences of my career came when several of the communities we serve were impacted by record-breaking flooding. The devastation was heartbreaking. Families were displaced from their homes, businesses were forced to close their doors, and many people lost belongings they had spent a lifetime accumulating. At the same time, first responders and community volunteers worked tirelessly to help those affected and begin the long road to recovery.
What stands out most to me is how our employees stepped up without hesitation to support those communities. Our team rolled up their sleeves and helped with cleanup and rebuilding efforts, provided meals to those affected, supported first responders, and looked for every opportunity to help meet immediate needs. It was inspiring to see so many people
come together with a shared commitment to helping our neighbors recover and rebuild.
While community banks are often known for helping people achieve their financial goals, moments like these remind me that our role extends far beyond banking. We are part of the fabric of the communities we serve. Seeing our employees, customers, and neighbors unite during such a difficult time reinforced what community banking is truly about which is people helping people. Knowing that we were able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected and help our communities begin to rebuild is something I will always be proud of
