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Tag Archive for: Leadership

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Oswald Poels, Thompson, Araque
Community, Member News, News

Kenneth D. Thompson Named 2024 Banker of the Year

Kenneth Thompson; chairman of the board of Capitol Bank, Madison; honored by Wisconsin Bankers Association

Ken Thompson Headshot

Kenneth Thompson

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that Kenneth D. Thompson, executive chairman of the board of Capitol Bank, Madison, has been named the 2024 Banker of the Year. The award was presented the evening of February 6, 2025, in Milwaukee at the largest banking industry event in the state, the WBA Bank Executives Conference.

“It is an honor to congratulate Ken on earning the title of ‘Banker of the Year,’” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “He is widely admired not only for his professionalism and expertise, but also for his genuine kindness and deep commitment to his family, colleagues, and community.”

Oswald Poels, Thompson, Araque

Kenneth Thompson (center) accepts his award from WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and WBA Chair Alvaro Araque

Thompson’s 29-year journey with Capitol Bank began in its early days as a de novo bank with under $10 million in assets. Since that time he has steered Capitol Bank to over $600 million. Under his guidance, Capitol Bank expanded its footprint, opening new branches and fueling loans to support the local economy.

Thompson’s influence extends far beyond his local community, shaping the banking industry at large. As a former chair and board member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, he guided the organization through challenging times, including the pandemic years. His advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., service on the WBA Government Relations Committee, and his testimony to policy makers on critical issues such as the prevention of elder financial abuse have left a lasting impact on the industry. Thompson’s support of financial literacy through the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation further underscores his commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening the financial wellness of Wisconsinites.

Thompson and colleagues

In his professional capacity, Thompson has been a driving force behind economic growth and innovation. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, he has championed initiatives that promote housing finance and community investment. Thompson’s commitment to economic development extends to partnerships with organizations such as Madison Development Corporation, where his leadership has supported critical local projects. Under Thompson’s leadership, Capitol Bank received the ICBA Community Service Award for providing financial services to 12 senior living facilities which reflects his vision for fostering financial stability and access for all.

Thompson and family

Thompson and family

Thompson embodies the spirit of community service through his lifelong commitment to improving lives both inside and outside the banking world. His dedication shines brightly at Agrace, Wisconsin’s largest hospice care organization caring for over 1,000 patients per day, where he has been involved as a volunteer since 1997 and chaired their annual charity golf outing numerous years before joining the Agrace board in 2007 to the present as chair. His leadership earned him the prestigious Life Member Award. Additionally, Thompson has been a cornerstone of several local organizations, from his work on the Catholic Charities of Madison Board to his role as a founding member of the American Family Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board. For nearly 40 years, Thompson has been an active member of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Madison, where he has served as president and provided valuable economic updates.

Thompson has also volunteered for a number of local non-profits during his tenure with the bank and has been a passionate leader who encourages others to get involved. During his time as president and CEO of Capitol Bank, he advocated for his team to give resources of time and expertise to local non-profits. Current team members proudly sit on over 60 boards and committees (with a team of less than 60 people). Ken is also a United Way Tocqueville Society Member, an esteemed level of donor recognition that United Way provides.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association’s Banker of the Year award is presented to one Wisconsin banker each year in recognition of outstanding service to their bank, to the continued vitality of their community, and to the banking profession. The Banker of the Year award began in 1986, and Thompson is the 39th banker honored with this distinction.

February 6, 2025/by Cassandra Krause
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_7265-scaled.jpg 1707 2560 Cassandra Krause https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Cassandra Krause2025-02-06 20:00:172025-02-07 07:37:07Kenneth D. Thompson Named 2024 Banker of the Year
Community, Education, News, Resources

Executive Letter: The Value of Your Network

From the Desk of Rose Oswald Poels

By Rose Oswald Poels

The value of the network of other bankers whom you surround yourself with is priceless. We hear it time and time again from the membership: the need for time on conference agendas to allow for peer networking. As we turn the page to 2025, I wanted to share some information about powerful networking opportunities that are available to you and your teams through your WBA membership.

Wisconsin CEOnly and CFOnly Network 

This annual membership network is open to all CEOs and CFOs currently employed at a Wisconsin-chartered bank. The group, which focuses on networking and idea sharing related to Wisconsin’s banking industry, provides bankers with the platform to anonymously ask questions and receive compiled responses via email as well as connect with peers at up to three in-person networking events. More than 100 Wisconsin bankers participate in this network and find great value in both the email services as well as getting together for the in-person meetings hosted in three different locations around the state each year.

Learn More About the Network

National Society of Bank Executives 

Founded in 2022 by WBA and 15 other state bankers’ associations, the Society was formed to provide a space for c-level bankers to connect across state borders to learn together and build a network. Each year the Society selects one key focus area, with the 2025 topic being Leading Change. Members will be connected with other c-level bankers from across the country for virtual peer groups, participate in two webinars focused on Leading Change, and participate in the October 22–-24 in-person summit in Miami, bringing together members in person for networking, learning sessions, roundtable discussions, professional and personal development activities, and more!

Learn More About the Society of Bank Executives

As a way to spread awareness for the Society, the February 2025 virtual forums will be complimentary for all WBA members to experience! These virtual forums will be professionally facilitated, interactive online sessions that allow senior bank executives to connect with peers outside of their competitive market, learn new perspectives, gain insights from others, expand their knowledge base, and focus on topics important to them. Here’s the information and registration links for the first round of sessions scheduled for February 2025:

  • February 6, 2025 – Chief Human Resource Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Greg Beckwith, AI Mastery – Register here
  • February 13, 2025 – Chief Financial Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Dale Sheller, The Baker Group – Register here
  • February 20, 2025 – Chief Operations Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Tom McGill, Profit Resources, Inc. – Register here
  • February 27, 2025 – Chief Executive Officer Peer Group, facilitated by Sean Payant, Ph.D., Haberfeld – Register here

All virtual events will be held via Zoom at 12:30 p.m. CT. The Zoom link will be emailed to attendees prior to the event.

WBA Connect Peer Groups 

The WBA Connect Peer Groups are an excellent way for your staff members to develop their networks as well!

WBA Connect is a collection of banker-only peer communities designed to keep bankers connected and help one another grow. Membership in each WBA Connect group comes with access to that group’s exclusive online peer-to-peer email, set up using Google Groups. Certain groups will also coordinate in-person networking meetings as desired by the group’s membership.

The following WBA Connect Peer Groups are available:

  • Allies for DEI in Banking
  • Bank Trainers
  • Commercial Lending
  • Enterprise Risk Management
  • Human Resources & Organizational Development
  • Marketing
  • Retail Banking
  • Small Business Bankers
  • Technology & Operations
  • Treasury/Cash Management

Start Connecting!

December 31, 2024/by Cassandra Krause
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Executive-Letter-Thumbnail.png 720 1280 Cassandra Krause https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Cassandra Krause2024-12-31 10:36:002024-12-31 11:49:38Executive Letter: The Value of Your Network
Meredith Strieff Headshot
Advocacy, Community, Education, Member News, News

Wis. Banker Meredith Strieff Serves on ABA Community Bankers Council

Below is a Q & A with Meredith Strieff, vice president, customer experience at Horicon Bank. Strieff chairs the Wisconsin Bankers Association Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) Section Board and has recently taken on a newly created emerging leader seat on the American Bankers Association (ABA) Community Bankers Council (CBC).

Meredith Strieff Headshot

Meredith Strieff

What does the emerging leader role on the ABA CBC entail?

I have the honor of representing the Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) of the ABA within the Community Bankers Council of the ABA. This means that I participate in the working group and council meetings of the CBC, to continue to build the bridge between our two groups. Keeping the CBC informed and included in the initiatives of the ELC, bringing our perspectives, successes, and challenges to light. On the flip side, I bring back the perspectives and initiatives of the CBC to the ELC, helping to drive continued collaboration and forward-thinking approaches toward collective success for the banking industry as a whole.

How do you see the role of emerging leaders shaping the future of the banking industry?

Emerging leaders in general: this is our future! And it’s bright! We, as an industry, need to be deliberate in our nurturing and give this group a voice. Listen to them, learn from them, and do not be afraid of change. The ELC, specifically, is the most caring, compassionate, and most innovative minds in banking. They’re passionate about helping their communities, to make lives better, whether that’s through traditional financial services, partnerships with Fintechs to deliver forward-thinking solutions or educating their communities to enhance the fight against fraud. The drive of these individuals is admirable, and they aren’t afraid to speak up, together, to harness the power of community banks across the country. Lastly, this group is in the ‘boots on the ground’ team at most of their banks — still very much involved in the day to day, where they are experiencing the challenges and successes of community banking along with our customers. This is a powerful place to be that will allow for some of the greatest strides in innovation and customer experience in the coming years. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be a part of that.

What have you learned by being a part of the Council?

ELC — There is far too much to appropriately summarize here. A few highlights:

  • Say yes. When someone asks you to step into a role or speak at conference, or sit on that panel, Just. Say. Yes.
  • (Emerging) leadership is a journey and you’re never done learning. No one started knowing it all, and no one knows it all now. Ask questions and LISTEN to others. They may not have the answers, but they certainly have perspective and the importance of different perspectives gets even bigger as your leadership journey continues.
  • I’ve learned no matter if you’re a community bank from the East Coast or the West Coast, big or small, we’re dealing with the same challenges, and we’re all in this together.

CBC — I’ve only had the one meeting with the CBC thus far, however I have learned that this group of bank CEOs and presidents are amazing people who don’t just talk, they’re out there getting things done. They care about the communities they serve and understand the collaborative power that can be harnessed when we’re all working together.

How has being a part of the Council shaped your perspective on the industry as a whole?

Both ELC & CBC have reinforced my perspective on community banking as a whole. Across both groups, the passion for helping our communities grow and thrive is evident and at the heart of what we do each day. The fight against fraud is real — but never once has the focus been on saving the bank money in loss; the passion for this growing problem is rooted in genuine care for our customers — saving them from potential loss.

How did you get involved in advocacy at the state and national levels?

I’m sure you’ve heard me say this before — I was never, ever, going to raise my hand to sign up to go to Capitol Hill in D.C. to advocate for our banking industry. With the honor of chairing the WBA’s BOLT Section, I was offered the opportunity to attend this event with a group of BOLT bankers, along with WBA staff members. Rose and the team at WBA made this experience so welcoming — simple and easy to navigate, and I felt very prepared and supported throughout. I jumped right into the national level with this trip, and have unfortunately, never had the ability to attend Capitol Day in Wisconsin, due to scheduling conflicts.

What advice do you have for a banker who is interested in advocacy?

Just. Say. Yes. (There’s a theme here.) Sure, it can be daunting at first, however it’s helpful to remember: it’s just people talking to other people. You’re the expert in what you do — banking! Our representatives need to hear from us, and they want to know real life impacts the decisions they are making have on their people they were elected to care for. Understandably, there’s not always an opportunity to go to D.C. or similar, however, you can advocate right here at home! The WBA and ABA have oodles of resources — from pre-written letters and information on policy and regulation proposals to be sent to local representatives to scholarships available to attend a Washington Summit or WBA Capitol Day — check out what’s available! Don’t be afraid to ask your bank’s leadership how you can get involved and be a voice for our industry! If you’re not quite ready for the jump to 100% advocacy, start by joining BOLT and get your feet wet with this group of amazing individuals who are supporting the mission of BOLT: Leadership, Education, and Advocacy.

December 27, 2024/by Cassandra Krause
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Strieff-Meredith-scaled.jpg 2560 1707 Cassandra Krause https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Cassandra Krause2024-12-27 12:18:152024-12-27 12:18:15Wis. Banker Meredith Strieff Serves on ABA Community Bankers Council
Member News

Leadership Isn’t as Scary as It Seems

By Chanel M. Schmidt, vice president – branch manager, Port Washington State Bank, BOLT Section Board Member

Chanel M. Schmidt

I have been a part of the banking community for almost 30 years, it has been a journey working at many different financial institutions, doing various roles. One thing I learned is that banking is my passion, and I am extremely proud of all that I have accomplished. Today, I would like to share my story of being a professional in the banking industry, and the role that Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) through the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), has played a part in my success.

When I started as a banker, my vision was unclear. I was only 16 after all. I had ideas of being a nurse and attending nursing school, or even a teacher. I did eventually attend tech school to complete the early childhood education program. This was useful when I started a family and ran an in home day care. It was rewarding to be home with my family, care for others children and even teach them a little something, seeing their growth and development was truly inspiring and motivated me to want more.

Banking was always easy for me, I was a quick learner and throughout my journey I could always pick right up where I left of. I have been back in banking for just over 10 years. I never imagined wanting to be a leader; that was too terrifying, title was not something that mattered to me and still does not today. My main purpose and goal was to work hard, take care of our customers, and make a difference. This still holds true to today, the only thing that has changed is that I want to make banking better, and I want to impact and inspire others to do the same.

Throughout all of my opportunities the consistent driver was a mentor that believed in me and saw my potential. As I became more confident my vision became clear that this could be more of a career than just a job. About 6 years ago, I was encouraged to train and develop our team members in our retail department, this also seemed terrifying (the word leader came to mind), but I remembered how much I loved to teach and see individual growth and development of an individual. Once I started our training program, I was able to attend my first BOLT summit. The idea was to get together with peers in our industry, and get insightful material to grow our program. I can tell you at first I felt like I was not valuable enough to be there, and boy was I wrong. When you step in a room at a BOLT summit you are meeting and networking with bankers in all roles of our industry. After that first summit, I wanted more. I wanted to be better, I wanted to make a difference to my financial institution. I needed to work hard, and set my goals for my next chapter. I needed to become a leader to help grow and develop others in our corporation.

BOLT has enabled me to build a growth mindset that intelligence can be developed and I had the potential to be a leader. With that mindset it has brought encouragement to take on more challenges and really put me outside of my comfort zone. BOLT has helped me to make an impact in other ways through volunteerism, leadership, training and development facilitating, and the scariest of all; public speaking.

Every experience has taken me past the limits I have set for myself, it has challenged me to grow. The opportunities my company has provided for me to continue my education, attend networking opportunities, attend BOLT summits and join a WBA section board has been career changing. I have learned that leadership isn’t as scary as it seems, everyone can be a leader because the title is not what makes you a leader, it’s how you show up and lead.

August 27, 2024/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BOLT_Summit_social_media_banner_1200x635pxls-scaled.jpg 1355 2560 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2024-08-27 08:10:502024-08-28 09:09:21Leadership Isn’t as Scary as It Seems
Classic Red Barn in a Corn Field
Advocacy, Community

From the Fields: A Legacy of Agricultural Excellence

By Nicholas Felder

As agricultural lenders in Wisconsin, we all play a crucial role in supporting the backbone of our state’s economy. Agriculture is not just a primary contributor; it is a way of life, deeply rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving to keep up with opportunities and threats.

As we all know Wisconsin’s agricultural sector is diverse, ranging from dairy farming to crop production to cattle and poultry and beyond. The state of Wisconsin is heralded for its dairy industry, leading the nation in cheese production and near the top in milk production. Additionally, Wisconsin farmers grow a variety of crops including corn, soybeans, cranberries, vegetables like potatoes and green beans, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.

However, like many agricultural regions across the country, farmers in Wisconsin have encountered numerous challenges in recent years. Fluctuating commodity prices, adverse weather conditions, increasing input and equipment costs, and regulatory pressures have strained cash flows for many operations. These challenges, compounded by global market dynamics and shift in consumer preferences, underscores the need for adaptive financial strategies and robust support from agricultural lenders.

As we navigate through 2024, uncertainty over the political landscape will be a point of discussion and possible contention around many dinner tables as we steam ahead into the fall Presidential election. This also includes discussion around the expired farm bill. The farm bill, typically renewed every five years to provide some stability and support to farmers across the country, is a cornerstone of U.S. agricultural policy. However, the expiration of the 2018 farm bill has left the agricultural community in limbo as we await congressional collaboration to pass a new bill or extend existing provisions.

This farm bill has, and will likely again, include provisions of: Income Support Programs, Conservation and Environmental Programs, Rural Development and Infrastructure; and Trade and Export Promotion. All of these provide support and opportunities for Wisconsin producers and rural economies to grow food, fiber, and fuel at affordable prices which are used locally, nationally, or exported for distribution worldwide.

In its absence, agricultural lenders here in Wisconsin should proactively engage with clients to assess risk exposure and explore strategies to mitigate market volatility. This should lead to conversations about cash flow management and repayment capabilities. We should be informed and ready to utilize the buffet of lending and treasury management options to put our producers in the best position to succeed as possible. We also need to stay informed of developments in the farm bill process and guide producers to resources as well as advocate for policies that support the long-term viability of agriculture in Wisconsin. Please engage with the WBA, local policymakers, and community leaders including engaged customers to voice concerns and influence policy outcomes.

Your role in navigating uncertainty is pivotal in supporting the resilience and prosperity of our farming communities. By staying informed, proactive, and adaptive in your approach to your clients can assist in mitigating risk, allow for capturing of opportunities, and foster sustainable growth amidst a historically challenging environment. As always, while the path forward may be uncertain, your commitment to serving the needs of Wisconsin producers and communities remains steadfast. Together, we can weather the storm and continue to uphold the legacy of agricultural excellence in our state.

Felder is vice president – commercial and agricultural banking at MidWestOne Bank in Lancaster. Felder also serves as Vice Chair on the 2024–2025 WBA Agricultural Bankers Section Board of Directors.

July 26, 2024/by Lori Kalscheuer
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Farm-corn-scaled.jpeg 1707 2560 Lori Kalscheuer https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Lori Kalscheuer2024-07-26 13:19:412024-07-26 13:19:41From the Fields: A Legacy of Agricultural Excellence
Current Health of the Economy Ratings
News

Wis. Bank CEOs Expect More of the Same for the Economy

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June 25, 2024/by Cassandra Krause
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-06-current-health.png 736 1104 Cassandra Krause https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Cassandra Krause2024-06-25 15:43:282024-06-27 09:34:32Wis. Bank CEOs Expect More of the Same for the Economy
Member News, News

Racine Banker Leading Wisconsin Bankers Association Board

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June 5, 2024/by Cassandra Krause
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WBA-Board-Current.png 3581 5371 Cassandra Krause https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Cassandra Krause2024-06-05 21:50:352024-06-05 21:50:35Racine Banker Leading Wisconsin Bankers Association Board
Community, Member News

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

Ryan Boebel

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.

May 8, 2024/by Jaclyn Lindquist
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Blue.jpg 972 1920 Jaclyn Lindquist https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Jaclyn Lindquist2024-05-08 08:05:552024-05-08 08:07:39Get to Know Ryan Boebel: WBA’s 2024–2025 BOLT Section Chair
Education, News

Graduate School of Banking at UW–Madison Welcomes New Leadership

Paul C. Katz Selected to Succeed Retiring President and CEO

Paul C. Katz

The Board of Trustees of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (GSB) is pleased to announce that Paul C. Katz has been selected as the next GSB/Prochnow Educational Foundation (PEF) president and CEO. Katz succeeds Kirby Davidson, who announced his retirement in October of 2023. Katz will begin as president on June 1, 2024, and assume the role of CEO upon Davidson’s retirement on December 31, 2024.

Katz comes to GSB following 25 years in banking industry leadership roles. He most recently served as managing director & head of bank relations at Promontory MortgagePath in Danbury, Conn. Prior to that, he was EVP of the State Association Alliance with the American Bankers Association in Washington, D.C. where he collaborated with 51 state bankers associations to improve the competitive position of the nation’s banks. In both roles, he established himself as a strategic thinker with a proven track record for growing existing business. He earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in political science from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. and is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program — Leadership for Extraordinary Performance — at the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business.

“I have the highest respect for GSB and its students, alumni, faculty, and staff,” said Katz. “I am honored to be entrusted to lead the organization and look forward to building on its longstanding tradition of educating professionals and creating leaders.”

A national search, managed by The QTI Group of Madison, yielded applications from more than 300 candidates for the position. It was important to the Board of Trustees that the search committee include various perspectives and backgrounds. For this reason, the eight-member committee consisted of state association executives, banker alumni, and faculty. The seven-month process included surveys and input from key constituent groups including Trustees, bankers, faculty, and staff.

“The Board of Trustees is very thankful for the thorough effort the search committee put into this important leadership position,” said Randy Hultgren, president and CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association and chair of the GSB Board of Trustees. “Paul will be an outstanding leader and intuitive thinker, who will help shape the School and its various in-person and online educational programs for years to come.”

Current GSB/PEF President and CEO Davidson said, “GSB has always been recognized as the best and most progressive graduate banking school in the country. I am confident that under Paul’s leadership this tradition will continue. We are on the cusp of some major enhancements and additional offerings that, with Paul’s background, will serve the School well in the years to come.”

More information on the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison can be found at gsb.org.

May 6, 2024/by Cassandra Krause
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Katz-head-shot.jpg 2001 1572 Cassandra Krause https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Cassandra Krause2024-05-06 15:23:112024-05-06 15:24:19Graduate School of Banking at UW–Madison Welcomes New Leadership
News, Resources

Executive Letter: New Opportunity to Invest in Your Emerging Leaders

By Rose Oswald Poels

Announced earlier this month during the annual Bank Executives Conference, the Wisconsin Bankers Association has launched our newest opportunity for emerging bank leaders — the BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow) Leadership Academy. Having long prioritized professional development to ensure that members stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices as they move through their career, the Association is excited to expand upon this commitment to present a formalized leadership program designed specifically for your bank’s highly motivated emerging leaders.

Each year, thousands of bankers utilize the Association — whether for participating in educational programs or leveraging resources — to foster their professional development and enhance their contributions to the industry. For over a decade, WBA’s BOLT Program has propelled countless bankers across the state into leadership positions. In establishing a comprehensive and structured approach to leadership development as part of the BOLT Leadership Academy, the Association looks forward to continuing our legacy of shaping the aspiring leaders of Wisconsin’s banking industry for generations to come.

The BOLT Leadership Academy takes the success of WBA’s well-established BOLT Program one step further through an all-encompassing and targeted experience for a cohort of 20 to 25 bankers. This structured approach aims to empower participants with the skills and broad knowledge necessary to successfully navigate the complexities of being a leader in the banking industry.

Throughout the 15-month program, bankers will take part in a number of in-person and virtual events — many of which have been developed exclusively for the Academy participants — to facilitate long-lasting connections and hone essential leadership competencies, including strategic management, risk assessment, and communication. The curriculum for the BOLT Leadership Academy extends the BOLT mission to assist members in advancing as leaders all while making the most of the small group setting.

WBA is now accepting applications from aspiring banking leaders who are interested in developing their skills to advance their career in our industry. With limited space available, please encourage your bank’s emerging leaders to complete the application before Friday, March 22, 2024.

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February 28, 2024/by Hannah Flanders
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