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North Shore Bank Spreads Holiday Cheer and Community Support Through Toy Donation Drives

North Shore Bank announced that eight of its branches in the northeast will host toy drives for local organizations in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. The public is invited to make donations of new, unwrapped toys, books, and other gifts for children at participating locations.

“We are thrilled to ring in the holiday season by supporting local organizations who are dedicated to uplifting children and families throughout our communities,” said Kerri Collins, vice president and Northeast Wisconsin district manager at North Shore Bank. “We encourage everyone to stop by one of the participating branches and donate new toys for children and families in need this holiday season in the Fox Cities, Door County, and Green Bay areas.”

The following locations are drop-off points for Adopt a Local Family in need, now through Dec. 12:

These branches are collecting for Toys for Tots, now through Dec. 7:

In Door County these offices are collecting for Toys for Kids, now through Dec. 11:

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, North Shore Bank is a mutual savings bank with assets of over $2.5 billion and 43 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Wisconsin locations are in metro Milwaukee, Germantown, Ozaukee County, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Menasha, Green Bay and surrounding areas, Burlington, Union Grove, Muskego, and Door County. Locate a North Shore Bank office.

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Mark Barberino Promoted to Executive Vice President

Mark Barberino

One Community Bank is thrilled to announce the promotion of Mark Barberino to Executive Vice President while maintaining his role as Chief Credit Officer. Mark will continue to support team members and strengthen internal operations while expanding his strategic responsibilities to further advance One Community Bank’s goals. He will also continue to foster collaboration across departments to ensure exceptional service to clients.

“Mark’s profound experience, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to our clients and colleagues have made him an invaluable part of One Community Bank,” said Steve Peotter, President and Chief Executive Officer. “His promotion reflects not only his accomplishments but also our confidence in his continued impacts in the future.”

Mark has been with One Community Bank for 22 years. He has played a key role in advancing OCB’s lending initiatives and supporting the growth of the credit department. Under his leadership, the credit department has expanded into five specialized divisions.

Throughout his career at One Community Bank, Mark has demonstrated a passion for OCB’s mission to serve clients, support colleagues, and invest in our communities. “What drives me every day is seeing the genuine commitment from our leadership and team members to deliver on our purpose,” said Mark. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an organization that truly lives its mission.”

Outside of work, Mark enjoys golfing, working in the yard, and perfecting his cooking and grilling skills.

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North Shore Bank Opens New Full-Service Branch in West Allis

North Shore Bank West Allis Branch

North Shore Bank announced the opening date of a new West Allis branch located at 10539 W. National Ave. The new location will open on Monday, Nov. 3, just west of its existing property in the same parking lot.

“The new branch offers the same high-touch, personable service our customers know and appreciate, with enhanced technology to better serve the community,” says Susan T. Doyle, senior vice president of retail banking at North Shore Bank. “We’re looking forward to providing a more convenient banking experience for West Allis residents. This is a continued investment in the community we’ve been proud to be part of for 25 years.”

The new full-service location includes more private areas for meeting with customers, seven-day drive-up banking, 24/7 ATM access, in-branch coin counting, and video teller technology. The existing West Allis branch, located at 10533 W. National Ave, will close on Friday, Oct. 31, with service transitioning to the new location on Monday, Nov. 3. All employees will be transferred to the new location.

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Community State Bank Strengthens Burlington Market with Award-Winning Lender Bakshis

Barb Bakshis

Community State Bank added one of the area’s most experienced bankers to its team in welcoming longtime Burlington resident Barb Bakshis as its new Senior Vice President |Business Banking. Bakshis brings 35 years of banking experience to Community State Bank. She will be onboard in the Burlington office in late October.

The 2024 Racine County Economic Development Corporation Lender of the Year served as a community banker in Burlington for over 20 years.

“I deal with businesses of all sizes and I can recognize the economic impact those businesses have on their communities,” Bakshis said. “Community State Bank is committed to the communities it serves.”

Bakshis works out of the CSB Burlington office located at 308 Bridge St., just a short drive from her 150-acre farm where she calls home.

“Living and working in the same community certainly has its advantages,” Bakshis said. Bakshis will work closely in the Burlington office with CSB VP | Market President David Schalk and Michael Fohey, CSB VP | Residential Real Estate.

“Barb is well-respected in this community,” said David Schalk, CSB VP| Market President (Burlington).  “This allows us to get an experienced lender who’s been in the community for a long time with relationships established with some of the most reputable local businesses.”

“Barb brings with her years of valuable experience in the Burlington area, where she has built strong relationships and a deep understanding of the local business landscape,” said Robert Pieroni, EVP | Chief Lending Officer | Market President.

“As we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the Burlington area, Barb’s expertise and community insight will further enhance our ability to serve local businesses with excellence and care.”

Pieroni is a two-time RCEDC Lender of the Year, honored for two straight years in 2020 and 2021. Community State Bank VP | Market President (Waterford) Jay Cashmore won the award in 2025. With Bakshis’ arrival, a CSB lender has captured the award in four of the last six years. Bakshis serves the community in many ways, in multiple volunteer and leadership roles. She is on the Board of Directors at Experience Burlington, co-chairs the annual Burlington Christmas Parade and is a member of Racine County Leadership Committee. Bakshis is a trustee for the Burlington Catholic School Board of Directors and a trustee at her church, St. Charles Catholic Church in Burlington. Bakshis enjoys time on the farm with her husband Mike. When Barb isn’t banking, she’s relaxing at their Wisconsin cabin, hunting and spending time in her greenhouse.

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Bank Five Nine Donates $10,000 to Special Spaces to Build a “Dream Room” for a Child Battling Cancer

Bank Five Nine recently donated $10,000 to Special Spaces, helping make a dream bedroom come to life for a local child battling cancer. Special Spaces is a organization that designs and builds custom bedrooms for children ages 2–19 who are fighting cancer. Each room is designed to give the child a safe, comfortable place to rest, heal, and just be a kid.

“At Bank Five Nine, we’re all about making lives better, and that starts right here in our communities,” said Jeff McCarthy, SVP and Marketing Director at Bank Five Nine. “Supporting Special Spaces gives us a chance to help create something meaningful for a child and their family during a really tough and unimaginable time.” The bank’s donation will fund materials, furniture, décor, and all the finishing touches that make each Special Spaces room unique.  Bank Five Nine employees will also volunteer their time to help build and install the room.

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Celebrating Mary Karnitz: Ozaukee Impact Award Volunteer of the Year

Pictured from left to right: Tarrah Beyer, VP/Director of Marketing, Joan Woldt, SVP/COO, Amy Kauper, VP/Director of Retail Banking, Mary Karnitz, VP/Branch Manager and Cindy Nierode, CFO, all with Port Washington State Bank.

We are thrilled to share that Mary Karnitz (second from right in photo above), Vice President and Branch Manager of our Grafton office, has been honored as the Ozaukee Impact Award Volunteer of the Year.

A true pillar of the Grafton community, Mary has spent more than a decade embodying the spirit of giving, service, and leadership. Her impact reaches across education, philanthropy, business, and family support programs — always with the goal of making Ozaukee County a stronger, more connected place to live and work.

Mary has served as both President and Past President of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, where she continues to shape initiatives that support local businesses, foster community connections, and celebrate the people who make Grafton thrive. She also helped launch 100+ Women Who Care Ozaukee County, a transformative giving circle that has directed more than $300,000 to local nonprofits since 2015, empowering women to be changemakers in their own backyard. Her dedication extends to health and family support through her board work and volunteerism with Ozaukee Family Services, uplifting families and children navigating grief and hardship.

Mary is also a passionate advocate for youth. She brings financial education to students across Grafton elementary, middle, and high schools through the Teach Kids to Save initiative. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement programs and the Reality Store at John Long Middle School, helping dozens of students gain essential life skills in saving, budgeting, and financial literacy.

Beyond her leadership roles, Mary is a familiar face at community traditions such as the Grafton Tree Lighting, Ladies Night Out, and the Chamber’s annual golf outings, where she helps build pride, connection, and celebration.

“Mary leads with both passion and purpose,” said Amy Kauper, Vice President of Retail Banking at Port Washington State Bank. “Her dedication to serving others — whether it’s mentoring students, supporting local nonprofits, or strengthening our business community — reflects the very best of what it means to be a community banker. We are so proud to see her recognized with this award.”

Mary’s heart for service has created lasting ripples across Ozaukee County, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment.

Congratulations, Mary, on being named the Ozaukee Impact Award Volunteer of the Year! Your energy, compassion, and leadership continue to inspire all of us.

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Ryan Petri Appointed to the Board of Directors at Westbury Bank and Westbury Bancorp, Inc.

Ryan Petri

Westbury Bank is pleased to announce that Ryan Petri has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Westbury Bank and Westbury Bancorp, Inc. effective Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Ryan has been employed by Westbury Bank since 2007 and currently serves as President. Ryan’s active involvement in the community, experience in the Financial Services industry, and intimate knowledge of the Bank make him a natural choice for this appointment to the Board.

Ryan has over 20 years of experience and expertise in the Financial Services industry. His previous experience includes the areas of retail banking, commercial credit underwriting, portfolio management, collections and credit restructuring, commercial lending, operations and bank management. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Banking program. Ryan is also a past graduate of the West Bend Leadership Program, is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (Wisconsin Chapter), Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin (CAR-W), the Waukesha County Business Alliance and the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Along with being active in his community, he enjoys traveling with family and coaching youth baseball and football.

“Westbury is extremely grateful for all of Ryan’s contributions to the Bank and the communities that we serve and look forward to his continued dedication, team-oriented approach, and contributions to the Board and its strategy,” Greg Remus, CEO of Westbury Bank.

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Jarod Schut joins First Citizens State Bank

Jarod Schut

Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Jarod Schut, CFP®, CTFA has joined the Bank as Vice President – Trust & Investment officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Jarod has more than 10 years of experience in financial advising including 8 years specializing in Trust Administration, Financial and Estate Planning, and Fiduciary Investment Management. He graduated from UW-Whitewater with a BBA majoring in both Finance and Economics, and later an MBA with a Finance emphasis. He also received his Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) professional certification from the American Bankers Association (ABA) and holds the Series 7, 63, and 65 along with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “Jarod’s commitment to craft solutions to our customers’ specific needs aligns perfectly with our mission to provide personalized service with professional recommendations. We are thrilled to have him on board heading up our Trust Department.”

Jarod enjoys going on family trips with his wife and two sons, having playground picnics, and playing pickleball. He is also a certified SCUBA diver.

Jarod commented, “I’m excited to bring my passion for helping clients understand their estate plan and investments, developing financial plans, and helping them achieve their future goals to such a historic institution with a focus on community. I enjoy getting to know clients and their families through listening and cultivating relationships.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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Celebrating a Lifetime of Service: Joan Woldt Honored with WBA Lifetime Service Award

Joan Woldt

Each year, the Wisconsin Bankers Association recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to strengthening Wisconsin’s banking industry. In 2025, we are proud to celebrate Joan Woldt as a recipient of the WBA Lifetime Service Award for her 30 years of service in the banking industry.

Joan’s career spans decades of unwavering commitment, leadership, and service. Whether mentoring employees, building lasting relationships, or navigating change with grace, Joan has consistently exemplified what it means to be a community banker.

Reflecting on her career, Joan shared: “I’ve always believed that banking is about people first. It’s been an honor to serve our customers and work alongside such dedicated colleagues over the years. I’m truly grateful for this recognition.”

We couldn’t agree more. Joan’s decades of experience and deep industry knowledge are invaluable assets to our organization, and we are honored to have her leadership and expertise guiding us forward.

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Greenwoods State Bank Announces Name Change to Bank CMG

With the recent closing of the sale of Greenwoods State Bank (GSB) to Christopher M. George, WBA staff talked with leadership at GSB to learn more about the transaction and the opportunities it presents for the bank and its customers.

It is important to remember that Christopher M. George individually purchased GSB; the mortgage company he owns, CMG Home Loans, did not. With this transition, GSB will officially become Bank CMG starting October 1, 2025, and will have a new logo. Bank CMG will continue as a full-service financial institution offering lending and treasury management for business and retail customers. Its commitment to their clients, employees, and the communities they operate in remains the same.

Part of the strategy behind this ownership change is to gain national strength and more resources, offering even more opportunities and innovative solutions to customers, all while keeping the personal service their customers trust. In the near term, Bank CMG will drive residential volume from seven states’ (WI, MN, IA, IL, MI, IN, OH) loan production offices through the bank, and is looking to create wealth management services.

By Q2 2026, the bank will have an expanded selection of residential mortgage products, including residential construction loans, All in One loans (a first lien home equity that sweeps back and forth from a checking account), multiple avenues for down payment assistance, expanded secondary market offerings, and competitive jumbo loan products. Operationally, Bank CMG is looking to improve and expand its systems both internally and customer-facing. As with most banks, Bank CMG intends to continue its growth through future acquisitions, de novo branches, and organic growth in existing markets.

Bank CMG is focused on ensuring its strong customer service and extensive community involvement continues well into the future. While the team will be growing, customers will also continue to see the same people and same smiles when interacting with the bank. In WBA’s conversation with Bank CMG leadership, they emphasized that all of their Wisconsin markets (Madison, Lake Mills, Waukesha, Burlington, Lake Geneva, Monroe, Monticello, Albany, Evansville) will remain vitally important as they move forward and grow. WBA wishes Bank CMG much success through this transition!

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608-441-1200

4721 S Biltmore Ln.
Madison, WI 53718

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