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Committee Chair Spotlight: Get to Know WBA’s 2025–2026 Retail Committee Chair Heather Mader

Heather Mader, vice president / branch manager with Port Washington State Bank is the newly appointed chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Retail Committee.

Heather Mader

As Mader steps into her new role, WBA asked her a few questions to help members learn more about her.

Can you share a bit about your experience in banking?

With 21 years of experience in Retail banking, I’ve built a career grounded in growth, service, and a deep appreciation for community-focused financial institutions. I began at M&I Bank, transitioned to a Community Bank in Trust, and eventually joined Port Washington State Bank, where I proudly serve as VP Branch Manager of  the Mequon Location. Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered the true value in the relationship-building approach that community banking offers. Unlike the big box banks, community banks allow for more meaningful, personalized connections with customers—where service goes beyond transactions and becomes about trust, support, and long-term partnership. I take great pride in being part of an environment where we know our customers by name and where every interaction has the power to positively impact someone’s life.

What you are looking forward to most during the year ahead as chair of the WBA Retail Committee?

As I step into the year ahead as Chair of the WBA Retail Committee, I’m truly excited to be part of such a dedicated and collaborative group of banking professionals. It’s an honor to work alongside peers who are passionate about sharing ideas, strengthening our industry, and supporting one another’s growth. One of the highlights for me is the opportunity to review scholarship applications and help select the deserving recipients—an inspiring reminder of the talent and dedication within our banking community. I also look forward to the Flex conference in the fall, where we’ll come together to build connections, exchange ideas, and continue learning from one another as we navigate the ever-evolving world of banking.

Your favorite quote?

She was powerful, not because she wasn’t scared but because she went on so strongly, despite the fear”-Atticus from To Kill a Mocking Bird

Your favorite podcast or binge-worthy series?

Dateline. I love all the crime shows though.

“When I am not at work, you can find me…”

Up North in the woods or on a lake.

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Alyssa Jackson Promoted to Contact Center Manager with Prevail Bank

Alyssa Jackson

Prevail Bank is thrilled to announce that Alyssa Jackson has been promoted to Customer Contact Center Manager. Alyssa has over ten years’ experience in a contact center environment, including several years of creating, leading, and facilitating training and development programs for contact center representatives. Effective May 27, she will office from the Prevail Bank -Stevens Point branch.

When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping, traveling, watching football, baseball (Lambeau and American Family Field are her favorite destinations), and spending time with her family watching her seven nieces and nephews play sports.

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Why I’m Looking Forward to the 2025 BOLT Summer Leadership Summit

By Hope Markhardt, Business Relationship Manager at Lake Ridge Bank and BOLT Board Member

Hope Markhardt

There’s something energizing about being in a room full of people who want to grow—both professionally and personally. That’s what makes the WBA BOLT Summer Leadership Summit, coming up June 5–6 in Wisconsin Dells, such a meaningful event. It’s where new ideas meet opportunity, and where future leaders get to connect with others on a similar path.

As a returning attendee and member of the BOLT Board, I’ve seen how impactful this summit can be—not just for individuals, but for the banks that invest in them. The conversations, the learning, and the networking all help bring a fresh sense of motivation that carries well beyond the two days we spend together.

What I’m Excited About This Year
I’m especially looking forward to the general session, “Banking in the Era of GenAI: Why the Soul Still Matters.” As someone who uses AI in my daily work, I’m really interested in how we can balance new technology with the human side of what we do.
I’m also excited for the breakout session on the “7 Habits of Highly Successful Bankers.” Sessions like this help us focus on the habits and mindset that make a difference, especially in a fast-changing industry.

Why BOLT Is Worth It
One of the most valuable parts of BOLT is getting to spend time with people who are driven, curious, and ready to step into leadership. You walk away with ideas you can take back to your team, along with a stronger sense of purpose in your role.

If you’re a leader thinking about who to send this year, know that your investment will come back tenfold. Attendees return with new tools, fresh perspective, and connections that last well beyond the summit.

If you’ve never been to BOLT, this is the year to check it out. And if you’ve been before, you already know how valuable it can be.

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Prevail Bank Teaches Children Valuable Saving Skills

Bankers teach children valuable saving skills by reading together

David Johns, Prevail Bank Chief Retail Officer, reading to a 2nd grade classroom at Sam Davey Elementary School in Eau Claire.

During the month of April – National Financial Literacy Month – seven Prevail Bank professionals volunteered and taught, in collaboration with the classroom teachers, approximately 234 kids the value of saving. They facilitated money-related activities and read a book entitled, “Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock” by Sheila Barr.

Kim Aguilar, Prevail Bank’s SVP – Loan Operations, reading to 3rd graders at Altoona Elementary School.

In the story Rock and Brock are very different twins. Their grandpa offered them each one dollar every Saturday during the summer. For every dollar they saved, Gramps matched it. Rock was excited and spent his money, while Brock kept his money and watched it grow. The book’s lesson served as a launching point for broader discussions about the importance of setting money aside at an early age.

Participating in National Teach Children to Save Day reflects Prevail Bank’s commitment to improving financial literacy in the communities it serves.

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Bank Five Nine Celebrates Top Workplaces Win for 16 Straight Years

Pictured (from left to right): Sharon Manke, Bank Five Nine Security Officer; Heather Boggs, Bank Five Nine Customer Experience Team Lead; Rob Reynolds, Bank Five Nine HR Director; Darryl Meissner, Bank Five Nine Assistant Branch Manager; Tim Schneider, Bank Five Nine President and CEO; Megan Little, Bank Five Nine Marketing Representative; Megan Petit, Bank Five Nine Customer Service Manager; and Tim Siegel, Retail Lending Risk Compliance Manager

Bank Five Nine is proud to announce that it has once again been named a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, marking 16 consecutive years of being recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Wisconsin. Out of 164 companies on this year’s list, only 8 have received this honor for 16 consecutive years. Bank Five Nine is proud to be one of them.

The Top Workplaces award is especially meaningful because it is based solely on employee feedback. The anonymous research-backed employee engagement survey measures several workplace experiences and the themes that drive it. The fact that employees continue to rank Bank Five Nine so highly year after year is a testament to the organization’s people-first culture.

“We are incredibly proud of this honor,” said Tim Schneider, President and CEO of Bank Five Nine. “The fact that it’s our employees who serve as the judges makes this recognition especially meaningful. Because of their personal efforts to ‘Make Lives Better’ each day, for our customers and for each other, we’ve built something truly special. This award is certainly a team accomplishment.”

Schneider went on to mention that this award is a reflection of the company’s amazing team and the strong values they bring to work every day, like helping others, working together, giving back to the community, and living out their mission of making lives better. They’re always on the lookout for more amazing people to join their growing team. If you’re looking for a great workplace visit bankfivenine.com/careers to check out their open positions.

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Four WBA Member Banks Share Fraud Prevention Release: Scammers Are Pretending to Help – But They’re Really Hacking into Your Life

Four WBA member banks: AbbyBank, ForwardBank, Northwestern Bank, and Prevail Bank continue to collaborate to educate their communities on how to prevent common forms of fraud. 

Have you ever gotten a phone call from someone saying there’s a problem with your computer? They might say they’re from Microsoft, Apple, or even your bank. They sound super helpful. But here’s the truth — they’re not here to help. They’re trying to scam you.

These fake “tech support” calls are on the rise, and they can lead to stolen money, locked accounts, and big headaches. That’s why local community banks are warning customers: hang up and don’t click.

Here’s what usually happens:
•  You get a call or pop up on your computer saying something is wrong.
•  The person says they need remote access to fix it.
•  You give them access — and boom! They’re in your system and eventually your bank account.
•  Some even ask you to “refund” money they “accidentally” put in your account.

“These scammers are smooth talkers. They sound kind and professional, which makes people trust them,” said Connie Zuleger, COO at Prevail Bank. “But no real tech support team will ever ask for access to your computer out of the blue.”

Here’s what you can watch for:
•  Pop-ups with scary messages about viruses
•  Phone calls saying there’s a problem with your computer or bank account
•  Anyone asking you to download something or visit a website
•  Requests for your online banking password or for remote access

“If it feels fishy, it probably is,” said Natalyn Jannene, Assistant Vice President of Marketing at AbbyBank. “We tell our customers to slow down, hang up, and call us directly. It’s always safer to double-check.”

At each local bank, teams are trained to watch for unusual transactions. If something doesn’t look right, bankers will reach out to you directly. Many banks also teach customers how to spot scams through workshops, emails, and one-on-one help.

Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1.  Never give control of your device to someone you don’t know.
2.  Don’t share your banking info unless you call the bank yourself.
3.  Talk to someone you trust before sending money.
4.  Call your bank if something feels off. We’re here to help.

Let’s work together to stop tech support scams before they hurt more people.

AbbyBank www.abbybank.com
Forward Bank www.forward.bank
Northwestern Bank www.northwesternbank.com
Prevail Bank www.prevail.bank

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Community Advocate Spotlight: Edward H. Schaefer, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin

Edward H. Schaefer

The following is a brief interview between WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and First Federal Bank of Wisconsin CEO Edward H. Schaefer.

Rose: How did you first get into the banking industry?
Ed: My first banking job was interning during the summers in college at First Wisconsin Bank. One summer I worked as a teller at Capitol Drive and Teutonia Avenue in Milwaukee. I loved working the hectic paydays before ACH Payroll existed where we verified identities via signature cards. Another summer I worked in the international department doing workout support on troubled loans in Central America. Very interesting! I never saw myself making a career out of community/commercial banking, but a bank recruited me out of business school and now I have been directly or indirectly involved in the industry for over 40 years.

What is your favorite aspect of your role at the bank?
I enjoy the mentoring and team development aspect of running a business. I had a few mentors along the way that believed in me and provided me the skills to be successful. They were tough but fair and I have followed in their footsteps where I can look back and see the many executives who I mentored as junior bankers that are now very successful running numerous banks throughout Wisconsin.

What do you wish the general public understood about the banking industry?
I wish the public understood the many types of financial services companies and their differences. Although money is the commodity we use in banking, we all serve different niches. Community banks provide value-added service and they support their communities, while providing quick local decision making. We call that “The Community Bank Difference” at First Federal. Too often we are treated just like a number at larger financial institutions. Not at a community bank, we believe every business/individual should have a great attorney, a great accountant, a great insurance agent and a great banker to give them the advice and feedback to be successful.

Where do you believe the industry’s greatest challenges are in the next three to five years?
Our industry’s biggest challenges can be our biggest opportunities.

1. People/Staffing: How are we going to fill our people/staffing needs in the future? The big banks used to have training programs, but now they train bankers to only do specific tasks.
The generalist bankers who understand the many facets of a bank are hard to find. It is ironic that we used to get that talent from the larger banks, now they are hiring our people. It is also amazing how many community bankers are now in roles at the numerous credit unions, regional banks, and national banks in Wisconsin. The opportunity for us is that we must continue to mentor and train to develop the team that best serves our customers’ needs, lives within our value system, and wants to be a well-rounded banker in a community bank setting.
2. FinTechs/Credit Unions/Consolidation: FinTechs are going to serve niches more efficiently than we are able. Credit unions are going to continue to grow until there is a severe credit event. Consolidation is only going to accelerate. Fourteen out of the top 20 financial institutions in the state are credit unions. Banking charters have declined by half as well as credit union charters. The public does not care because there are so many more bank and credit union branches than there were 30 years ago (five times as many). The opportunity is to profitably grow your bank utilizing technology to be the bank of choice and provide the value-added service your customers want and deserve.
3. Size: Even with technology, the cost of running our businesses must be paid for over more earning assets. The $50-$100M banks and credit unions are almost all gone. The $100-$250M banks are quickly consolidating, and I believe if you are not a $500M bank (unless family owned) in the next five years you will not be able to make a proper  return for your shareholders/ investors.

Please describe your current role at your bank and share with us one of your more rewarding experiences.
I am currently CEO of First Federal Bank of Wisconsin and president and CEO of our holding company, FFBW Bancorp. I have been a part of helping turn around five struggling/failing banks in my career. It has been truly rewarding watching bankers that I have challenged exceed my expectations, realize their potential, and become exceptional bankers. In one case a banker told me she was going to show me that she could do the job I challenged her to do. She is now a senior executive at a $1 billion+ bank. That is very rewarding to me.

You could probably call me a turnaround specialist or a profit enhancer. Putting out fires, putting a platform and team in place, developing the necessary cultures that lead to success is very demanding work. However, as the end of my career nears, providing the value-added service to our customers/prospects and running a bank to me is easy, it is the successful businesses and bankers that I have had a small part in mentoring that makes me most proud. Well, maybe second to my wonderful family.

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Beware of Gift Card Fraud: A Red Flag for Scams

Gift cards are a convenient way to celebrate special occasions, but they are also a favored tool for fraudsters. When someone asks you to pay for a product, service, or debt with a gift card, it’s a major red flag for fraud.

Fraudsters often pressure victims to purchase gift cards, claiming it’s the quickest way to settle a debt, pay a fine, or avoid legal trouble. Once you share the card numbers and PIN, the scammer drains the funds, and recovering the money becomes nearly impossible.

“I was standing in line at a local retailer behind someone who was requesting a very large amount of their gift cards to make a payment,” stated Chris Mueller, VP / Compliance Officer at Forward Bank. “The service desk staff did their best to persuade them not to send out the cards, and I did my best to help them get this across. It’s not easy to stop this from happening.”

One common scam is the “imposter scam,” where fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust—a government official, family member, or even a tech support representative. They claim an urgent situation, such as unpaid taxes or a loved one in need, then demand immediate payment through gift cards.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers most commonly requested cards from major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Google Play.

Examples of Known Scams

  1. IRS Impersonation: Fraudsters call pretending to be from the IRS, threatening legal action unless the victim pays back taxes using prepaid gift cards.
  2. Tech Support Scams: A scammer claims your computer has a virus, offering to fix it if you buy gift cards as payment.
  3. Grandparent Scam: An imposter calls, pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, asking for money in the form of gift cards to cover emergency expenses.

“Many of these scams listed are targeting our senior population,” commented Natalyn Jannene, Assistant Vice President of Marketing at AbbyBank. “They are playing on an individuals love for their family members or lack of confidence in technology issues. Family can pull together and watch out for each other to prevent the scam itself or the gift cards from being sent.”

Protect Yourself

If anyone asks for payment via gift cards, it’s almost certainly a scam. Report such instances to the FTC immediately and contact the retailer to see if they can freeze the card’s funds before they’re used. Be skeptical of urgent requests involving gift cards, and always double-check with trusted sources.

Other common scams occurring throughout the year are tech support scams. These could lead to gift cards being requested as payment.

If a caller says your computer has a problem, hang up. A tech support call you don’t expect is a scam —even if the number is local or looks legitimate. These scammers use fake caller ID information to look like local businesses or trusted companies.

If you get a pop-up message on your device to call tech support, ignore it. Some pop-up messages about computer issues are legitimate, but do not call a number or click on a link that appears in a pop-up message warning you of a computer problem.

“By raising awareness, we can help prevent more people from falling victim to this growing form of fraud,” stated Andrew Henning, AVP – Compliance at Northwestern Bank.  “Stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect your money.”

For more information on how to avoid scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Protection website (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov).

AbbyBank           www.abbybank.com

Forward Bank   www.forward.bank

Northwestern Bank www.northwesternbank.com

Prevail Bank      www.prevail.bank

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Prevail Bank: Bates is New Prevail Bank – Stevens Point Manager

Dejonna Bates

Prevail Bank is excited to share that Dejonna Bates is the new Branch Manager in Stevens Point. Bates has over 10 years’ experience in account management and building customer relationships, with an emphasis on managing an assortment of financial services in the last five.

Bates, a Plainfield native, enjoys kayaking, playing with rescue dogs Parker and Lola, home improvement DIY projects, and spending time with family.

 

 

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Bank First: Bank First Announces a New Hire and Promotions

Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC), is pleased to announce the addition of Ryan Streicher to its team as well as the promotion of Julie Luker and Denise Goebel.

Ryan Streicher

Ryan Streicher has recently joined the Bank as Internal Audit Officer. “We are excited to welcome Ryan to our team,” commented Scott Tuma, Vice President – Enterprise Risk Management at Bank First. “His experience in audit oversight and banking operations will strengthen our internal processes, enhance risk management, and help to ensure the delivery of secure, dependable services that align with our growth strategy.” Ryan joins Bank First with over 10 years of experience in the banking sector, specializing in audit oversight related to financial reporting, treasury and liquidity management, commercial lending, risk management, and other related functions. He also launched and successfully operated an accounting and consulting firm that focused on assisting small businesses, highlighting his dedication to fostering financial stability and growth at a local level.

In his role at Bank First, Ryan will oversee the transition of the internal audit function to an in-house model. His responsibilities will include building and leading an internal audit team, developing annual audit plans, conducting enterprise risk assessments, and managing risk across the Bank’s various departments. His experience positions him to identify areas for improvement and implement efficient, compliant practices that benefit the Bank and its valued customers. Ryan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from UW – Green Bay and holds a CPA license. Additionally, he serves as Secretary for the Fox Valley – Central Wisconsin Institute of Internal Auditors and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, emphasizing his active engagement in the professional community.

Julie Luker

Julie Luker has been promoted to Vice President – Retail Banking. Julie joined the Bank in January 2013 and has been an integral part of the Bank First team, serving in its Appleton and Oshkosh offices. In February 2016, Julie was promoted to Assistant Vice President – Retail Banking. Before joining the Bank, Julie had over 20 years of banking experience, primarily in mortgage origination, branch management, and retail banking roles. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to exceptional customer service while building strong relationships with her community, her local team, and the Bank’s retail bankers throughout the state. “Julie’s community involvement, her exceptional leadership at the Appleton branch, and her unwavering commitment to delivering an outstanding guest experience exemplify the core values we uphold at Bank First,” said Albert Curl, Senior Vice President – Retail Market Manager at Bank First. “Her dedication to fostering strong relationships has been instrumental in enhancing our service quality and strengthening our presence in the Fox Valley region. We are proud to recognize Julie’s hard work and achievements.”

In her new role, Julie will continue to support the Bank’s new and existing retail customers in Appleton and the surrounding communities. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marian University and an associate’s degree from UW – Oshkosh. Passionate about community engagement, she actively volunteers with her family’s church, the Realtor Association of Northeast Wisconsin (RANW), and various local builder associations. Julie has previously served as a board member for the Winnegamie Home Builders Association (WHBA), earning their Associate Member Award in 2022. Her dedication was further recognized when she received RANW’s Jim Smith Excellence in Professionalism Award in 2023 and was once named RANW Affiliate of the Year. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Julie helps manage her family businesses and enjoys walking, outdoor activities, reading, and spending time with her husband, their three sons, and friends.

Denise Goebel

Denise Goebel has been promoted to Business Service Officer. With a banking career spanning 32 years, Denise has been a valued member of the Bank First team since 2010, beginning her journey as Loan Operations Manager and most recently serving as Lead Business Service Representative. “Denise has a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping our team and clients succeed,” stated Jason Krepline, Chief Lending Officer at Bank First. “She has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers and an exceptional ability to drive results. Denise’s leadership will be central in Bank First’s ongoing efforts to deliver a remarkable customer experience to our commercial and agricultural clients.”

In her new role, Denise will provide leadership and mentorship to the Bank’s Business Service Representative team, manage the loan documentation process, and ensure seamless communication between customers, relationship managers, and the Bank’s internal teams. By overseeing the team’s efforts, she will play a key role in maintaining consistency and efficiency in the Bank’s processes while enhancing the overall customer experience. Denise holds a bachelor of business administration in finance from UW-Milwaukee and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking in Madison. She is an active community member, volunteering with the Humane Society of Sheboygan County and Meals on Wheels. Denise resides in Sheboygan with her husband. They have three grown children and a beloved yellow lab. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dog, reading, volunteering, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Visit www.bankfirst.com for more information.

 

 

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608-441-1200

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