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2025–2026 WBA Year in Review

President’s Message:
The WBA’s 2025–2026 fiscal year recently ended, and I am once again struck by all that WBA and its members have accomplished together to support a strong and resilient banking industry in Wisconsin. Like the pieces of a puzzle, each member contributes unique talents and efforts that help strengthen our association. When these interconnected pieces fit together, a clear and focused image emerges as one of collaboration and shared success. The 2025–2026 “Year in Review” is organized to reflect how engagement and action by WBA staff and the membership fit together to collectively fulfill board initiatives of WBA. I am grateful for the support and commitment of our members, whose contributions continue to help bring our collective vision into focus.

I also want to thank WBA Board Chair Joe Peikert who began his term a few months ago, Past Chair Paul Northway, the officers, and the rest of the 2025–2026 WBA Board, for their involved leadership. I am proud of what the membership, Board, and WBA staff have accomplished together for the benefit of the industry.

Rose Oswald Poels, WBA President and CEO

WBA Board Chair Message:
When looking back on WBA’s 2025–2026 fiscal year, I am reminded of a puzzle. Throughout the year, each member, committee or section member volunteer, Board member, and WBA staff contributed an important piece. Individually, those pieces represent unique strengths and perspectives; together, they form a complete picture of a strong, vibrant industry and Association. Thanks to your engagement in advocacy efforts, we amplified our collective voice and advanced issues that matter to our industry. Your participation in WBA programs and your continued use of the Association’s services further strengthened the foundation of a successful association. On behalf of the Board, thank you for being an essential part of the picture.

I also wish to thank Paul Northway for his leadership over the past year and for the foundation he left behind. As WBA enters a new fiscal year, I look forward to continuing to work alongside the membership to ensure that community banking remains a vital part of Wisconsin’s future.

Joe Peikert, 2026–2027 WBA Chair and CEO at Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville

The Unified Voice for Wisconsin Bankers:

• 58 banks earned WBA’s Gold Triangle Award, our highest level of recognition for bank fundraising, apportioned by bank asset size.
• 58 banks earned the Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government Award (BIGG), WBA’s highest achievement level for bank involvement and advocacy.
• $304,295 in contributions given by WBA-member employees, directors, WBA staff, and others to WBA’s Wisbankpac and ABW political conduit.
• 25 bankers earned the Leadership Circle Award for contributing at least $3,000 to Wisbankpac, ABW, or issue advocacy funds.
• 98 bankers earned the Silver Triangle Award for contributing at least $1,000 to Wisbankpac, ABW, or issue advocacy funds.
• 173 banks designated Advocacy Officers.
• 251 members attended WBA Capitol Day in Madison, and 43 attended a Washington, D.C. trip.
• 69 candidates and 4 legislative party candidate committees — on both sides of the aisle — at the state level received support from WBA political action funds.
• 42 bills tracked or monitored by WBA of 2,423 bills introduced during 2025–26 legislative session.
• One WBA legislative priority introduced and passed.
• 22 comment letters filed on behalf of the membership.
• 41 press releases issued.
• 50 “WBA Advocacy Reports” were emailed to members.

The Solution for Banking Education and Professional Development:
• 1,672 Legal Call Program calls answered.
• Nearly 6,000 took part in WBA-hosted training events.
• 82 educational opportunities hosted by WBA.
• 556 bankers completed a multi-day WBA school or boot camp.
• More than 350 members participated live or on-demand for the two complimentary member webinars.
• 100+ bankers participated in each of two Legal Live events.
• 84 CEOnly/CFOnly questions facilitated.
• Three Consumer Content pieces were created for members’ use.
• Six issues of “Wisconsin Banker” published.
• 253 issues of “Wisconsin Banker Daily” e-newsletter sent to 3,000+ subscribers.
• 94 Banconomics reports covering seven Midwest states published by the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation in partnership with Navanta (formerly known as UFS).
• 19 videos produced.
• Nearly 100 students attended Careers in Banking events hosted at four UW campuses.
• Six free legal content pieces created and 11 FAQs added to a reformatted FAQ resource.
• 10 Agri-Banker updates, 12 CBC updates, and 11 Associate Member newsletters delivered.

Build a Culture to Grow and Retain Talent and to Create a Dynamic Infrastructure to Best Serve WBA Members:
• WBA named a Top Workplace by “Wisconsin State Journal” for third time in three years.
• WBA obtained Net Promoter Score of 29.
• All WBA staff participated in Career Potential DISC assessment, training, and given follow-up resources.
• Built new Fonteva system with WBA data, importing data into the new system.
• Created portal for bankers to connect directly with WBA for education and resource materials.
• Connected with all members and Associate Members to collect and update data for launch of new Fonteva data system.

Improved Engagement Across All Forms of Membership:
Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA)
• 188 banks and savings institutions are members of WBA, representing 96% of banks in the state.
• 900+ members belong to the BOLT Section.
• 176 members served on a WBA section board, committee, or advisory group.
• 6,984 followers on LinkedIn, 1,975 on Facebook, and 2,125 on X.
• 286 branches of 44 banks participated in the WBA Power of Community Week, hosting service events across the state.

WBA Insurance Services: Employee Benefits Corporation, Inc (WBA-EBC) and Midwest Bankers Insurance Services (MBIS)
• $2.8 million in annual savings achieved with WBA Association Health Plan through United Healthcare.
• 110 banks completed over 4,000 benefit transactions through WBA-EBC benefits portal.
• 220 community banks helped by MBIS with complex insurance renewal negotiations, internal control guidance, best practices, coverage education, and policy placement.

Financial Institution Products Corporation (FIPCO)
• 2,894 loan applications totaling $321,800,000,000 submitted via FIPCO ConnectFI – a customer-facing digital lending SaaS that integrates with Compliance Concierge.
• 92 financial institutions utilize Compliance Concierge Loan, Mortgage, and Deposit software as part of their compliance management programs for loan origination and deposit account opening.
• ShareFI provided services to 55 clients, representing over 122 engagements. Banks saved over $900,000 with ShareFI’s compliance officer (and other roles) services to reduce their
personnel expenses. 12 banks improved and/or maintained CMS ratings with their primary regulator with ShareFI support.
• 39 clients benefited from FIPCO InfoSecurity and IT Audit engagement services, representing over 65 engagements. Expanded services to include Office 365 Audits.
• 35 banks participated in one or more FIPCO software training sessions.

Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF)
• 100 banks participated in WBF’s Reading Raises Interest program.
• 2,700+ copies of “The Berenstain Bear’s Trouble with Money” by Stan and Jan Berenstain donated by WBF.
• 51 applications submitted for WBF scholarships, and $11,000 awarded to six recipients.
• $30,500 in grants awarded to 7 nonprofit programs, including Asset Builders’ Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl, Economics Wisconsin, Eastbrook Academy, Faith Christian High School,
Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency, Inc., and Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation.
• 222 individuals and 47 organizations supported WBF in auctions and raffles at three WBA conferences collectively raising $18,202.
• $13,665 raised during the annual Foundation Gala.

Associate Members
180 Associate Members provided quality products and services to WBA bank members and had a 94% retention rate and a 6% growth rate. For a complete list, please visit www.wisbank.com/associates.

Platinum Associate Member
• FHLBank Chicago

Gold Associate Members
• Bankers’ Bank
• Bell Bank
• BMO — Correspondent Banking
• BOK Financial Capital Markets
• FIPCO
• Godfrey & Kahn
• ICBA Services Network
• Midwest Bankers Insurance Services
• WBA Employee Benefits Corporation, Inc.

Silver Associate Members
• Cinnaire
• Integris
• Midwestern Securities
• Performance Trust
• Navanta

Bronze Associate Members
• ADVANTAGE, powered by JMFA
• BHG Financial
• Boardman & Clark LLP
• Delta Dental of Wisconsin
• Eide Bailly LLP
• Executive Benefits Network (EBN)
• Forvis Mazars
• Hovde Group, LLC
• Jefferson Wells
• Locknet – An EO Johnson Company
• Northland Securities, Inc.
• Plante Moran
• Quad City Bank & Trust
• Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C.
• SHAZAM
• The Baker Group
• Vibrancy Unlocked
• Wipfli

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A Week That Lasts a Year: WBA Power of Community Week Spotlights Bankers’ Year-Round Service

Elizabeth Fenton

By Elizabeth Fenton, WBA communications coordinator

When major road construction disrupted local businesses in downtown Gillett this spring, The Peshtigo National Bank sprang into action. Bankers asked one important question: What does our community need most right now?

The answer led to a creative and unconventional project for Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA’s) Power of Community Week. The bank purchased $600 worth of “Chamber Bucks” from the local chamber of commerce and distributed them to customers who shopped at businesses affected by the construction. The effort helped drive awareness and foot traffic into Gillett’s businesses that were experiencing a challenging season.

“Power of Community Week is all about giving back, and this year we approached it a little differently,” said Samantha Routheau, marketing communications specialist at The Peshtigo National Bank. “We focused on what our communities needed most and looked for simple ways to make a positive impact.”

This spirit of service was on display across the state in spring. Wisconsin bankers came together for the WBA Power of Community Week, a statewide campaign dedicated to showcasing the industry’s involvement in their own communities. During the ninth annual campaign, held April 20–25, 2026, WBA-member banks, Associate Members, and WBA staff participated in volunteer projects to support local businesses and charities. Banks from every corner of the state shared their efforts, ranging from donating money to non-profit organizations in their neighborhoods, to food drives, to crafting blankets for animal shelters, and more. The week also coincides with National Teach Children to Save Day, observed on Thursday, April 23, when bankers made dedicated visits to classrooms to teach the fundamentals of money management.

WBA created an interactive map online to showcase the breadth of participation from large and small communities across the state. The map illustrated a statewide network of service stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan to communities along the Mississippi River, with each bank responding to the unique needs of their own residents.

For The Peshtigo National Bank, WBA Power of Community Week involved a mix of projects across their six branches. Employees lent their time at animal shelters, cleaned and landscaped community facilities, donated money to youth organizations, assisted elderly residents with yardwork, and celebrated community volunteers whose efforts often go unnoticed.
“We really looked at where there was a need,” Routheau explained.

The Peshtigo National Bank — a well-known institution in their community — already had long-established ties with many charitable organizations and businesses in the area, and the bank habitually volunteers for the same initiatives year after year. Employees also recognize that community needs evolve over time. Routheau reached out to local mayors and community leaders months ahead of WBA Power of Community Week to identify projects and organizations that could benefit from additional support.

“We don’t want to assume we know what every community needs,” Routheau said. “We try to listen first, have conversations with local leaders, and find ways to support the people and organizations making a difference. Our goal is to be a community partner that shows up where we’re needed most.”

One of the projects that left a strong impression on volunteers involved assisting elderly residents with yardwork and house maintenance. Beyond labor, many of these residents enjoyed the conversation and company.

“One of the most meaningful parts was the opportunity to connect with people who may not have a strong support system nearby,” Routheau said. “A few hours of help can make a difference, but so can a conversation and a friendly face.”

The Peshtigo National Bank’s commitment to community extends beyond its own workforce. As part of WBA Power of Community Week, the bank recognized local volunteers who consistently give their time to community organizations, surprising them with gift cards and handwritten notes of appreciation.

“We wanted to let those volunteers of our community know that they are supported, and we do appreciate the work they do,” Routheau said. “They keep our communities thriving.”

However, for banks across Wisconsin, community involvement is not limited to a single week in April. Throughout the year, bankers serve on nonprofit boards, coach sports teams, volunteer at local events, and provide financial education to children and adults alike. Many banks, including The Peshtigo National Bank, encourage their employees to get involved in an initiative that is meaningful to them by providing paid volunteer time.

“We want our employees to be engaged in the communities they care about,” Kelly Heroux, president & CEO at The Peshtigo National Bank, said. “Their involvement helps us better understand local needs, and when the bank can help support those efforts. It’s a win for the entire community.”

Whether teaching second graders about wants versus needs, helping first-time homeowners understand the lending process, or spending an afternoon cleaning kennels at an animal shelter, Wisconsin bankers embody the spirit of civic leadership that inspired WBA Power of Community Week nearly a decade ago.

Routheau captured the ethos of Wisconsin banking best: “It doesn’t stop for us.”

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Chair’s Column: Amplifying the Strength of Wisconsin Banks

Joe Peikert

By Joe Peikert

It is hard to believe that I am already two months into my term as the Chair of WBA. I have spent considerable time reflecting on the tradition of WBA Chairs selecting a theme to advise their year of service. This exercise challenged me to really think about the value WBA brings to membership, and the role I hope to play in the months ahead.

After much contemplation, I am excited to announce my theme: amplify.

The dictionary defines amplify as “to make more powerful” or “to increase the strength of something.” The word captures what I hope to achieve as Chair and also reflects what WBA does every day on behalf of Wisconsin banks.

No bank needs to operate in isolation. We all face many of the same issues — from day-to-day challenges of protecting our customers from fraud, to addressing the competitive imbalance created by tax-exempt credit unions. We each have our individual voice that reflects our respective communities, and WBA works to unify our many voices and advocate for our industry.

I chose amplify for its breadth of meaning. While amplify describes how WBA heightens our collective voice, I also seek to amplify the day-to-day stories of banks across our state. Banks remain the respected institution in our communities — we help customers purchase homes for their families, support the businesses that make our local economies thrive, and our bankers volunteer in countless ways, whether providing financial education or lending a hand with local non-profit organizations. Together, we can amplify the positive impact bankers make across Wisconsin.

During my six years of service on the WBA Board, I have witnessed firsthand the important work and meaningful change the Association brings to the industry. I continue to be grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Board and thankful for WBA’s excellent leadership team. I look forward to having conversations with many of you this year as we continue to amplify the strength of our banks.

Peikert is the CEO at Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville, and the 2026–2027 WBA Chair

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Strategic Connections: Turning Internal Communication Into a Strategic Advantage: How Community Banks Can Use Microsoft 365 to Strengthen Employee Marketing

By Gwen Fischer

Gwen Fischer

When community banks think about marketing, the focus is often external — customers, prospects, and community visibility. Yet one of the most influential audiences already exists inside the organization. Employees are the first ambassadors of a bank’s brand, products, and culture, and how well they are informed directly affects customer experience.
For many banks, Microsoft 365 is viewed primarily as a productivity platform. When used intentionally, however, it can also serve as a powerful internal marketing tool — one that improves alignment, consistency, and employee engagement without adding complexity.

Why Internal Marketing Matters
Even the strongest marketing campaign can lose momentum if employees are unsure how to explain it or unaware it exists. Internal marketing bridges that gap by ensuring employees understand not only what the bank is promoting, but why it matters to customers.
Microsoft 365 supports this effort by centralizing information and reducing reliance on scattered emails or outdated documents. When employees know where to find accurate, current information, they are better equipped to represent the bank confidently.

SharePoint as a Central Hub
SharePoint often serves as the foundation for effective internal communication. Instead of relying on inbox searches or shared drives, marketing teams can use SharePoint as a single source of truth for campaign summaries, product resources, brand standards, and community involvement highlights.

Using Teams to Support Conversation and Clarity
Microsoft Teams allows communication to move beyond one‑way announcements and into real‑time dialogue, helping marketing teams share updates, provide talking points, and respond to questions efficiently.

Outlook and Planner: From Awareness to Action
Email, paired with Planner and To Do, helps translate awareness into execution by clarifying expectations and improving accountability.

Efficiency for Lean Marketing Teams
Microsoft 365 enables content reuse and centralized updates, allowing marketing teams to focus more on strategy and collaboration.

Culture and Engagement Benefits
Clear and consistent internal communication strengthens employee engagement and supports stronger customer experiences.

A Strategic Opportunity
For community banks, using Microsoft 365 intentionally can turn internal communication into a meaningful strategic advantage.

AI Disclosure: This article was written by the author with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools for editing, clarity, and organization. The author reviewed and verified all content and is solely responsible for the final work.

Gwen Fischer, AVP of Marketing at Premier Community Bank, Marion and a member of the WBA marketing committee.

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USDA Rural Development Programs Boost Rural Prosperity

The St. Croix Electric Cooperative receiving a $1 million loan through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program.

By Veronica Hinke, public information officer, USDA Rural Development Wisconsin 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has programs that can help increase rural prosperity throughout rural America. Rural Development has partnered with businesses across Wisconsin that have helped create jobs and expand market access.

Rural Development programs promote economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools. The agency offers technical assistance to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and to improve the effectiveness of their operations.

“Our mission is to unleash the potential of rural Wisconsin,” said Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson. “Rural Development’s programs under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins will support the economy and quality of life for people in rural Wisconsin.”

Investing in Rural Businesses

Rural Development’s business programs support the creation and preservation of high-quality jobs in rural Wisconsin. In fiscal year 2025, Rural Development invested more than $73 million to help rural businesses and cooperatives in Wisconsin build stronger, more resilient communities, creating or saving hundreds of jobs along the way.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program Highlight

• The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. In Wilson, the St. Croix Electric Cooperative received a $1 million loan through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. The electric cooperative will reloan the funds to Sailer Food Market and Meat Processing Inc. to expand
its meat processing operation into the snack meats market. The project will save 28 jobs and create an additional five jobs.

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program Highlight

• This Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program offers loan guarantees to lenders for their loans to rural businesses. Farmer-owned Westby Cooperative Creamery, the only cottage cheese
manufacturer in Wisconsin, will expand and modernize its manufacturing facility with a nearly $15.5 million Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan through Security Financial Bank.

“Our current equipment is continuing to age. Before it meets end-of-life, we want to modernize and, just as important, we want to meet customer demand for this dairy food,” said Westby Cooperative Creamery’s Chief Executive Officer and President JD Greenwalt. “We’ve been making cottage cheese the same way for 100 years. This new system reduces the physical strain on employees and enhances consistency in product quality. By modernizing and investing in the plant, the creamery is protecting current jobs and ensuring long-term stability for our farmer-owners.”

Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program Highlight

• The Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan program provides financial support to qualified lenders to make loans to eligible borrowers seeking to establish, reopen, retrofit, expand
or improve a sawmill or other wood processing facility who uses ecosystem restoration byproducts from the USDA Forest Service National Forest System lands, along with Indian forest and
rangelands. In Tilleda, Timber Professionals Cooperative Enterprises will re-establish and expand the former Hoffman Wood Fiber LLC sawmill with an $800,000 Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan. Six jobs will be created initially, with more added as the sawmill expands. The mill will help ease the strain of timber processing in Wisconsin, where multiple sawmills have closed in recent years.

“Transportation is a big cost, so the more mill capacity we can have at a local level, that reduces transportation, it brings the cost of raw material down, and it helps, overall, to keep the industries that are there operating,” said Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association and the Forest Industry Safety Training Alliance Executive Director Henry Schienebeck.

Value-Added Producer Grant Program Update

• The Value-Added Producer Grant program helps agricultural producers turn raw commodities into higher-value products, expand market opportunities, and strengthen rural economies. The
Value-Added Producer Grant program supports planning activities, such as feasibility studies, business plans, and marketing strategies, or working capital needs, including processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and personnel.

For more information on the Value-Added Producer Grant program, contact wi-rd-bcp-so@usda.gov.

Contact Information

Rural Development programs help to expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. You can find contact information for local Rural Development staff in Wisconsin on our website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/wi or email us at RD.WI.General.Inquiries@usda.gov

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Strategic Connections: Five Generations, One Workplace: Learning to Bridge the Gap

By Sarah Meyer

Sarah Meyer

For the first time in history, the workplace is home to five distinct generations working side by side. This is not only unprecedented, but also a fascinating opportunity to learn from one another. But it also brings challenges, as differences in communication styles, values, and work habits can sometimes cause misunderstandings.

At Pillar Bank, we know that our strength lies in our people, and that means investing in ways to work better together. That’s why our recent all-employee training day included something a little different — an educational session with Dr. Katherine Jeffery, a generational strategist and business consultant. Her firm specializes in helping organizations like ours navigate the complexities of having multiple generations under one roof, with the ultimate goal of increasing retention and decreasing tension.

Dr. Jeffery’s Gen Shift program was engaging, insightful, and eye-opening. She walked us through the five generations currently in the workplace:

  • Traditionalists (1925–1945) — Known for their loyalty, discipline, and respect for authority, this generation values stability and long-term commitment. Many have retired, but those still in the workforce bring invaluable institutional knowledge.
  • Baby Boomers (1946–1964) — Often recognized for their work ethic and competitive spirit, Boomers prefer face-to-face communication and tend to value organizational hierarchy and personal interaction.
  • Generation X (1965–1980) — Independent and resourceful, Gen X grew up during significant societal changes. They appreciate efficiency, flexibility, and work-life balance, and they are comfortable blending both traditional and digital communication styles.
  • Millennials (1981–1995) — Tech-savvy, collaborative, and feedback-driven, Millennials value purpose in their work and thrive in team environments where growth and development are encouraged.
  • Generation Z (1996–2012) — The newest entrants to the workforce are true digital natives. They are entrepreneurial, socially conscious, and value authenticity, diversity, and flexible work options.

Dr. Jeffery encouraged us to see these differences not as obstacles but as strengths. Each generation brings its own perspective shaped by the events, technology, and culture of its formative years. For example, while a Boomer may prefer a phone call to discuss a project, a Gen Z team member might be more comfortable with a quick text or instant message. Neither approach is “better,” but recognizing and respecting these preferences can strengthen workplace relationships.

Our training day also included interactive exercises where we shared our own work experiences and discussed how our generational backgrounds influence the way we communicate. Many of us had “a-ha” moments when we realized that a misunderstanding with a colleague might simply be a difference in communication style — not a conflict in values.

For me, the biggest takeaway was the reminder that a thriving workplace requires flexibility and empathy. It’s about meeting people where they are — whether that’s adjusting how we share information, how we give feedback, or even how we celebrate achievements.

At Pillar Bank, we’re proud of our diverse team. Having five generations under one roof means we have decades of experience alongside fresh, innovative ideas. With the insights from Dr. Jeffery’s program, we can better harness the strengths of every generation, ensuring that all employees feel valued, understood, and empowered to do their best work.

This training was more than just a session — it was a step toward building a stronger, more connected team. And that benefits not only us, but every customer who walks through our doors.

Sarah Meyer, marketing coordinator, Pillar Bank, is a member of the WBA Marketing Committee.

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Community Advocate Spotlight: Port Washington State Bank CEO James Schowalter

WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels recently sat down with President and CEO of Port Washington State Bank James Schowalter to chat about his admirable career in banking and the industry as a whole.

James Schowalter

Rose: How did you first get into the banking industry? 

James: For most of my life, it felt as though I was born into banking. After all, I’m the fifth generation of my family to lead Port Washington State Bank (PWSB) over its 127-year history. But banking wasn’t always my plan. While I was at Marquette University, I was far more interested in pursuing an automotive career. I enjoyed the dealership experience I had between high school and college and learned a lot from it. After meeting my spouse, Jennifer, and thinking about our future family, however, I began exploring other paths. My older sister, Tracy, was working at Norwest Bank at the time, just before it became Wells Fargo Bank NA. She encouraged me to apply for their personal banker training program in Milwaukee. I did, and I fell in love with banking. I spent several years at Wells Fargo, learning from great people, many of whom I remain close with today, including a few who now work for my family at PWSB. My love for the industry is rooted in those early days of retail banking and the customer interactions that shaped me. 

 What is your favorite aspect of your role at the bank?

As president and CEO of our family-owned institution, my favorite part of the job is seeing others succeed. Every role I’ve held here, nine in total over the last 20 years, is now filled by someone even more talented than I was. PWSB is filled with people who genuinely care about each other and our community. My role is to guide, support, educate, and be present, but they’re the ones who make the magic happen. I truly enjoy knowing each person who works here, their families, and the incredible work they do. 

What do you wish the general public understood about the banking industry?  

There’s a lot I wish more people understood about banking, but if I had to choose one thing, it’s that every bank, large or small, plays an important and distinct role in our financial system. Most Americans can point to a moment when a bank stepped in at a critical time for them or their business. Banks power our communities in good times and bad times. Each institution has a unique structure, mission, and risk tolerance that serves a particular place in our financial ecosystem. 

In Port Washington alone, more than 60 of our employees come to work each day, serve customers, buy lunch, fill up their cars, shop locally, and give back to this community. And that same commitment is happening across the country. While big banks sometimes get a bad rap compared to community banks, the truth is we need institutions of all sizes to keep our country moving. 

Where do you believe the industry’s greatest challenges are in the next three to five years? 

Challenges will always exist in this industry, but consolidation is the one that concerns me most, especially for small communities. At PWSB, we’ve thrived in both smaller towns and larger cities. We love every community we serve. But increasingly, I’m seeing customers drive five, ten, or even 15 miles because the bank in their rural town closed. I’ve received calls from communities more than 45 miles away asking us to build a branch where none remain. While rising operating costs and the ability to attract talent are part of the issue, our rural communities still need us. We’ll continue to do our part, and I encourage other banks to rethink how they serve these vital areas of our state and country. 

Please describe your current role at your bank and share one of your more rewarding experiences.

As the fifth president and CEO in our bank’s existence, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible role models. Working side by side with my grandfather Ron, my father Steve, and my uncle Mark has been a gift. Not every day in a family business is perfect, but we’ve always shared the same goals, even if we approached them differently. These men are true gentlemen, deeply committed to our customers, employees, and the place we call home. 

A simple story from my first day at Wells Fargo, 24 years ago, captures what I love most about this work. The first person I ever helped was a man named Curt, who opened a checking account that day. He stayed with me as a bank customer for years, eventually following me to PWSB and bringing his wife Katie and their children along. It’s not a unique story in banking, but it’s a powerful example of community and loyalty. Every time Curt calls or stops in, I’m taken back to that first day at a small wood desk, wearing the suit my parents bought me, with no idea how much this career would shape my life. I remain grateful for all of it and for what’s still ahead.

 

Do you know a banker who should be recognized as a Community Advocate for the work that they do? Nominate them today by emailing Rose at ropoels@wisbank.com! 

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Office 360 Audit

Rob Foxx

By Rob Foxx, director – infosec and IT audit services for FIPCO

Have you recently moved — or are you considering a move — to Microsoft Office 365 or another major Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application? If so, there may be more to consider than the migration itself.

A major SaaS transition introduces a host of new challenges. In the past, Microsoft and other providers offered bulk licensing, and updates were infrequent. For Office, these were typically pushed through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). While bulk licenses are still available, Microsoft is now strongly promoting subscription-based services through Office 365.

This shift offers significant advantages: centralized management, the ability to enable or disable user accounts without direct access to individual machines, and — most critically from a security standpoint — tight integration with multifactor authentication (MFA). However, these benefits come with increased complexity. Office 365 now includes hundreds, if not thousands, of configurable security settings across more than 20 applications, including Copilot, as well as individual user profiles.

It is also important to understand the shared responsibility model. While Microsoft secures the underlying infrastructure, customers remain responsible for configuring and maintaining security controls within their Office 365 tenant. This distinction is often misunderstood and can lead to gaps in security oversight.

Some organizations choose to hire a third party to implement or audit their Office 365 environment, which is generally a sound approach from a security perspective. However, there are two notable drawbacks. First, these engagements can be costly, depending on the size and complexity of the environment. Second, like most audits, they represent a single point-in-time assessment.

This limitation is significant because Microsoft releases updates monthly. Without an internal subject matter expert dedicated to Office 365, it can be difficult to determine whether previously secure settings remain secure after each update. From a regulatory standpoint, misconfigured SaaS platforms can create control gaps that are increasingly scrutinized during IT and cybersecurity examinations, particularly around access management, logging, and change control.

Common misconfigurations include overly permissive file-sharing settings, disabled audit logging, MFA exclusions for privileged accounts, or unused administrative roles that remain active long after they are needed.

Software-as-a-Service Security Posture Management (SSPM) solutions have been available for several years and have proven effective in quickly and cost-efficiently assessing Office 365, as well as other widely used but complex SaaS platforms. These tools are typically affordable, updated frequently to reflect platform changes, easy to use, and often provide automated remediation options through a cloud-based interface.

SSPM solutions should be viewed as a complement to — not a replacement for — governance processes, and periodic risk assessments.

If you are considering implementing an SSPM solution, a good first step is to consult your information security audit firm or managed service provider, while also evaluating multiple vendors as part of a sound vendor management process.

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Beyond the Branch: Wisconsin Bankers Advocate at the State Capitol

Elizabeth Fenton

Elizabeth Fenton

By Elizabeth Fenton, WBA Communications Coordinator

On a cold February morning in Madison, 250 bankers braved brisk winds and the familiar bottleneck of John Nolen Drive construction to gather at Monona Terrace. Lenders, retail staff, and executives alike convened to discuss topics larger than their own branch: customers, small businesses, crypto kiosks, and seniors targeted by scams.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) hosts Capitol Day every year — a day that serves as a reminder that banking is shaped by public policy. The day offers something invaluable to legislators who have never worked in banking: real-world stories.

Bankers from every corner of the state traveled to meet with 31 State Senate offices and 71 State Assembly offices, and shared firsthand stories about how legislative decisions affect financial access, fraud prevention, housing, and economic growth across Wisconsin’s counties.

WBA encouraged bankers of every role and tenure to attend, recognizing that the industry’s full story is best told through a diversity of experiences. Matthew Peterson, Branch Manager at Horicon Bank, testified to how seamless the day felt. “I was a little nervous going in — meeting with members of our state legislature and having only about three-and-a-half years in banking made it feel a bit intimidating at first. WBA did an outstanding job organizing the day and preparing us for every step.”

Preparing Bankers to Be Advocates

The morning sessions equipped attendees with context for the day that followed. Bankers heard from the Capitol Insiders panel, received a government relations update from WBA’s government relations team, and divided into district-based groups before heading to the Capitol.
Peterson noted that the morning debriefs gave him confidence for the sessions that followed. “They provided clear talking points, set up all the meetings with our legislators, and made sure we knew exactly what to expect. All we really needed to do was show up and explain how the proposed bills would impact the customers we work with every day.”

That philosophy — to share real-world, everyday anecdotes about neighbors, friends, and customers — propelled the day’s narrative. Public policy often feels nebulous until tied to a lived experience: your neighbor’s savings lost to fraud, your son unable to purchase his first home, your favorite hometown restaurant unable to expand. Policymakers ultimately remember these personal discussions.

The Capitol Insiders Panel

The day opened with a bipartisan discussion featuring former Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen and former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala, moderated by WisPolitics President Jeff Mayers.

Each speaker brought perspectives from both sides of the aisle but shared a common thread: policy outcomes improve when stakeholders participate.

Alex Swanson, WBA BOLT board member noted, “In somewhat surprising fashion, both speakers agreed on more issues than expected — though they still expressed their own take and perspectives on the other side’s viewpoints.”

The panel exemplified a core truth behind Capitol Day: expertise speaks louder than partisanship. Legislators cannot create effective financial policy without understanding how banking works in practice.

Bankers Take on the Capitol

Bankers crossed the street from Monona Terrace, leaving behind the frozen expanse of Lake Monona for the soaring dome of the State Capitol, where small district-based groups met with their respective legislators throughout the afternoon.

These meetings pushed key WBA priorities for the legislative session.

Protecting Customers from Fraud

Fraud prevention dominated conversations. Bankers emphasized how they often serve as the last line of defense against scam attempts, especially for older adults.

WBA is supporting legislation that would allow financial institutions to pause suspicious transactions involving vulnerable adults — a delay that could help prevent irreversible and devastating financial loss while authorities investigate.

Wisconsin bankers also advocated for the regulation of virtual currency kiosks — machines often located at gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, and bus stations — which serve as popular vehicles of fraud. Bankers explained that crypto kiosks are favored by bad actors because they can uniquely facilitate instant, untraceable, and irreversible transfers of money. WBA is advocating for licensing, warnings, and transaction limits, as some studies show that up to 90% of transactions at some kiosks involve fraud.

Bankers brought real stories to illustrate the urgency of fraud — like customers calling their bank a day after wiring away their life savings, or families discovering fraud weeks after it occurred.

Swanson emphasized the importance of those conversations.

“Much of what WBA and bankers across the state are focused on relates to fraud prevention and protecting our customers. We have firsthand experience and many stories of fraud impacting our communities.”

The Impact of Wisconsin Bankers

WBA distributed an Impact Brochure that showcased the industry’s accomplishments. Over the past year, banks around the state have lent $10.7 billion in small business loans supporting local entrepreneurs, $756 million to small farms, and $12.8 billion in new home loans.
What’s more: Wisconsin banks employ 32,323 employees statewide who have collectively volunteered 517,000 hours and donated $43.5 million to local and philanthropic initiatives.

Public trust in community banks remains strong: Nine in ten consumers say their bank proactively protects them from fraud. It’s safe to say that customers regard their local bank as critical infrastructure in their communities.

Peterson described how quickly advocacy points turned conversational and candid: “The representatives and their staff were warm,welcoming, and genuinely interested in hearing our perspectives. It was a fantastic experience, and I hope to be able to attend next year.”

The Power of the Collective Voice

The most effective advocacy occurs when legislators remember the faces in their district — the bankers who explained how a law will have real-world effects on the working people in their neighborhoods. Attendees discussed hot button topics — why a pause to prevent fraud is necessary, why regulatory complexity raises costs, why credit availability depends on policy, how community banks support their communities — and paired those issues with real-world anecdotes about their colleagues and neighbors.

These valuable stories are at the crux of why WBA invites all banking professionals — regardless of title or advocacy experience — to attend Capitol Day. Retail staff, lenders, compliance officers, and C-suite executives all bring different viewpoints that collectively speak to the power of community banking.

As Swanson concluded, “It was a great day. I would highly recommend making time for this event if you haven’t had the chance to
attend before.”

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2026 Wisconsin Bankers Association Bank Executives Conference – A Success

Heather MacKinnon

Heather MacKinnon

By Heather MacKinnon, WBA vice president of legal and communications

Nearly 300 bankers, representing 91 banks, gathered the first week of February in Wisconsin Dells for the 2026 WBA Bank Executives Conference coming together for two days of networking and education. Attendees connected with colleagues from across the state, heard insights from national keynote speakers, and customized their experience through a variety of breakout sessions all meant to help banks remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
The conference began with the opportunity for bankers to choose between attending CEO, CFO, COO, human resources/organizational development, lending/credit, or marketing/business development banker-only peer group discussions before attending a welcome reception sponsored by FHLBank Chicago.

Paul Northway, WBA board chair and president and CEO of American National Bank Fox Cities opened the full-day of events with a welcome and invitation to consider the relevancy of the banking industry, Wisconsin’s banks, and of bank leadership. Relevance was the theme of this year’s annual conference and is the theme Northway chose to guide his year as WBA board chair. Northway also asked the audience to think about four things as leaders — be curious, have change-ready leadership, be purpose-driven, and talent-multiplying.

Bestselling author Chris Dyer took the audience on a fast-moving tour of the Future of Work, beginning with why today’s pace of change may feel like an avalanche. Dyer also shared three proven pillars which help teams and leaders thrive in times of rapid transformation. Attendees walked away with practical, actionable tools — like meeting hacks that free up time, smarter ways to manage email, and boundary-setting strategies that prevent burnout — while also strengthening relationships and fostering a culture of belonging.

Sean Payant, President of Haberfeld, provided attendees perspective and information to consider about the future of banking. Payant provided recommendations for navigating economic, regulatory, and technological change and uncertainty; provided strategies for aligning organizational structure and cultural initiatives with strategic priorities; and offered ideas of a holistic approach to building resilient, future-ready institutions.

Bankers also heard insights from a digital assets panel and two fireside chats. The digital assets panel included Brooke Ybarra, ABA SVP innovation and strategy, IncredibleBank’s Phillip Suckow, SVP strategy and innovation, and Steve Wager, Head of Digital Asset Product and Operations at Fiserv. One fireside chat featured ABA Chair Kenneth Kelly and EVP, Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs Kirsten Sutton, while the other included WBA’s President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels alongside WBA Board Chair Northway.

In addition to the active exhibit hall hosting 75 exhibitors and various networking opportunities, the conference offered eight different breakout sessions on a full range of topics including economics, payment processing, asset liability management, artificial intelligence, branding, and mentoring. The conference also honored several distinguished bankers with prestigious awards. Corey Chambas of First Business Bank in Madison was recognized as WBA’s 2025 Banker of the Year and Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville received the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation’s prestigious Financial Education Innovation Award. Additionally, eight bankers were inducted into the 50-Year Club and two into the 60-Year Club; 58 banks achieved WBA’s Gold Triangle and/or Bankers Involved with Grassroots and Government (BIGG) award, 25 bankers received Leadership Circle designation, and 99 bankers were listed as achieving WBA’s Silver Triangle.

The 2026 annual conference closed with Dr. Damon Freidman, author of Igniting Movements, who shared his story with the message to empower leaders to be world changers focusing on leadership, ideological factors, organizational construct, and strategic output. Many banks again sent full executive teams, enabling attendees to divide and conquer breakout sessions and return with broader insights into trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the evolving banking industry. The conference was another successful event allowing bankers and exhibitors the opportunity to connect, share insights, and find opportunities to work together to remain a relevant solution for the financial services needs of their communities.

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