Waukesha State Bank: Waukesha State Bank Announces Changes in Operations

Waukesha State Bank, a trusted full-service community bank with 14 locations across Waukesha County, is proud to announce the retirement of Patricia Witkowiak, Senior Vice President – Operations Manager. After 11 years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the bank’s success, Witkowiak will embark on a well-deserved retirement journey, effective January 10, 2025.

In her place, we are excited to introduce Kristine Baxter as the new Senior Vice President – Operations Manager, who will bring fresh energy and expertise to the team. Additionally, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Jacob Pyle to Vice President – Risk Officer, further strengthening our commitment to excellence in operations, compliance and risk management.

“We are incredibly grateful for Pat Witkowiak’s years of service to Waukesha State Bank. She has been instrumental in driving our growth and operational success while fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation. Pat’s commitment to our mission has left a lasting impact on our organization and we wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life,” stated Ty R. Taylor, President & CEO of Waukesha State Bank. “Additionally, we look forward to the new perspectives that Kris and Jacob will bring as we continue to serve our community.”

Patricia Witkowiak joined Waukesha State Bank in 2013 as the Assistant Manager of Operations. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President – Assistant Manager of Operations in February 2016, Vice President – Manager of Operations in July of 2016 and finally Senior Vice President – Manager of Operations in 2021. Throughout her tenure, she has managed the bank’s day-to-day operations, including security, information systems, facilities management, deposit compliance and Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) programs, while also spearheading new product development and implementation. Notably, she has played a key role in the opening of four new branches and the launch of various products and services, including mobile banking, online bill pay, online account opening, mobile wallets, and contactless debit cards.

“I am incredibly grateful for the past 11 years at Waukesha State Bank,” said Witkowiak. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented team and to contribute to our shared success. I look forward to my retirement with fond memories of my time here and wish Kris and Jacob all the best as they take on their new roles. I am confident that the bank will continue to thrive.”

Kristine Baxter brings nearly 30 years of financial experience to Waukesha State Bank, with a distinguished career in operations, retail banking, and treasury management. Before joining Waukesha State Bank, she served as Manager of Commercial Treasury Management for Advia Credit Union, where she managed commercial banking online channels, vendor relationships, and implemented various products and services to meet client needs. In her new role as Senior Vice President – Operations Manager, Baxter will oversee the bank’s daily operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. This includes streamlining processes to enhance service delivery, managing and training staff, and integrating new technologies to drive efficiency.

Baxter holds an associate degree in business and marketing from Gateway Technical College and is actively involved in her community. She currently serves on the board of directors for Walworth County Habitat for Humanity.

Jacob Pyle joined Waukesha State Bank in March 2024 as the Director of Internal Audit and has over six years of finance and risk management experience. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting and finance from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and his Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant. In his new role as Waukesha State Bank’s Vice President – Risk Officer, Pyle will lead the bank’s risk management strategy and framework, identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure financial stability and regulatory compliance. He will also manage the bank’s compliance team and serve as the bank’s Information Security Officer.