Cindy Kole
KALAMAZOO, Mich., — First National Bank of Michigan has unveiled its strategic leadership succession plan effective mid Q2 2024.
Steve Piper
Chief Operating Officer Cindy Kole and Chief Credit Officer Steve Piper will be transitioning to advisory roles within the Bank. Cindy Kole, whose banking career spans 49 years, has been instrumental in shaping FNBM during her 7-year tenure as COO. With over 40 years of experience, Steve Piper has served as CCO at FNBM for the past 8 years.
Stepping into the roles vacated by Kole and Piper are Shaunna Padgett and Rick Jackson, respectively. Shaunna Padgett has been an integral part of FNBM’s leadership team working with Kole for the past several years. Rick Jackson, with over 25 years in banking, joined FNBM in 2017 and has been collaborating closely with Steve Piper for the past 6 months to ensure a seamless transition.
President & CEO Daniel Bitzer expressed gratitude to Cindy and Steve for their outstanding leadership and
Shaunna Padgett
Rick Jackson
contributions, stating, “On behalf of the FNBM Board of Directors, I would like to sincerely thank Cindy and Steve for their remarkable leadership and contributions that have helped drive FNBM’s success throughout their tenure at the Bank.”
Bitzer continued, “We are energized by the experience and expertise Rick and Shaunna bring to these roles and are confident in their ability to uphold FNBM’s commitment to its employees, clients, communities, and shareholders.”