Alex Smith
LANSING, Mich.,—The Community Bankers of Michigan (CBM) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Rising Star Award which will honor three exceptional individuals at its upcoming convention.
Alex Smith, Commercial Banking Officer, Chelsea State Bank. Alex has been with the bank 12 years, beginning as an operations specialist. He has held multiple positions within the bank and was promoted to his current position in July 2022. He has helped numerous customers achieve their goals with creative solutions that fit their needs. Given his broad background in operations and credit, he was a Project Lead for the bank’s core conversion in 2024 and also actively serves on the bank’s Employee Enrichment Committee.
Kelsey Bailey
Thomas DuMont, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Manager stated, “I am proud of Alex and what he has accomplished while at Chelsea State Bank. He is perpetually learning and always looking for new ways to contribute to the bank, and the community. Alex has a bright future and I am excited to see him grow as a bank leader.”
Kelsey Bailey, VP, Branch Administration and Deposit Operations Manager, First National Bank of Michigan. In the four years Kelsey has been with the bank, Kelsey has proven to be invaluable in all areas of operations. She has held several positions since joining the bank as a Branch Manager and understands the customer experience and what sets community banks apart from large banks.
“Kelsey exemplifies what the Rising Star Award represents”, shared Shaunna Padgett, SVP Chief Operating Officer. She continued, “She is a creative leader that prioritizes serving her community and maintaining a community banking culture. This honor is a true reflection of her integrity, expertise and contributions to our bank.”
Matt DeFinis
Matt DeFinis, Senior Marketing Specialist, Oxford Bank. During Matt’s three plus years at Oxford Bank, Matt has been promoted multiple times, reflecting his exceptional commitment and talent helping to transform the bank by overseeing the marketing programs and the bank’s marketing firm. This includes ensuring connectivity with the bank’s fourteen branches and marketing for Oxford Bank subsidiary, Oxford Commercial Finance.
Nancy Rosentrater, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer shared, “The Rising Star Award celebrates Matt’s remarkable growth, creativity and impact. Matt has shown the drive and vision of a true rising star – helping us shape the future of our team and those around him.”
Jim North, President and CEO, Community Bankers of Michigan stated “Community banks prioritize and invest in their employees, customers and neighborhoods they serve. These recipients exemplify the great work being done across this great state. We are proud to recognize each of these individuals at the upcoming CBM Convention.”