Wipfli Names Rudnik Head of Corporate Development
MILWAUKEE,—Wipfli, a leading accounting and advisory firm, has added Steve Rudnik as head of corporate development and will lead Wipfli’s mergers and acquisitions strategy and execution. M&A remains a cornerstone of Wipfli’s growth strategy, and its partnership with New Mountain Capital has accelerated opportunities to expand through acquisitions. Rudnik will support the firm’s strategic plan…
First National Bank & Trust Promotes Cole Grenier
IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich.,—Cole Grenier has been promoted to Vice President, Business Banking Manager at First National Bank & Trust, according t Russell Kassin, President and CEO. “We are pleased to announce this well-deserved promotion and to recognize Cole for his outstanding performance and commitment to the bank and our community,” said Kassin. Grenier will oversee…
UBB Names Jim Houston VP, Correspondent Banking Officer
BLOOMINGTON, Minn.,—Jim Houston has joined the United Bankers’ Bank Correspondent Banking team, according to UBB CEO Jim Amundson. Jim will be responsible for strengthening and building relationships with community bankers in Illinois. Houston has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, with five years in correspondent banking. “Jim’s correspondent banking experience and vast…
OCB Promotes Hagens and Havey to VP Roles
OREGON, Wis.,—One Community Bank has promoted Topher Hagens to VP Portfolio Management & Lender Operations and Nona Havey to VP – Area Banking Manager. . “Topher has shown strong leadership, a deep understanding of our commercial lending operations, and a genuine commitment to both our clients and colleagues,” said Dan Carey, Executive Vice President and…
Peoples Promotes Four
WAUSAU, Wis.,—Peoples State Bank has promoted Stephanie Dahlquist, Matt Hughes, Hannah Johnson and Casey Rogers, according to President and CEO Scott Cattanach. Stephanie Dahlquist, mortgage lender I and officer. Dahlquist works with customers, as well as internal and external referral sources to originate residential loans. In a short time, she has demonstrated strong growth in…
SB Financial Transitions Board
DEFIANCE, Ohio,—SB Financial Group, Inc. a diversified financial services company providing full-service community banking, mortgage banking, wealth management, private client and title insurance services has executed a planned transition to its Board of Directors. In December 2025, Rita A. Kissner retired from the Board after 21 years of service. In recognition of her long-standing service…
Oxford Commercial Finance Adds Faucett as VP, Business Development Officer
OXFORD, Mich. and SPARTANBURG, S.C.,—Oxford Commercial Finance, a subsidiary of Oxford Bank, has added Robbie Faucett as Vice President of Business Development. Faucett will focus on middle market companies seeking access to liquidity through asset based lending and other working capital solutions designed to support operations and fuel growth. In addition to directly working with…
Sandy Chrispell Joins West Michigan as Osaic Program Manager
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich.,— West Michigan Community Bank has added Sandy Chrispell as Osaic Institutions brokerage Program Manager. Sandy brings more than 27 years of experience in the banking and brokerage industry. She holds Series 7, 63, and 24 securities registrations, as well as an insurance license, and is a registered representative of Osaic Institutions, Inc….
Elk River to Open Andover Branch
ELK RIVER, Minn. The Bank of Elk River will open a new branch in Andover in late summer 2026. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the bank’s 140-year history, underscoring its commitment to serving the growing communities of Anoka County and the northern suburbs. “This expansion is more than a new building; it’s a…
Why Card Unboxing Still Matters in Today’s Gen Z Digital Banking World
By Mehdi Heidari Across industries, the package unboxing experience has become a cultural phenomenon of its own. Whether it’s a new gadget, a luxury item, or a simple household product, customers increasingly associate unboxing with anticipation, discovery, and the first tangible impression of a brand. This ritual has grown so influential that videos featuring “unboxing”…