ChoiceOne Adds Five
SPARTA, Mich., —ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., and ChoiceOne Bank has hired Kevin Kelling, Chelsea Knott, Joell Maddox, Chaz Pray and Michelle Tomandl. “We are pleased to welcome Kevin, Chelsea, Joell, Chaz and Michelle to our ChoiceOne teams,” said ChoiceOne Chief Executive Officer Kelly Potes. “Each of these bankers join ChoiceOne with years of experience in…
OCB Names Brent Swokowski AVP, Technology Solutions
OREGON, Wis.,—One Community Bank has promoted Brent Swokowski to the role of AVP – Technology Solutions Helpdesk. “Brent’s journey at OCB is a testament to his dedication and drive,” said Mike Tallman, SVP & Director of Technology Solutions. “He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to improving our technology services and supporting his colleagues. We’re…
Turning Missed Moments into Meaningful Connections:
How AI Drives Deposit Growth by Amplifying the Human Touch in Community Banking By Tracy Graham Community banks have long had a competitive edge: deep, trusted relationships with their customers. But in today’s environment—where digital expectations meet lean staffing and fragmented systems—even these relationship-driven institutions face new challenges. Large banks are investing billions in artificial…
How AI is Modernizing Payment Card Personalization in a Regulated World
By Mehdi Heidari As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the financial services industry, its creative and analytical capabilities are unlocking entirely new possibilities in payment card personalization and issuance. Once purely functional tools for securing transactions, payment cards are now evolving into powerful lifestyle statements—expressions of identity that customers carry with them every day. This shift…
7 Goals to Revisit Before the Final Stretch of 2025
With just a few months left in 2025, it is a good time to reflect on your financial institution’s goals. Are you where you expected to be? Let’s take a closer look at seven goals many community banks and credit unions are working toward. For each, consider these timely questions as you assess your progress….
Choosing an ATM Management Company
By Joe Woods The ATM sector continues to evolve. Just over the past three years we’ve seen two ATM ISO & outsourcing companies shut their doors due to criminal activity, one top ATM company file chapter 11 bankruptcy and another top ATM company split into two. And these are just the headline events. Many other…
CBM Announces 2025 Rising Star Awards
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…
FNB Names Alfred D. Cho Chief Consumer Banking Officer
PITTSBURGH,—First National Bank has hired Alfred D. Cho as Chief Consumer Banking Officer, succeeding Barry Robinson upon his retirement. Responsible for driving the consumer banking experience, Cho will oversee Retail Sales and Distribution, Small Business Banking, Mortgage Services, Consumer Banking Solutions and Consumer Product Development. Cho brings to FNB more than 25 years of strategic…
The Hicksville Bank Names Mindy Bobay President
Greg Smitley to Continue as CEO HICKSVILLE, Ohio,—The Board of Directors of The Hicksville Bank has appointed Mindy Bobay. Greg Smitley, who has served as both President and CEO, will continue to lead the organization as Chief Executive Officer. Mindy joined The Hicksville Bank on February 24, 2020, bringing with her over two decades of…
CNB Adds New Team Members
HILLSDALE, Mich.,—County National Bank has added Jody Dodd as VP – Chief Human Resources Officer, Sean Schumitsch as AVP Commercial Loan Officer, and Jen Shears as the Somerset Center Branch Manager, according to President and CEO Joseph R. Williams. Jody Dodd joins CNB with 10 years of experience in human resources. She holds a bachelor’s…