Industry News

MCDC President Mark Williams Elected NADCO Director

LANSING, Mich., — Michigan Certified Development Corporation President Mark Williams has been elected as an at-large director of the National Association of Development Companies. NADCO is the trade association of Small Business Administration certified development companies, or CDCs, and other lenders who provide SBA loans and financing for small businesses. Founded in 1981, NADCO’s mission…

Bank of Luxemburg Appoints Nicole Kenneke CRO

LUXEMBURG, Wis., — Bank of Luxemburg has named Nicole Kenneke Chief Retail Officer. This newly created position reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening its retail banking services. Kenneke brings a wealth of experience from her career in the financial industry. Most recently, she served as Vice President at another financial institution where she led branch…

Peoples Promotes Bednarski, Adds Karcher

WAUSAU, Wis., — Peoples State Bank has promoted David Bednarski to vice president and mortgage team leader in the southeastern market and has hired of Melissa Karcher as vice president and mortgage team leader of the bank’s central market. Bednarski joined Peoples in 2024 with 25 years of mortgage lending experience, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin….

GSB Names Mary Hermes VP

MADISON, Wis., — The Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has named Mary Hermes vice president of education and professional development. Hermes draws on more than 15 years of experience in curriculum design, leadership development, and data-driven program assessment.  She will lead GSB’s initiatives to innovate and expand the curriculum while equipping…

OCB Names Lukas Trow SVP

OREGON, Wis., — One Community Bank has named Lukas Trow SVP – Commercial Banking Manager. “We are thrilled to welcome Lukas back to One Community Bank,” said Dan Carey, Chief Commercial Officer. “His deep passion for community banking, extensive experience, and leadership in the industry make him an invaluable asset to our team.” Lukas began…

First National Appoints Craig Bishop VP

LANSING, Mich., — First National Bank of Michigan has hired Craig Bishop as Vice President, Commercial Banking. Bishop will leverage his extensive experience to build and enhance banking relationships in the greater Lansing area. “We are happy to welcome Craig to the Lansing team,” commented Patty Barnas, Lansing Market President. “His expertise and dedication to…

Wayne Promotes Daniels to EVP

HONESDALE, Pa., — Wayne Bank has named Steve Daniels Executive Vice President and Director of Consumer Banking, according to Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Steve plays a tremendous part in the success of Wayne Bank, and I am proud to announce his promotion. He consistently pushes himself and other employees, driving high-tech financial…

Independent Expands Grand Rapids Presence

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., — Independent Bank has added a new location in downtown Grand Rapids that will house the Bank’s downtown retail banking branch and roughly 40 corporate employees. “Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to work, live, dine, and shop, and as a community-focused bank, we’re growing where customers will expect to find…

Pathfinder Bank CIO Retires, Successor Named

OSWEGO, N.Y., — Dan Phillips, Pathfinder Bank Chief Information Officer has retired. This milestone follows the successful completion of the Bank’s critical Berkshire conversion project. Originally set to retire in July 2024, Phillips extended his tenure to oversee the project’s final stages and facilitate a seamless transition. “Dan’s contributions to Pathfinder Bank have been immeasurable,”…

Flagstar Names Lee Smith CFO

HICKSVILLE, N.Y., — Flagstar Financial, Inc. has appointed Lee Smith Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The appointment follows the decision of current CFO Craig Gifford to step down to reengage in personal endeavors outside of the banking industry. Gifford will remain with the Bank through March 2025, and work closely with Smith…