Bankers on the Move
WNB Financial is pleased to announce Matt Becker, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as the recipient of its 2021 fourth quarter Community PRIDE Award. Community PRIDE Awards recognize WNB employees for exceptional volunteer service to programs, organizations, and initiatives that contribute to the strength and vitality of the communities served. This includes volunteering efforts made during and outside of work hours. Becker received $100 to donate to the organization of his choice, Winona Volunteer Services.
Andrew Guzzo has been promoted to Chief Banking Officer & President (Winona). Guzzo will continue to have primary leadership responsibility for Merchants Bank’s Winona and Goodview locations, along with meaningful community engagement for the Winona area. Additionally, Guzzo will now also oversee the strategic direction of the Wealth Management division, Marketing and other key centralized business units.
Locally owned and operated Community Bank Owatonna and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce staff promotions.

Libby Hafstad has been appointed Senior Loan Administrator. In her role, Libby will be managing all aspects of the day-to-day operations of loan origination and administration systems. She will be responsible for assuring all loan administration meets federal and state regulatory requirements. 

Jeremy Wildeman has been appointed Vice President/Cashier/Compliance Officer. Jeremy has over 20 years banking experience covering areas of compliance, audit, fair lending, and human resources. Jeremy will be responsible for maintaining the banks compliance systems and controls.
 
Jeffrey Goergen has been appointed Senior Vice President/Chief Credit Officer. Jeff has over 25 years banking experience in all areas of lending. In his role, Jeff will be responsible business development and managing the credit quality of the loan portfolio. 
WNB Financial is pleased to announce that Ben Knuesel has joined the Business Banking Team as Treasury Management Advisor. In his new role, Knuesel assists Business Banking clients with Cash Management and other electronic banking services. While his office is located in Winona, he will serve clients in all markets including Winona, Wabasha, Altoona, and Holmen.
Valley Agencies is pleased to announce the addition of Nick Schneider, ARM to the team. Schneider brings to Valley Agencies and First State Bank and Trust over 15 years of industry experience, having worked for a Fortune 500 company and independently as a state licensed broker, helping families with life & health insurance. He carries the designation Associate of Risk Management (ARM). 
Andy Schornack of Flagship Bank was announced as one of the 2022 40 Under 40 honorees by Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal for his tremendous professional accomplishments and continuous involvement in the community.
First State Bank and Trust is excited to announce the following staff promotions: Beth Aza to Business Development Officer, Michelle Bredahl to Executive Vice President – Chief Operating Officer, Erin Crowder to Senior Vice President – Compliance and Risk Management Officer, Chris Dressel to Senior Vice President – Chief Brand Officer, Peter Matzek to Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer, John Richards to Senior Vice President – Information Technology Officer, and Nick Witthoft to Senior Business Analyst Officer. 
Jason Winter was promoted to President at Citizens State Bank Norwood Young America in January. He becomes only the seventh president in the bank’s 108-year history. Winter started at Citizens in 2008 and was Senior Vice President – Senior Lender before the promotion. He has also served on the bank’s Board of Directors since 2015. 
  Announcements
Through sales and donations, a total of $5,085.51 was raised for Ready Set School at the annual Chili Tasting event, sponsored by WNB Financial, on February 11. Ready Set School was created to ensure that all Winona County children have the basic and necessary school supplies to better succeed in school.
Associated Bank has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Associated Bank joins the ranks of more than 840 major U.S. businesses earning top marks this year.
First National Bank recently presented Sacred Heart School with $1,300 to apply towards the purchase of flexible seating in their library through the Bluejay Debit Card Donation Program. Every time a customer uses their Bluejay debit card, First National Bank allocates a portion of interchange fee income for donation requests. Since the program began, more than $375,000 have been donated to Waseca and NRHEG schools for items such as technology, software, curriculum, outdoor equipment, athletic equipment, defibrillators and more.
We want to hear about your Bankers on the Move! If you have an announcement you would like to include, please send it to Carla Bush at carlab@minnbankers.com.