Forte Bank in Wisconsin, Touchmark Bancshares in Georgia, Lakeside Bank in Texas, Lincoln State Bank in North Dakota and Rhinebeck Bancorp in New York all made leadership changes in recent weeks. The Maryland Bankers Association also hired a new chief executive.
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CEO of Forte Bank in Wisconsin to retire, successor named
Forte Bank in Hartford, Wisconsin, will soon have a new leader.
The $410 million-asset bank said in a press release that Aaron Lensink would be promoted to president and CEO on July 1. Currently the bank's executive vice president of commercial banking, Lensink would succeed Tim Purman, who is retiring after 40 years with Forte. He led the bank for 25 years.
Lensink, who joined Forte in 2017, has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry.
"The strength of this organization lies in its people, who are dedicated employees, loyal customers, and committed shareholders. I am immensely proud of what we have built together, and I know the bank's future is bright," Purman said in the release.
"Aaron is a dynamic leader with a strong vision for the future," Purman said of Lensink. "His expertise, dedication, and passion for community banking make him the perfect choice to lead Forte Bank into its next phase of success."
Touchmark in Georgia recruits chief executive
Touchmark Bancshares in Alpharetta, Georgia, has hired a new president and CEO.
The $449 million-asset company said in a press release that Bobby Krimmel succeeded J.J. Shah, who is retiring from his management roles but will remain chairman of Touchmark's board.
Krimmel, who also joined the Touchmark board, most recently was chief financial officer at First Farmers and Merchants Corp. and chief administrative officer of its bank unit. At First Farmers, Krimmel managed accounting, treasury, information technology, fraud, risk management and other functions.
"After seven years as president and CEO," Shah said in the release, "I have decided to step down to spend more time with my family and welcome the next generation of leadership. We are excited to have someone with Bobby's strategic vision and experience to lead Touchmark National Bank into its next chapter of growth."
Lakeside Bank in Texas hires new CEO
Lakeside Bank in Rockwall, Texas, has recruited Chris Williams to become its president and CEO.
The $308 million-asset bank said in a press release that Williams succeeded Ana Rodriguez, who left the company earlier this year to pursue other opportunities.
Williams previously served as regional executive vice president of Origin Bank. He was a founding member of Dallas-based BTH Bank, which was acquired by Origin in 2022.
"We're excited to have Chris join Lakeside," Brian Pratt, a Lakeside director, said in the release. "He loves what he does and does it exceptionally well. He will lead our continued pursuit to be the best bank in our market."
Lincoln State Bank in North Dakota promotes for next president
Lincoln State Bank in Hankinson, North Dakota, lined up a president.
Amanda Lingen's promotion to the newly created role will be effective April 1, the $118 million-asset bank said in a press release. Lingen is a 20-year veteran of the bank and has held various leadership positions.
Lingen "is a vital member of our team, and her promotion to president is a testament to her leadership, expertise, and dedication to our customers and staff," Bob Wurl, Lincoln State's chairman and CEO, said in the release. "We are confident that under her leadership, Lincoln State Bank will continue to thrive as a trusted partner in our farming and business communities."
Rhinebeck Bancorp in New York opens CEO search
Michael Quinn is retiring as president and CEO of Rhinebeck Bancorp in Poughkeepsie, New York.
He has led the $1.3 billion-asset bank for 20 years. During that time, Rhinebeck more than doubled its asset base.
Quinn will continue to lead Rhinebeck until a successor is found, and the bank has hired an executive search firm, it said in a press release.
"Our achievements are a direct result of our dedicated employees, and the trust placed in us by our customers and shareholders," Quinn said in the release. "I am immensely proud of what we have built together."
Maryland Bankers Association gets new leader
The Maryland Bankers Association has a new CEO.
Tisha Edwards will serve as the chief spokesperson for the Maryland banking industry, the association said in a press release. Edwards starts the job in April. She was also named executive vice president of the Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association, a holding company formed in 2024 to combine the MBA and the Virginia Bankers Association into a two-state enterprise.
Edwards has served as secretary of appointments in Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's administration.
Edwards "brings a wealth of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors and will hit the ground running as we keep Maryland banking at the forefront of driving economic growth throughout the state," Janet Currie, MBA chair and greater Maryland president at Bank of America, said in the release.
Edwards succeeds Ramon Looby, who was the CEO of the MBA from 2021 through October 2024, when he was fired. Looby, a former Bank of America executive, sued the organization, alleging he was fired without cause. The MBA countersued, saying Looby mismanaged the association's budget. The legal wrangling is ongoing.
