Kelly Skalicky has succeeded her father as CEO of Stearns Bank in St. Cloud, Minn.
The $2 billion-asset Stearns said in a press release Monday that Norm Skalicky, who had led the bank since 1964, will remain its chairman.
“It is a privilege to take on this new role," Kelly Skalicky said in the release.
"I’m humbled to accept this leadership position in our family’s company that has been instrumental in my life and the foundation of my entrepreneurial drive,” she added. “I’m thrilled to continue to work alongside our talented, ambitious team to innovate and excel as one of the nation’s strongest, well-capitalized and highest performing banks.”
The bank, which also has branches in Arizona and Florida, said in the release that it is focusing on its online platforms and deposit programs. The bank is also planning a new suite of products for business customers.
Skalicky has been involved in Stearns since her childhood, when she spent Saturdays at the office with her dad. She was legal counsel to the bank after graduating from law school and joined the bank full time seven years ago, serving as a director and as general counsel.
She became the bank's president last year.
“I have full confidence in Kelly’s ability to lead Stearns Bank," Norm Skalicky said in the release.
"Passing the torch to my daughter is personally so rewarding for me and a natural progression for both Kelly and the business,” he added. “As a father, it has been my greatest pleasure to watch Kelly grow into the leader she is now. I speak for myself and for everyone at Stearns Bank when I say, she can certainly get the job done.”
