By Joyce C. Dimaculangan

Matthew Mueller recently joined Nebraska-based First National Bank Fremont as a Commercial Lender. In this capacity, he will focus on offering loan services and financial solutions to businesses to meet their specific needs.

In 2003, Mueller began working in a number of financial services industries in the Kansas City metro area. Before joining First National Bank, Mueller served as Business Banking Officer at U.S. Bank, supporting the company’s 14 area branches in Overland Park, Kansas; and North Kansas City, Missouri.

Prior to U.S. Bank, he served in several capacities at Bank of America, including as Mortgage Loan Officer, AVP Merchant Services, Banking Center Manager II, and Small Business Banker.

During his tenure at Bank of America, he was recognized with several sales awards, including the Bank of America Merchant Services 9-time Triple Crown Winner, Operational Excellence in 2010, and Sales Achievement in March 2010.

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By Joyce C. Dimaculangan

Bank of Grove recently named Angie Edwards as Vice President, working as a loan officer for commercial and home loans. Edwards brings to her new role almost two decades of banking experience. Before joining the company, she served as a Loan Officer at Grand Savings Bank for more than two years.

Ed Townsend, Bank of Grove owner and CEO, remarked, “I’m delighted that Angie chose to join our bank. She is the kind of individual we like to have, and has the qualities we look for. She fits in extremely well with our organization, because we are all about building relationships and serving our customers.”

In response, Edwards cites the Bank’s philosophy of the leadership for making the move attractive, including its focus on local, in house decisions. She said, “I like the way they run things here. This is a good opportunity. They have the same goals and vision.”

A native of Elk City, Kansas, Edwards is a member of the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, where she heads the chamber’s ambassadors program in addition to serving as a member of its Business 2 Business committee.

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By Joyce C. Dimaculangan

American Trust Bank announced the appointment of Mark L. Smith as the new President and Chief Financial Officer, where he brings 35 years of experience in the banking and finance industry.

Prior to joining American Trust, Smith served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for First Community National Bank in Cuba, Missouri. From 1992 to 2014, he was President and CEO of First Missouri Bank in Brookfield, Missouri.

“We are extremely pleased that Mark is joining our senior management team,” stated American Trust Bank Chief Executive Officer Sam Berendzen. “With his extensive experience in community bank management, along with his expertise in agriculture and commercial business, Mark will play a key role in positioning the bank for future growth in our community.”

Smith’s wife, Becky, is a native of Kirskville and managing partner of Smith Auctioneers, LLC. They are also partners in a family commercial cattle operation near Brookfield. They have three children and four grandchildren.

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By Joyce C. Dimaculangan

Tuscaloosa-based Alabama One Credit Union announced the hiring of Jason Halperin as Chief Lending Officer, where he is responsible for all loan production and services within Alabama One, and the ten Alabama One branch managers also report to him.

Halperin has nearly 20 years of experience in the finance industry. A senior leader, he has a successful background in sales management, strategic marketing and staff development.

Prior to joining Alabama One, he served as Chief Marketing/Lending Officer with Georgia United Credit Union in Duluth, Georgia. During his tenure at the $1 billion-credit union, he led all aspects of its lending areas, loss prevention, E-Branch call center and business development activities.

In 2013, he founded RTW Financial Consulting, a firm that specializes in organizational leadership, sales and lending consulting. He also spent two years with Utilicom Supply Associates as General Manager.

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By Joyce C. Dimaculangan

Gateway State Bank, Clinton, Iowa has named Michael R. Stamp as its President. He joined the Bank in 2008 as a Commercial Loan Officer and since then, has served various roles in increasing responsibilities, including as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Loans and Vice President of Commercial Loans.

“I am pleased to have Mike step into this role. He has been an integral part of our team for a number of years,” commented Gateway State Bank Chairman Brigham Tubbs. “He is the right person to lead the GSB team and we are fortunate to have his expertise and experience in the president’s role.”

Likewise, Stamp looks forward to serving his new position. “I am very excited about the opportunity to lead Gateway State Bank. GSB has a great team, and my co-workers are second to none,” he said. “The owners of GSB are present in the communities we serve. I am inspired by their commitment to working with and serving the members of our communities.”

In addition to his career, Stamp volunteers his time for the community. He is a member of Camanche Kiwanis, Clinton Rotary, and Junior Achievement. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Finance from Mount Saint Clare College and is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

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By Joyce C. Dimaculangan

H.I.G. WhiteHorse announced that Stuart Aronson has joined the company as group head of its U.S. Direct Lending team. Aronson brings to his new role 30 years of experience in the banking and finance industry.

Prior to joining WhiteHorse, he spent most of his career with GE Capital. Most recently, he was the former Head of GE Capital’s Sponsor Finance Group.

His previous roles at GE include President of Global Sponsor Finance and General Manager of the commercial and industrial business within the structured finance group. He started his career with Chemical Bank’s Syndications Group in 1987, with a focus on leveraged financial products.

“We are delighted to welcome Stuart and his team to H.I.G.,” remarked Sami Mnaymneh and Tony Tamer, Co-CEO’s of H.I.G. “They bring an enviable record of success, especially in the sponsor community, where they have built deep relationships based on flexibility, responsiveness, and a long-term orientation. We are confident that they will make a significant contribution to growing H.I.G.’s direct lending activities.”

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