Photo by Richard Hurd
Greenwoods State Bank Promotes James Hegenbarth to President Amid Growth and Strategic Vision
Lake Mills, WI – Greenwoods State Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of James “Jim” Hegenbarth to President, effective immediately. This leadership transition reflects the bank’s continued growth and commitment to strong, experienced guidance. Hegenbarth succeeds Rob Cera, who will now serve as Co-Chief Executive Officer alongside Bill McDonald.
Hegenbarth brings over 30 years of experience in community banking, strategic development, and civic engagement to his new role. Since joining Greenwoods, he has played an instrumental role in advancing the bank’s mission of delivering relationship-based, community-focused financial services.
“Jim is a respected and forward-thinking leader whose expertise, vision, and values align perfectly with our mission,” said Rob Cera, Co-CEO of Greenwoods State Bank. “This promotion is not only a recognition of Jim’s contributions, but creates a clear succession for leadership within Greenwoods that will reinforce our focus on the communities and customers we serve in our local markets.”
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in economics, Hegenbarth began his career as a credit analyst with First Bank N.A. (now US Bank). In 1991, he returned to Madison to lead the business banking group at Park Bank, where he was named President and CEO in 1998. During his tenure, he guided the bank’s growth from $150 million to $1.5 billion in assets, achieving record earnings from 2020 to 2022.
In addition to his professional success, Hegenbarth is widely regarded as a leader in the banking industry. He has served on the Board of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, was named Banker of the Year in 2020, and is currently Vice Chair-Elect of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
Beyond the boardroom, Hegenbarth is deeply committed to public service, holding leadership and advisory roles with organizations including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Edgewood High School, Fitchburg Community and Economic Development Authority, Blessed Sacrament Church, Middleton Youth Football and Basketball, and the American Family Children’s Hospital at UW–Madison, among many others.
“I’m honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time,” said Hegenbarth. “Greenwoods is a bank with deep community roots and a bold vision for the future. I look forward to building on that foundation — strengthening our relationships, investing in innovation, and continuing to deliver the kind of personalized service our customers count on.”
Hegenbarth’s promotion signals a strong and stable leadership transition as Greenwoods State Bank continues to expand its impact across Wisconsin communities and beyond.
For more information, visit www.greenwoods.bank.
About Greenwoods State Bank
Founded in 1893, Greenwoods State Bank is a locally focused, community-driven financial institution headquartered in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. With branch locations across southern and central Wisconsin, Greenwoods offers a full range of personal and business banking services with an emphasis on relationship banking and personalized support. As of 2025, the bank manages over $662 million in assets and remains committed to investing in the communities it serves through innovation, integrity, and local leadership. Learn more at www.greenwoods.bank.