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Category: Talent

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Oak Bank Welcomes Jett Bell as Loan Operations Specialist

March 13, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Oak Bank Welcomes Jett Bell as Loan Operations Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jett Bell as Loan Operations Specialist. In this role, Jett will support the bank’s loan portfolio, which includes commercial and residential mortgages—both in-house and secondary market—along with consumer and HELOC loan products. His responsibilities include processing and monitoring loan activity, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies, and collaborating closely with lenders, credit teams, and third-party vendors to provide outstanding service to Oak Bank’s clients.

Jett is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a B.A. in Economics with a Mathematical Emphasis. His background includes leadership experience as a Manager at a fast-paced restaurant that required precision, problem-solving, and strong organizational skills. Prior to that, he worked as an Electrical Pre-Apprentice, developing technical expertise and attention to detail—both of which translate well into his role at Oak Bank.

“I am excited to bring my strong analytical skills and attention to detail to this position,” said
Jett Bell.

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, commented about Jett joining the team, “Jett’s combination of analytical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving makes him a great fit for Oak Bank. His fresh perspective and drive to learn will enhance our loan operations team and contribute to our continued success in serving our clients.”

Jett lives in Madison and enjoys fitness and playing chess in his free time.

Please join us in welcoming Jett Bell to the Oak Bank family!

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years,
meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick
answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit
oak.bank to learn more.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Oak Bank Welcomes Braden Neumann as Commercial Loan Specialist

March 6, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Oak Bank Welcomes Braden Neumann as Commercial Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is excited to welcome Braden Neumann as a Commercial Loan Specialist. In this role, Braden will work closely with commercial lenders, credit teams, and third-party vendors to support the documentation and collateral perfection for new and renewed commercial loans. By fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners, Braden will contribute to the success of Oak Bank’s clients and business banking operations.

Braden recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in Economics and History and a minor in Data Science. His previous experience includes working as a sales intern, as well as holding various customer service roles, developing his ability to connect with clients and problem-solve in fast-paced environments.

Braden is eager to bring his skills and enthusiasm to Oak Bank, sharing, “I love how Oak Bank is involved with the community, and how everybody in the bank is so connected. It’s rare to find an opportunity that allows for close relationships with coworkers and the surrounding community while also being able to make a difference in that community and grow immensely as a professional.”

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, expressed excitement about Braden joining the team, “Braden’s strong analytical background, combined with his enthusiasm for collaboration and client service, makes him a valuable addition to Oak Bank. His fresh perspective and eagerness to learn will strengthen our commercial loan operations and enhance the service we provide to our business clients.”

Braden currently resides in Madison and enjoys an active lifestyle. He participated in a half marathon this past fall, loves watching soccer, and when the weather is warm, enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, playing sports, camping, and hiking.

Please join us in welcoming Braden Neumann to the Oak Bank family!

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit www.oak.bank to learn more.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Phil Whitehead Brings Expertise in Business Banking to Lake Ridge Bank

February 28, 2025 (MADISON, Wis.) – Phil Whitehead, CPA, CFP, CExP, has joined the Lake Ridge Bank Business Banking team as Senior Vice President-Business Banking Sales Manager. Working out of the bank’s Evansville location, he will serve customers throughout the Midwest.

An accomplished professional banker with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Whitehead brings expertise in campground financing as part of his overall wealth of experience regarding financing for all types of businesses and industries. He has a wide-ranging background that includes business development, commercial banking, financial planning, and business exit planning. He spent the last decade at First Mid Bank & Trust in Janesville, where he served as Market President and Senior Vice President, Business Banking. Whitehead was also recognized in 2022 as an Elite SBA 504 Lender by Wisconsin Business Development (WBD).

“We are excited to add Phil to our Business Banking team,” says Paul Hoffmann, Lake Ridge Bank President. “We are always looking for ways to serve our customers in new ways, and his extensive business banking knowledge paired with his niche experience will add immense value to our clientele.”

With a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitehead also completed the Graduate School of Banking at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rounding out his educational achievements, he holds multiple professional licenses, including Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, and Certified Business Exit Planner.

Lake Ridge Bank invites the community to meet Whitehead in person at the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) Convention & Trade Show on March 12-16. Considered the largest event of its kind in the country, the 2025 conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Stevens Point.

If you would like more information on how Lake Ridge Bank can support your financial success, contact Phil Whitehead at pwhitehead@lakeridge.bank or call (608) 470-1139.

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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!

For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.

Photo by Richard Hurd

C&E In-Home Care Services is Hiring

C&E is now hiring caregivers! We are looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about providing compassionate care to our clients. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, please reach out for more information on the application process.

We offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can ensure that our clients receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Thank you for helping us spread the word!

Photo by Richard Hurd

Oak Bank Welcomes Terri Burdick as AVP – Treasury Management

February 27, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000
kvirnoche@oak.bank

Oak Bank Welcomes Terri Burdick as AVP – Treasury Management

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is excited to welcome Terri Burdick as Assistant Vice President – Treasury Management. In this role, Terri will develop and manage relationships with business clients, focusing on deposit growth and cash management solutions. She will collaborate closely with the business banking team, providing expertise in treasury management products while ensuring exceptional, personalized service that supports the success of Oak Bank’s clients.

Terri brings more than 20 years of banking experience spanning Treasury Management, Retail Banking, Operations, Marketing, and Human Resources. She holds an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and is a recent graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at UW-Madison.

“I’m looking forward to adding to Oak Bank’s legacy of providing world-class service and solutions to local businesses,” said Terri Burdick.

Linda Zimdars, Senior Vice President – Business Banking, shared her enthusiasm about Terri joining the team, “Terri’s deep expertise in treasury management, coupled with her passion for relationship-building and community service, makes her a perfect fit for Oak Bank. Her commitment to client success and local impact aligns seamlessly with our values.”

Terri recently moved to Stoughton with her husband. She has a son, a daughter-in-law, and two beloved granddaughters. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, visiting farmers markets, cycling, and long-distance walking. A dedicated sports fan, she cheers on college sports teams and is a true Green Bay Packers fan.

A strong advocate for fighting food insecurity, Terri previously served on the Board of Directors for the East Central Illinois Food Bank and looks forward to continuing her volunteer work with a local food bank or pantry.

She is also committed to accessibility efforts, recording local news for the blind and those with reading difficulties through Public Radio.

Please join us in welcoming Terri Burdick to the Oak Bank family!

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

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