IMPACTING OUR
Communities

I absolutely love working at Bank Iowa! The bank has always felt like family to me, over the years, with my co-workers and customers. I have had the privilege of working in two of the regions at our Altoona and Pella locations, and I love how each branch has the hometown community vibe! Bank Iowa genuinely cares about their employees and it shows! I love my Bank Iowa family!

Sue Steenhoek
Teller lll

I started with what was then Citizens State Bank in the late ’80s as a teller. After a year, I was asked if I would be interested in overseeing a new Senior Citizens’ Travel Club called the Prestige Club. That was my job until 1993, when I left to be a stay-at-home mom.

In 2000, Bank President Stan Honken asked if I would be interested in coming back as a part-time customer service representative. I was ready to return to the working world and said I would give it a try. Twenty-five years later, I am still working part-time at Bank Iowa! I now work in Deposit Operations with a great team.

I have seen a lot of changes in the past twenty-five years, especially in the dress code! I appreciate the casual business attire now and am grateful pantyhose are no longer a thing. What hasn’t changed is the relationships we’ve built with our customers and our commitment to supporting our local communities. I am grateful to be part of a company with such a rich history and an amazing future. Here’s to another fifty years!
 

Beth Rarick
Deposit Operations Specialist 

Over the past 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of Bank Iowa’s growth — from Citizens State Bank to Bank Iowa to Bank Iowa Corporation. With that growth have come significant transformations like name changes, acquisitions, new buildings, conversions, and retirements of valued employees. What truly stands out to me is our remarkable ability to adapt while staying true to what matters most: empowering people, inspiring success, and fostering growth. I genuinely cherish being part of the Bank Iowa family, as this is a company that wholeheartedly values both its customers and its employees.

Tish Miller
Sr. IT Banking Solutions Analyst

I love that Bank Iowa is constantly evolving; it’s a dynamic business. That evolution provides opportunities for long, diverse careers. Additionally, the bank’s dedication to the progression of our Iowa communities makes me proud to be part of the Bank Iowa story.

Megan Brown
Fair Banking Manager

I absolutely love the culture at Bank Iowa — it’s a perfect blend of tradition and innovation with a sparkling focus on communities. I'm excited to see what’s in store for the next 50 years.

Carol Gonzales
Loan Documentation Specialist

I feel very fortunate to have been “acquired” by the Bank Iowa family. I worked for a community bank that took care of me and valued me as an employee, but when Bank Iowa purchased our branch, not only did I still feel valuable, I felt empowered to help strengthen the community I work, live, and raise my children in. I’m so grateful my new family is here to encourage, inspire, and grow the families in my community.

Toni Forck
Retail Branch Manager

What I love most about Bank Iowa is how family-oriented it is. It is never an issue to have time off to be with my children when they need me. Bank Iowa is a great place to work, and I've met some of the most amazing people here!

Hayley Meseck
Personal Banker

I have worked for Bank Iowa for over 12 years. The bank continues to grow year after year but the family atmosphere remains strong. The bank also wants you to grow professionally and has given me several chances to do so.  

Brian Ettleman
Vice President

For over 12 years, Bank Iowa has felt like family to me. Our culture is rooted in genuine care for each other and for our communities, which makes coming to work every day meaningful. I'm proud to be part of a team that values relationships as much as results.

Jenny Gaskill
Regional Retail Banking Manager

What I enjoy about Bank Iowa is that I can inspire someone every day by having a positive attitude in everyday situations and building relationships that make Bank Iowa a choice for our clients. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too!

Claudia Arambula
Teller Supervisor

My time at Bank Iowa has given me the opportunity to meet , work with, and serve people from all segments of society, each with their own needs. I have had the privilege of working with intelligent, passionate, and talented individuals. Getting to know my customers and building relationships is what I love most about my job!

Paula Shelton
Teller lll

I’ve been a customer of Bank Iowa for 36 years and an employee for 30. There have been significant changes in the banking industry during that time. I’ve watched the deposit side develop from mostly manual processing to nearly real-time transaction processing. The loan side has grown from mostly hand-completed paperwork and a handshake to electronically generated paperwork to meet regulations, but the handshake is still there. The most significant thing I’ve experienced is the number of customers I now consider friends.

Tim Stursma
Teller

When I started with Bank Iowa 10 years ago, paper was everywhere. Paper tickets were used to make payments and withdrawals, paper files filled desks, and paper input sheets were used to manually upload loans. Technology has dramatically shifted banking to a nearly paperless office. Transfers between accounts are done digitally, files are scanned into document retention software, and loan upload is now automated. 

Sarah Janssen
Loan Servicing Specialist

To me, Bank Iowa’s culture is truly guided by the company’s values - It’s the way we show up for our clients, our community, and each other every day. I have watched our organization grow over the last 12 years with purpose, always staying true to what matters most: being people-centered, bringing our best, enabling great things, and thinking big. Our owners are family-oriented and continually find new ways to support and benefit team members. Their commitment sets the tone for an environment where we feel empowered, inspired, and encouraged to grow. 

We are continuously guided toward full engagement, meaningful work-life balance, and growth within the company, but what makes it all so special in the end, is the people I work with every day. My coworkers from all regions bring energy, collaboration, humor, and support that make this more than a workplace. Bank Iowa is a place where I am proud to contribute, proud to develop, and proud to belong.
 

Haillie Reicks
Retail Branch Manager

As Bank Iowa approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, I can’t help but reflect on what nearly 10 years with this organization has meant to me. From the moment I interviewed in 2016 and joined the Lawler office as an ag lender, Bank Iowa has truly felt like home.

In just over nine years, I’ve learned, grown, and been fortunate to contribute to a company that continues to evolve while staying grounded in its values. Even through change, Bank Iowa has remained steadfast in its commitment to clients, employees, and its remarkable culture. We are encouraged every day to pursue excellence, supported with opportunities to grow our careers in meaningful and diverse directions.

One of the things I value most is the emphasis Bank Iowa places on family. Knowing that I can put my family first — without question or hesitation — means the world to me and so many others on our team. The people I work alongside and the clients I serve have become an extension of that family.

As we celebrate 50 years of Bank Iowa, I’m incredibly proud to be part of this milestone and everything our organization stands for. I look forward to the future with gratitude, excitement, and appreciation for the privilege of being part of Bank Iowa’s story. Here's to the next 50 years!
 

Emily Schwickerath
Community Bank President

I came to work at the bank on February 3, 1986. The 3rd of the month was a very busy day, as all bank statements were cut that day. This involved counting all the checks (which were included with the statements), checking signatures and endorsements, and weighing each envelope before running them through the postage machine. The 3rd was also when seniors received their Social Security checks in the mail, so they flocked to the bank to cash them.

Back then, we handwrote everything — deposit and withdrawal slips, cash ins and outs — and all CDs, savings bonds, and money orders had to be typed on a typewriter. If you made a mistake, liquid white-out was the only option!

The bank was Manilla State Bank when I started but was purchased and renamed National Bank of Iowa, with Manilla as the main charter until the new Denison bank was completed. There were seven employees in Manilla at that time. Later, it was sold again to Panhandle Aviation, now known as Bank Iowa.

The best part of working at Bank Iowa is my strong relationships with customers. I’ve had many nicknames for my favorite customers, which always put a smile on their faces! I’ve known their families, watched their kids grow up, get married, and have families of their own, many of whom are also Bank Iowa customers today. Having personal relationships built on empathy and compassion is a vital part of making Bank Iowa the bank of choice.
 

Lorie Bandow
Retail Branch Manager

I love being part of Bank Iowa because the bank focuses on community needs. Our leaders listen to feedback and are always working to make things better for employees and customers.

Our systems and products have evolved over the years. The culture the bank has created lets me support causes like school events and our community food pantry. In 10 years, I’ve built a career — starting on the teller line and transitioning to the BSA department, where I receive training and mentoring to learn and grow in my role. I am very thankful to work at Bank Iowa with a great team of coworkers making a difference in our communities.
 

Hannah Geerts
BSA Analyst

It’s not often you find a workplace that helps you grow and values its employees like Bank Iowa. They realize that you’re most productive when you’re happy, well taken care of, and in an environment that challenges you to be your best. It was important for me to find a place where I could use my talents and continue to grow while also balancing my career with my family and personal life. I’m fortunate to have found that in Bank Iowa!

Kim Berns
Relationship Manager

Bank Iowa truly cares. Whether you are a customer, employee, potential both, or just a passerby, Bank Iowa cares about you. It is very clear that as employees, we are treated with great respect and pride; I feel as if there is nothing more I could ask for from a workplace or employer. I am constantly pushed to grow professionally, and opportunities are placed in front of me left and right to exceed my own ambitions.

I experienced a bank merger/acquisition firsthand, and while I had concerns about my career taking a turn, I have always been grateful to Bank Iowa for the upgrade. Bank Iowa’s policy is to treat everyone with outstanding service and the utmost respect. I am proud to be an employee of Bank Iowa and look forward to the future, enjoying every day.
 

Kennedi Hostetter
Loan Processing Specialist

What Bank Iowa has meant to me is the small-town feeling we have here at Bank Iowa Newton, ever since I started in 2002. Bank Iowa is not just another bank in town — it is a strong foundation for what a bank should be and how we can participate in community activities to let everyone know we are here to stay. I’m glad I get to be part of this and hopefully retire here someday — just not yet!

Marcia Herwehe
Loan Processing Specialist

Bank Iowa is a great place to work.  It is really like my second family, always willing to work with you.   I have been in banking for 40 years, I have seen a lot of changes with changes you have to stay positive and it will make you a stronger employee.  I love to be with people, I come to work everyday with a fun attitude ahead of me.  I strive very hard to be a good team player and aim high to please our customers.    So I will keep smiling and make things happen!

Geraldine Jones
Teller

I love being part of the Bank Iowa team because our owners care about us and treat us well! Bank Iowa Newton has that small-town feeling of knowing our customers by name and having good relationships with them. It makes me feel good when they ask for me personally because they trust me to help them make it happen!

Bobbie Smith
Retail Branch Manager

I will hit my 10-year anniversary in April 2026, and I have seen a lot of changes in that amount of time. Sometimes changes can be challenging and difficult, but what makes it easier are the excellent team members I get to work with every day. Bank Iowa has a great team that is willing to pull up their bootstraps in the face of great challenges. I'm proud that I get to work with people every day who exemplify Bank Iowa's purpose and values.

James Feudner
Regional President

I love how we are a small hometown bank. Customers come in and say how they feel at home and how friendly we are.  Some customers are amazed at how we call them by name and can remember who they are. I know if our customers need help with something, we go out of our way to help.  
  
Bank Iowa is a family-friendly place to work.  If something happens to one of us everyone is so caring and wanting to help.  This is my family away from home. I have been here for almost 16 years now and still enjoy coming to work every day! But it is nice to have a generous amount of PTO to help us reenergized when needed.
 

Lana Corso
Teller Supervisor

Working at Bank Iowa for over 25 years has blessed me with special relationships with our customers. Those customers make coming to work each day very rewarding and special. That’s just one of the many benefits of being a community bank.

Tami Weller
Regional Loan Administrator

I have been with Bank Iowa for 12 years. In those 12 years, I've been grateful to work for an organization that truly feels like family. The bank's commitment to supporting its employees has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow. I love that Bank Iowa wants our employees to be involved in the towns that we work in and allows us to make a meaningful impact in our small communities.

Cassie Veldhuizen
Regional Retail Banking Manager

As my next anniversary with Bank Iowa will be my 10th, I look back on my transition from a small family-owned community bank to a large family-owned community bank. The traditional “large bank” definition gave me some angst — fears of no flexibility and impossible goals. It has been both relieving and rewarding to find that those fears were unfounded. A “do your best” culture and the latitude to approach unique situations with unique solutions have created an enjoyable work environment that has allowed me to grow as a lender.

Additionally, the focus on community involvement is more than just a marketing campaign — it is an expected part of our roles, emphasized from the beginning during job interviews. For example, our SE Iowa Region has four team members serving on school board and City Council positions, and that doesn’t come without some risk when tough decisions must be made in public. This is contrary to many financial institutions that discourage or even prohibit this level of community work. Instead, Bank Iowa acknowledges that while volunteer involvement and leadership may not always be easy, they are vital to helping our communities thrive and prosper.
 

Calvin Bandstra
Senior Relationship Manager

Bank Iowa has been my ideal workplace for the last 29 years. If you spend any time with our team members, you’ll find that our greatest strength lies in the power of our people working together and in our commitment to excellence — an unwavering focus on doing what’s right for each other, our customers, and our communities. It’s one thing to have daily small talk with your coworkers, but at Bank Iowa, people really care about each other. Bank Iowa employees have built a culture that is committed to fostering collaboration, respect, and a shared purpose that drives everything we do. Each of our team members brings unique talents and perspectives, and when we unite around common goals, we create a workplace where teamwork isn't just encouraged — it’s celebrated.

Deb Maher
Retail Branch Manager

Government layoffs in 1996/’97 led me to Bank Iowa on June 5, 1997. Bank Iowa’s mission to Empower People, Inspire Success, and Foster Growth has come true for me over the past 28+ years. I started as a teller and worked my way around the bank, taking advantage of new opportunities along the way to my current position as Mortgage Servicing Manager. “Let’s make it happen” with Bank Iowa!

Kelli Houston
Mortgage Servicing Manager

I’ve truly enjoyed being part of the Bank Iowa family.  It’s a bank that gives you a sense of security, fairness, and purpose.  We strive to build long-term relationships – not just complete transactions – which can be challenging in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.  But that commitment to genuine connection is what makes us who we are. 

Angela Korner
Loan Servicing Specialist

I started at Farmers State Bank on April 1, 1998 — yes, April Fools’ Day. In 2001, Farmers State Bank was purchased by Bank Iowa. I started in the bookkeeping department. With the purchase, people moved around and tasks changed. I then moved to being a teller and eventually to Branch Manager. I enjoy working with my customers as every day brings something new.

K'Lynn Harm
Retail Branch Manager

I’ve enjoyed my long tenure with Bank Iowa. I started my first position at the Essex location, then worked at the Red Oak location, then transferred to the drive-in location in Shenandoah, and now I am at the main bank in Shenandoah.

I have worked various jobs. I started in Data Processing at Essex, where everything was done mostly by hand and entries were posted onto a computer. Now we just drop our documents into a machine, press a few buttons, and everything is done electronically. Crazy how things change in 27 years.

I worked as a loan assistant at Red Oak, then as a teller at the drive-in location in Shenandoah, and next as a loan assistant at the main bank. Currently, I am a Loan Servicing Specialist. I have been lucky to work in different departments of the bank — it has made me very diversified.

I left Bank Iowa in the ’90s for about three years, but decided it was time to come back. I have never second-guessed my decision. It has been a good decision, allowing me to grow and learn new job responsibilities along the way.
 

Lynne Taylor
Loan Servicing Specialist

My first interview with Darlene Carlson and Bob Vavra was in the fall of 1995. I knew that a banking job in a small town was a great job to have. When they talked to me about service to the community and the expectation of volunteer hours, I was very excited. The bank was rooted and fully supportive of the community — I loved that. They also said promotions and new opportunities would be few in a small town, so I shouldn’t turn down anything that was offered. I knew what I needed to do: show up and do my job.

All of the people I have worked for — and still do — care deeply about people and their communities. We’ve done fundraisers for causes dear to our hearts, built floats for community parades, hosted cookouts for games, and held silent auctions and celebrity waiter dinners for Relay for Life. Everyone has an organization or two they donate time to, and we always help each other when fundraising.

I remember the air show we put on at the Shenandoah Airport to celebrate First National Bank turning 100. We had a flight breakfast, and of course the Barrs and others were flying. It was awesome — we loved it, and the community loved it!

Things are still fun today. The people I work with care about doing quality work and supporting each other when needed. We know that the corporation and our local leadership have our backs. That comes from the top — the owners care, and the managers carry that forward. Everyone I’ve worked with has worked hard, and we all share the common goal of helping our customers be financially successful. Bank Iowa has always been a great place to work, and I am grateful and blessed to have been here for over 30 years.
 

Margaret Burns
Loan Ops Specialist

At Bank Iowa, people actually enjoy spending time with their coworkers. The culture has a genuine feeling of family. This feeling starts with ownership and leadership. I don't have a lot of interaction with ownership, but I do have a lot of interaction with Jim Plagge — and our culture is a direct reflection of his leadership. Jim actually cares about the people he leads. It is easily the best place I've ever worked!

Matt Wagner
VP/Relationship Manager

Bank Iowa’s culture is unique, especially in an industry defined by rules, regulations, and precision.  Those things all matter at Bank Iowa, but they never get in the way of us being innovative and our willingness to try new things.  It’s easy in banking to become comfortable and avoid change, but instead, we lean into it.  Over the 10+ years I’ve been a part of Bank Iowa, I have seen plenty of evolution.  But one constant has remained, our dedication and respect for the human condition.  Caring for our customers, our communities, and our coworkers as people-first is something our owners hold in high regard and is at the core of all we do.  Without that, no amount of transformation will truly last.  That focus on people, and embracing change together, is why I’ve loved working here and am excited for the next 50 years for Bank Iowa.

Ryan Huinker
CFO

I've seen Bank Iowa's culture evolve over the years. It has always been welcoming, but today it feels even more intentional-embraced from the top down. I've stayed with Bank Iowa because it's been an incredible place to grow both personally and professionally. When I expressed interest in learning new areas, my leaders made sure I had those opportunities, and I know that doesn't happen everywhere. Watching the bank's transformation has been amazing. We've grown so much, yet remain committed to our roots and to offering the very best for our clients.

Kelsey Allison
Ops System Specialist

Bank Iowa is a special place — one where I get to bring my whole self to work, which is generous of them considering my ‘whole self’ includes questionable jokes and being first in line for leftover office food. In a world where authenticity at work is rare, being trusted to do my job with real autonomy feels like a gift. Family ownership makes a bigger difference than people realize, and I’ve worked enough places to know the grass isn’t greener. Here, I get to help clients feel more secure, support our communities, and grow with teammates I admire — and getting to end each day feeling good about what I do? What could be better?

Josh Fleming
Marketing Director

Our culture at Bank Iowa is second to none. We are a respected organization that believes in relationships. The relationships that we have with our employees, customers, and communities we serve are the core of everything we do. We are always committed to doing the right thing when it comes to the people we work with every day. I love working at Bank Iowa because we get things done. When we say "Let’s make it happen" that is what we do. The Bank is blessed to have incredible ownership and leadership that allow us to grow and do our job to the best of our ability. Over the years, there has been a lot of change. With that change, we have met the moment and are always trying to be at the forefront of new ways to better serve our customers. Overall, Bank Iowa is a great place to work and an organization that truly cares.

John Rathjen
Regional President

I have dedicated 30 years of my career to the financial industry and joined Bank Iowa Oskaloosa in 2009, just prior to the consolidation of charters. Throughout my journey in various positions and departments, as well as my advancement over the years, Bank Iowa has consistently been a supportive and meaningful part of my life. The fact that it has remained a family-owned bank all these years has greatly contributed to this, as they genuinely strive to support their employees. I am truly grateful that I made the decision to come to Bank Iowa when I did.

Leeann Parlet
Sr. Risk Analyst

Bank Iowa’s commitment to community banking was established 50 years ago and remains a top priority today. That philosophy drew me to Bank Iowa 24 years ago and remains strong. It has been a privilege to learn from and work alongside some of the best bankers in the industry.

Rich Davitt
Chief Credit Officer

From my first day at Bank Iowa, I knew family was a point of pride for our owners. I remember walking into the West Des Moines location and meeting Darlene Carlson and Jim Plagge for my initial orientation. My parents had ridden along for the three-hour trip because they wanted to see where I’d be working. When the Bank Iowa team learned my parents were with me, they invited them in, gave them a tour of the location with the stories behind each piece of artwork, and then scheduled a time for them to meet personally with Jim. They were impressed and honored to be included in my first-day experience.

Bank Iowa’s commitment to team members and their families makes me proud to be part of this family-owned bank!

Tanya Johnson
Sr. Compliance & Risk Director

The caring of our new owners was evident early on — not only toward the bank and its employees but also toward the communities they were investing in.

I can recall at least three examples of being owned by an aviation company coming in handy. Shortly after Humboldt was bought, they sent a plane out west (I think Oregon) to pick up and bring home a customer and downtown business owner, Bob Thomas. Bob’s wife Harriet was one of the original RAGBRAI riders and was biking with John Karras and friends. Bob, who had MS and was wheelchair-bound, developed a health issue.

Jerry Howard, the first President at Humboldt after the purchase, also had a health issue arise while on a flight. After spending about a week in the hospital and not being medically cleared for commercial travel, Duncan sent a plane to bring him home.

The third example is the “Round Robins” we used to do. They would spend the day flying the lucky group from town to town. The passengers got to visit the other bank offices and build a culture of collaboration. I was lucky enough to go on the Round Robin twice, and on one trip, I sat in the cockpit with Harry Barr, our pilot for the day. Our topic of conversation was skydiving. Even though the banks were separate charters, we still worked together and could rely on one another. With no video conferencing back then, those trips helped put faces to names.

Back in the day, the owners used to attend our local holiday party. My husband reminded me of the year we sat at the table with Robert and Karen at a Christmas party (we think it was 1999). We talked about the hot kids’ gifts that year. Robert was on the hunt for yellow Pokémon Game Boys and needed two for the twins. Days later, after finding two, Kevin called and spoke with Robert’s assistant, who gave him a card number and address to mail them. Kevin also had the opportunity to golf with Chandy more than once at annual golf outings — if they didn’t win, they were in the top three.

For me, it has always been evident that our owners were and are “people centered.”

Stephanie Clabaugh
Sr. Deposit Ops Manager

I love how positive the culture at Bank Iowa is — from things like drinks stocked in the fridge, employee birthdays being celebrated, team-building outings, and celebrating Banksgiving, just to name a few. I especially love the holidays and how decorated the branch is. It is a warm and friendly place to be, and I enjoy coming to work!

Samantha Stewart
Loan Processing Specialist