Our branches marked the end of fiscal year 2022 on October 25 and 26 with in-person Wrap-Up Rallies for the first time since 2019. Gathering together was a welcome and appreciated change, after two years of remote celebrations.

In 2022, we asked branch employees to “Take the Next Step” and bring their game up to a new level. They nailed it — meaning the competition to be a top performer was fierce. Combined, branch teams exceeded many of the goals we set for both gross production and quality measures. Notably, we had world-record performance in investment sales and payment protection.

For the first time ever, all three of our Branches of the Year — Burlington, Kenosha South, and McHenry — were from the same district. No surprise that the South region’s Brian Bozek was also named District Manager of the Year.

Burlington personal banker Jolene Cedeno, teller supervisor Jayme Clarey, universal banker Bryana Stagg, Robin, and teller Emily Henry.

Burlington, led by Branch Manager of the Year Robin Callis, achieved over 150 percent to goal in three core categories (lending, investment sales, and credit cards), while having one of the strongest performances of the year in checking production. The team consistently talks to their customers about how we can help them achieve their financial goals.

Brian, Kenosha South universal banker Kim Roberts, Danielle, assistant branch manager Dedee Vargas, universal banker Shana English, and teller supervisor Jamie DeVore.

Kenosha South, led by Branch Manager of the Year Danielle Hansen, continues to build out relationships with customers since moving out of Festival Foods. Kenosha South led all branches in checking production to goal while also exceeding goal in all other categories. A can-do attitude to whatever challenges arise is key to this team’s outstanding performance.

Brian, Dee, and McHenry teller supervisor Blanca Wiley.

And McHenry, led by Branch Manager of the Year Dee Patel, also exceeded 150 percent in four categories and was over 120 percent to goal in checking production. Dee and her team have embraced relationship building and finding the best way to work with each customer, as we helped the Lake in the Hills customers adapt to their new home. Dee has also spearheaded our video banking strategy, helping connect customers remotely to bankers across our footprint.

Our other winners were:

Video Teller of the Year
Teresa Sanchez

Teller of the Year
Audrey Elliott
Fabiola Guel
Kerryann Goetsch
Jennifer Isenhower
Lexie Lawler

Universal Banker of the Year
Shana English
Melody Langrick
Sara Speich
Micki Usama

Teller Supervisor of the Year
Jayme Clarey
Tarvinder Kaur

Personal Banker of the Year
Jolene Cedeno
Matthew Cieslak

Assistant Branch Manager of the Year
Dedee Vargas
Mariella Zarb

Branch of the Year runners-up were Germantown, Brookfield Square, Sturgeon Bay, and Northside.

I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of our branch teams in 2022. We continue to adjust and adapt to post-pandemic challenges in branch traffic, staffing, and changing customer demands. I am excited to see what we can accomplish in 2023! —Craig Witz, VP, Branch Sales