Officers & Directors

Executive Officers

Ray Hewitt

Chairman of the Board

Chairman of the Board, Ray Hewitt, is a native of Clear Lake and returned to his hometown in 1973 from Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he served as president of the Marine National Bank. Upon his return, he held the position of president and CEO of Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company until 1998, when his son, Mark Hewitt, returned to Clear Lake and assumed this position. He was a member of the Clear Lake Rotary Club for 25 years and once served as president of the organization. For many years, has served on the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce as well as the Clear Lake Economic Development Corporation.

Mark Hewitt

CEO

Mark Hewitt started his banking career in 1985 and worked for two large regional banks prior to joining CLB&T. Under his leadership, CLB&T has tripled in size to $440 MM in assets and 100 employees. Hewitt is a graduate of the Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University where he earned his MBA. He also holds a BS degree in finance from Drake University. Hewitt currently serves on the boards of Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa and the Drake University College of Business and Public Administration. He is a past board member of United Way of North Central Iowa and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Paul Stevenson

President

As president, Paul is responsible for executing the bank’s strategic initiatives and overall brand management. He is a graduate of Buena Vista University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. He began his banking career in 1989 with a multi-state banking holding company before joining CLB&T in 1997. Since that time, he has provided leadership in several bank initiatives as well as served as Chief Credit Officer. Under his guidance the bank has experienced significant loan growth and maintained excellent asset quality. Stevenson has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce; Clear Lake Economic Development Corporation; and the Clear Lake Community School Board of Education. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Iowa Economic Development Corporation and the Surf Ballroom.

Matt Ritter

Chief Operating Officer

As chief operating officer, Matt is responsible for oversight of business operations and assisting with strategy execution. Matt joined CLB&T in 1993 and throughout his career at the bank, has held several positions, most notably in asset/liability management, operations, and information technology/security. He holds his MBA from Drake University, BA in finance and banking from Buena Vista University, and AA degree from North Iowa Area Community College. In addition, he attended the BAI Graduate School of Bank Operations & Technology at Vanderbilt University and the Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management at the University of South Carolina. Matt currently serves as treasurer of the One Vision Board of Directors. He previously served on the National User Group Board of Directors for Jack Henry & Associates; Clear Lake Library Board of Directors and Foundation; and the North Iowa Area Community College Alumni Advisory Board.

Senior Officers

Marc Younge

Senior Vice President, Business Banking

Marc Younge works closely with the bank's commercial and agricultural loan customers to ensure their financing needs are met to ensure a successful and well maintained operation. A CLB&T employee since 2005 and a banker since 1995, Younge earned his BS in management & finance from Drake University and attended the Iowa Commercial Lending School. He currently serves as treasurer on the Opportunity Village Board of Directors, Elder at Redeemer Lutheran Church and Iowa Cattleman's Association Board of Directors. Younge is a past president of the Ventura School Foundation Board, Congregational Chairman of Redeemer Lutheran Church, and Clear Lake Chamber board member. He has also been involved with Cerro Gordo County 4-H, Cerro Gordo County Cattleman Association, and Ventura Betterment Committee.

Brian Berg

Senior Vice President, Business Banking

A native of Carroll County, Brian is a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor of science degree in finance. Brian joined CLB&T in 2017 in our downtown Mason City office with 30 years of previous financial services experience. Brian resides in Mason City and is secretary for the Mason City Noon Kiwanis Club and past volunteer for the Knights of Columbus; Relay for Life; United Way; Opportunity Village; Newman Schools; and Habitat for Humanity.

Pat Goedken

Senior Vice President, Business Banking

Pat Goedken, joined CLB&T in April 2010. Pat is a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor of science in ag business. Pat has more than thirty years of ag and commercial banking experience across North Iowa. He currently serves as a United Way volunteer and YMCA volunteer, is active in Epiphany Parish and serves on the ag committee for the Mason City Chamber of Commerce. Pat was promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Banking in 2020.

Deb McIntire

Vice President, Operations

Deb McIntire has been with CLB&T since 1979. She is responsible for all teller operations of the bank, including teller staffing, education/training, compliance, policies, and procedures. McIntire attended Hamilton Business College and was previously involved with the Clear Lake Athletic League, the CARES post-prom party, and the St. Patrick Church auction. She also volunteers her time to help several organizations with their betterment projects.

Sue Finnegan

Vice President, Teller Operations

Sue Finnegan joined CLB&T in 1977 after attending North Iowa Area Community College and the University of Northern Iowa. Finnegan, a Clear Lake native, is a well-known face behind the teller line in the Clear Lake office. In addition to her teller management duties, she has also played an integral role in bank marketing and advertising as well as the ongoing operation of the bank's Clear Sailing "55" program. Finnegan is involved with the United Way Mentoring Program and she has also volunteered her time to act as the treasurer for local political campaigns.

Mike Bahnsen

Vice President, Business Development

Mike was raised on a farm in southern Cerro Gordo County. He holds a BS degree in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University, and is a graduate of Iowa School of Banking and Commercial Lending Institute. Mike is a member of the Hancock County Economic Development group, serves as Garner Parks and Recreation Chairman and is the treasurer for the Garner Rotary Club.

Gerald “Chip” Thiedeman

Vice President, Real Estate/Consumer Lending

Chip Thiedeman has been with CLB&T's Garner Office since 1996. He is responsible for consumer deposit and loan customers in the Garner area, as well as heading real estate lending in Garner. Thiedeman has been involved with many North Iowa community organizations and activities, which include the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Garner Chamber of Commerce & Vision Committee, Garner Area Betterment Association, Garner Lions Club, NIACC-Garner Education Center Advisory Board, and the Garner City Revolving Loan Fund Committee. He earned his BA from Iowa State University.

Cheryl Kurtzleben

Vice President, Real Estate Lending

Cheryl Kurtzleben joined Clear Lake Bank and Trust in August 2013 as vice president of real estate lending in the Mason City office. A native of Forest City, Cheryl is a graduate of Waldorf College and has worked in North Iowa for the past 16 years in banking and mortgage loan origination.

Cheryl has served as an executive officer on United Way of North Central Iowa’s Board of Directors and is a local advisory board member for Consumer Credit Counseling of NE Iowa.

Anne Flynn

Vice President, Trust Officer

A graduate of Sioux Falls College, Augustana College and the Cannon Financial Institute, Anne joined CLB&T in October 2013 with over 30 years of trust experience. She is the past president of Good Shepherd Care Center Board of Directors, past president and current member of the MercyOne Foundation, member of Wright on the Park finance committee and is also active with United Way.

Aimee Kern

Vice President, Human Resources

A native of Clear Lake, Aimee joined Clear Lake Bank & Trust in 2012 as our human resources officer and was promoted to vice president in 2017. She is a graduate of NIACC with an associate's degree in business, Drake University with a bachelor of science in business administration, and Ashford University with a master's in business administration. Aimee is SHRM-SCP and PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certified.

She has served on the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa's Board of Directors and was co-chair for for the North Iowa Diversity Appreciation Team.

Aimee continues to be involved as a member of United Way of North Central Iowa's Board of Directors and is a member of Human Resources Association of North Iowa.

Danielle Pace

Vice President, Consumer Lending

Danielle Pace joined the CLB&T team in September 2015 as retail branch manager in the Mason City west office. In 2019, Danielle was promoted to vice president of consumer lending while maintaining her role as retail leader in our Mason City west office. She is a graduate of North Iowa Area Community College and comes to CLB&T with eight years of banking and management experience. Danielle is actively involved with the American Cancer Sociey's Relay for Life of Cerro Gordo County and has served as the event chair for three years. She has also been involved with Make-A-Wish of North Iowa and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Kirk Mueller

Vice President, CLB&T Insurance and Financial Services Manager

An ISU graduate, Kirk joined CLB&T in 2007 after many years of insurance sales experience. Kirk is a strong supporter of our communities and has been a significant part of the insurance agency growth over the past several years.

Diane Ostendorf

Vice President, Personal/Private Banking

Diane Ostendorf attended Iowa Central Community College and began her banking career in 1979. In 1989, she joined CLB&T, serving as a personal banker and IRA specialist. In 2019 she was promoted to vice president of the bank, assisting with private banking relationships. She serves on the Clear Lake Arts Center board of directors, One Vision mentoring program, is vice president of the Clear Lake Dixiefest Board, and is a United Way and American Cancer Society volunteer.

Chad Lunning

Vice President, Business Banking

Chad Lunning joined our team as the Vice President of Ag & Commercial Lending in the Garner office and started with us in November 2019. Chad has been involved in the banking industry since 2013. Chad is a native of Forest City and is married with 3 children.

Natalie Plagge

Vice President, Business Banking

A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in finance & real estate, Natalie Plagge joined CLB&T in May of 2010. Prior to becoming a commercial banking officer at CLB&T, Natalie worked for three years as a commercial loan officer in Louisville, Kentucky. Natalie has attended the Risk Management Association's Lending Academy, Kentucky Bankers Association's Commercial Lending School and Iowa Bankers Association's Iowa School of Banking. She is involved in the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce First Mates and the Clear Lake Jaycees.

Josh Thompson

Vice President, Business Banking

In 2011, Josh Thompson joined CLB&T working as a teller while attending college. Upon graduation in 2014, he joined our commercial lending department as a credit analyst. In 2020, Josh was promoted to his current role. Josh is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in finance and a MBA. He is also a graduate of the Iowa Banker's Association Commercial Lending School. Josh is a member of the Clear Lake Jaycees and President of the Clear Lake Noon Lions Club.

Officers

Joan Hanson

Assistant Vice President, Business Banking

Joan M. Hanson, assistant vice president, works in the Clear Lake office to support the agriculture and commercial department. A CLB&T employee since 1992, Hanson earned her AA from NIACC and a BA in finance and banking with a minor in sociology from Buena Vista University. She is involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Hancock County as a committee member and team captain; the Garner Asset Project (GAP), serving as a coalition member and a member of the executive committee; Garner-Hayfield Community School Vocational Advisory Committee; Garner-Hayfield Education Foundation Board; Garner Education Center Operations Board and the RSVP Advisory Council.

Joy Olson

Assistant Vice President, Real Estate/Consumer Lending

Joy has been employed with CLB&T since June of 1989. As a general lender in the downtown Mason City office, her responsibilities include working with individuals on home, auto, boat, home equity and home equity lines of credit loans. Olson works closely with the bank's Clear Sailing "55" Club, making club trip and seminar arrangements, writing the club's newsletter and speaking at monthly "Movie Day." She has a BA from the University of Northern Iowa and has attended the Iowa Banker's Consumer Lending School. She is involved in Mason City Band Festival Board of Directors, Women's Leadership for United Way and is a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Courtney Baker

Personal Banking Officer

Courtney joined CLB&T in 2014 working as a Teller in Clear Lake and Mason City. Courtney was promoted to a Personal Banker in 2016 after completing her degree at Buena Vista University. She was promoted to Personal Banking Officer in 2020. Her community involvement includes volunteering for Habitat for Humanity Hammers and Heels Committee. Courtney is located in our Mason City Downtown office.

Sarah Thein

Assistant Vice President, Operations

Sarah has been employed with CLB&T since June 1999. Sarah earned a BA in finance from Wartburg College as well as an AA from NIACC. In 2019, Sarah was promoted to vice president, serving as a leader in the IT department as well managing the oversight of the customer service and deposit operations departments. Her community involvement includes serving as the treasurer of the Ventura Congregate Meals, United Way Day of Caring, and Meals on Wheels. In the fall you will find Sarah officiating high school volleyball.

Casey Purcell

Assistant Vice President, Real Estate Lending

In 2014, Casey Purcell joined CLB&T in the customer service and trust departments and was promoted to mortgage lending officer several years later. She transitioned into her new role with nearly 10 years of banking experience and three years of previous real estate agent experience. In 2019, she was promoted to assistant vice president. She is a graduate of Hamilton Business College. She is a member of the Clear Lake Jaycees and Habitat for Humanity Credit Committee.

Paula Spilman

Assistant Vice President, Retail Branch Manager

In 2006, Paula joined CLB&T as a teller in the Clear Lake office. Since that time, she has been promoted to personal banker, consumer lender, and retail banking manager of our Garner office. Paula also assists with our Clear Sailing "55" Club activities. Outside of the office, Paula can be seen cheering on many GHV teams as an active volunteer for the GHV Sports Boosters. She is also volunteers for the Avery Executive Committee and serves as a YIELD mentor.

Sandy Whitehurst

Consumer Lending Officer

Sandra Whitehurst began her career after graduating from North Iowa Area Community College. She has been in the consumer lending department for 15 years, most recently adding lending responsibilities to her scope of work. She serves the community through her involvement as treasurer of Clear Lake Lion’s Pride, Meals on Wheel’s, Community Kitchen, and the United Way of North Iowa.

Sue Price

Personal Banking Officer

A Clear Lake native, Sue Price has been a member of the CLB&T team since 1998. Whether you are looking to open a new account, purchase a CD/IRA or have any questions about our products or services, she can assist you with all of your personal banking needs. Sue serves as the executive assistant to the bank president and chairman of the board. She is a graduate of Hamilton Business College. She has been a volunteer for the United Way Day of Caring and Meals on Wheels.

Tammy Orte

Internal Audit Officer

Tammy Orte is the bank's internal audit officer and has been with CLB&T since July 2006. Tammy is responsible for audit and accounting activities of the bank and also serves as the bank's compliance chair person. Tammy earned her BA in accounting from Monmouth College in Monmouth Illinois and an AA from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg Illinois. She is involved in Clear Lake Noon Rotary, Daughters of the American Revolution, and serves on the Clear Lake Library Foundation Board and the Friends of the Library Board.

Kara Ruge

Director of Marketing & PR

Kara Ruge joined CLB&T in 2020 and holds nearly 15 years of experience in the marketing industry. She is involved with the United Way of North Central Iowa, First Presbyterian Church, River City Noon Kiwanis, and the Cerro Gordo County EMA PIO team. An Iowa State grad, Kara resides in Mason City with her husband and two children.

Kristin Davison

Compliance Officer

Kristin Davison has been employed with CLB&T since 2010, serving as the bank's compliance coordinator. In 2014, Kristin was promoted to compliance officer, where she is responsible for compliance management. Kristin is a graduate of Drake University and resides in Garner with her husband, Collin, and their two children.

Tami Gerdom

Transfer/Funds Management Officer

A Rockwell-Swaledale graduate, Tami joined CLB&T in 1996 with 10 years of banking experience. She has served in several capacities during her 21 years at CLB&T and was promoted to transfer/funds management officer in 2017.

Stephanie Hassebroek

Assistant Vice President, Trust Officer

A native of Newton and University of Iowa graduate, Stephanie has been with CLB&T for over 10 years. She is a Cannon Financial Institute graduate and holds the Certified Trust Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation. She graduated from the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) Bank Leadership Institute and is currently on the Leadership Advisory board and is a member of the Emerging Leader Peer Group. She is a member of the Clear Lake Jaycees, Clear Lake Rotary, Clear Lake Chamber’s Lake Leadership Planning Committee, volunteers with Meals on Wheels and serves as a member of the United Way of North Central Iowa’s Community Impact Team.

Sara Rye

Retail Branch Manager, Consumer Lending Officer

Sara joined CLB&T in May 2017 as our retail branch manager in the downtown Mason City office, bringing 8 years of personal banking, branch management, and real estate experience. She is a graduate of North Iowa Community College and Buena Vista University. Sara was born and raised in Mason City and resides here with her 3 children. When she isn’t working you can find her enjoying the outdoors with her family. Sara serves her community through her membership of the Crisis Intervention Services Board of Directors, has served on the Main Street Mason City Board of Directors, volunteers with Meals on Wheels and United Way of North Central Iowa and serves as a member of the United Way of North Central Iowa’s Community Impact Team.

Nikki Olson

Lead Teller/BSA Officer

In 2007, Nikki Olson joined Clear Lake Bank & Trust as a teller in our Mason City West office. After being appointed lead teller, Nikki was promoted to BSA officer in 2018. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and an seasoned member of our team with more than 16 years of banking experience. Nikki is a volunteer with Cerro Gordo County Relay for Life.

Rachel Maletta

Assistant Vice President, Business Banking

After several years of college internships with CLB&T, Rachel Maletta joined our team permanently in October 2018. Rachel is a Clear Lake native and graduate of the University of Iowa with a bachelor of arts in communication studies and business administration. She joined the business banking department after spending five years in sales and management in the Chicago and Des Moines markets. Rachel was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Business Banking in 2020.

Amanda Crowell

Personal Banking Officer

Amanda joined CLB&T in 2007 with six years of previous banking experience. During her time at the bank, she has worked in various roles throughout the organization, in teller operations, customer service, and personal banking. With her experience in diverse roles, she brings an extensive wealth of information and knowledge to her customers and colleagues.

Kevin Hennessy

Consumer Lending Officer

Kevin Hennessy joined consumer loan team in Clear Lake with 8 years of experience in processing, underwriting, mortgage, and leadership experience. In his free time, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife outdoors and spending time with friends & family. Kevin looks forward to being part of the Clear Lake community.

Laura Schleusner

Controller

Laura began her role as a controller in our accounting department in October 2019 in our Clear Lake location. Laura has spent her entire career in the accounting and finance industry. Laura and her husband, Travis, live on the family farm outside of Garner with their three children, Trevor, Josie and Cooper She enjoys spending time with her husband and children, golfing and all things coffee!

Directors

Ray Hewitt - Chairman, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company

Mark Hewitt - CEO, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company

Paul Stevenson - President, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company

Matt Ritter - Chief Operating Officer, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company

Janet Connell-Lovell - Owner, CL Tel

Stephen Doerfler - President, Metalcraft Inc.

David Miller - Retired, Tom Thumb

Dale Snyder - Owner, Dean Snyder Construction

Dennis Reidel - CEO/CFO, Overhead Door Company of Mason City and Midwest Roofing Company

William Yohn - Owner, Yohn Ready Mix

David Zrostlik - President, Stellar Industries