Officers & Directors

Executive Officers

Mark Hewitt

CEO / Chairman of the Board

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 $540 MM in assets and 100 employees. Hewitt was named Chairman of the Board in August of 2022. 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 is a past board member of Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, the Drake University College of Business and Public Administration, 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.

Marc Younge

Executive 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, President of the United Way of North Central Iowa Board of Director, an 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.

Senior Officers

Pat Goedken

Senior Vice President, Ag & 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 five 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. Pat was promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Banking in 2020.

Aimee Kern

Senior 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 and senior vice president in 2022. She is a graduate of NIACC with an associate's degree in business, Drake University with a bachelor of science in business administration, and Arizona University with a master's in business administration. Aimee is a senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP) by the Society of Human Resources Management.

She has served on the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa's Board of Directors and was co-chair for the North Iowa Diversity Appreciation Team. Aimee continues to be involved as a past member of United Way of North Central Iowa's Board of Directors and is a member of Human Resources Association of North Iowa. She is a current board member for OneVision.

Deb McIntire

Senior Vice President, Operations & Senior BSA Officer

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.

Mike Bahnsen

Vice President, Business Development

As the Vice president of Business Development, Mike works closely with Agriculture and Commercial customers to be sure they are receiving the absolute best service from our team. Mike joined CLB&T in August 2012. Mike graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Ag Business & Economics. Mike has been in a lending role for about 20 years and specifically in Banking for 18 years. Mike was born and raised on a farm in Cerro Gordo County and is currently the President of the Garner Community Betterment Group, Member of the Mason City Noon Rotary, President of the Garner Parks and Rec Board, Treasurer for the Prairie View Board Foundation, Board member of the Hancock County Economic Development Group and a member of the GHV Booster Club Board. Mike also volunteers his time to help coach youth sports, and is a member of the Hancock County Farm Bureau. Mike offices in our Mason City West location.

Kristin Davison

Vice President, Compliance & BSA 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 and vice president compliance/BSA officer in 2022, where she is responsible for compliance management. Kristin is an ICBA Compliance Institute graduate and holds the Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer (CCBCO) designation. She has been a member of the the Iowa Bankers Association Compliance Committee for the past 5 years, and served as the committee’s president from 2019-2020. Kristin is a member of the Clear Lake Kiwanis Club, the Garner Rotary Club, and is involved in the St. Boniface Catholic Church. Kristin is a graduate of Drake University and resides in Garner with her husband, Collin, and their two children.

Anne Flynn

Vice President, Trust Officer

A graduate of Sioux Falls University, 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, MercyOne Nurses Rocks Scholarship Selection Committee Member, and board member for the Iowa Trust Association, and is also active with United Way of North Central Iowa.

Stephanie Van Someren

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.

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 University and has worked in North Iowa for over 25 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 an executive officer of the Clear Lake Kiwanis.

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.

Danielle Pace

Vice President, Director of Retail Banking & Consumer Lending

Danielle Pace joined the CLB&T team in August 2015 as retail branch manager in the Mason City west office bringing 8 years of prior banking and management experience with her. In 2019, Danielle was promoted to vice president of consumer lending while maintaining her role as retail leader in our Mason City west office. In 2021, Danielle was promoted to Vice President, Director of Retail Banking and Consumer Lending. Danielle is actively involved with the Mason City Chamber of Commerce as a board member, is Treasurer for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Cerro Gordo County and has held a spot on the committee since 2011. She has also been involved with Make-A-Wish of North Iowa, Women United and the United Way, the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation, the Rock Falls Betterment Community, as well as Habitat For Humanity.

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. Natalie is member of the NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Advisory board, Clear Lake Farmers Market board, Clear Lake Rotary, Clear Lake Jaycees and is a Past Chair of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Paula Spilman

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. Paula is also a Garner Chamber of Commerce Board member, Garner NIACC Advisory Council member, United Way volunteer, and IBA Bank Leadership Institute graduate 2018. Paula resides in Garner with her husband, and has three children.

Sarah Thein

Vice President, Deposit Operations & E-Banking

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. Sarah was promoted to assistant vice president in 2019 and vice president in 2022., 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.

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.

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 business banking 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 School of Banking and the Iowa Banker's Association Commercial Lending School. Josh was Past President of the Clear Lake Noon Lions Club, is a member of the Clear Lake Jaycees, and serves on the Board of Directors for the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Officers

Mike Bloomingdale

Assistant Vice President, Business Banking

Mike joined CLB&T in 2023 and holds over 10 years of experience in banking. Mike is a graduate of the University of Iowa. He is also a graduate of the Iowa Banker's Association Commercial Lending School, and is currently in his final year of the Iowa School of Banking.

Joan Hanson

Assistant Vice President, Business Banking

Joan M. Hanson, assistant vice president, works in the Clear Lake office as the Lead Document Specialist in the agricultural and business banking 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 in many local organizations, including the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Hancock County; the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Education Foundation Board; Garner Education Center Operations Board; Hancock County Extension and Outreach and the Hancock County District Fair.

Rachel Maletta

Assistant Vice President, Business Development Officer

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.

Nikki Olson

Assistant Vice President, Teller Operations & BSA Officer

In 2007, Nikki joined Clear Lake Bank & Trust as a Teller in our Mason City West office, bringing 6 years of previous banking experience. After being appointed Lead Teller, Nikki was promoted to BSA Officer in 2018 and Assistant Vice President of Teller Operations/BSA Officer in 2022. She attended the Iowa Bankers Association Bank Leadership Institute. Nikki is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and resides in Clear Lake with her husband and two children. Nikki is a volunteer with Cerro Gordo County Relay for Life and Central Garden’s Bugs and Blooms Program.

Morgan Smuck

Trust Operations Officer

As a graduate of Garner-Hayfield High School and Iowa State University (ISU), Morgan began her career at Clear Lake Bank & Trust as a Teller Intern in 2015. After graduating from ISU, she transitioned to the Trust Department as a Trust Assistant in 2016. She is the current President of the Clear Lake Jaycees, serves as member of the United Way of North Central Iowa’s Community Impact Teams, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

Sandy Whitehurst

Assistant Vice President, Consumer Lending

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. In 2022, Sandy was promoted to assistant vice president of consumer lending. 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.

Courtney Baker

Retail Branch Manager

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 in Organizational Leadership at Buena Vista University. She was promoted to Personal Banking Officer in 2020 and Universal Banking Officer in 2023, followed by Retail Branch Manager in 2023. Her community involvement includes volunteering for CLB&T's Banking on a Cure Relay for Life Team and United Way of North Central Iowa's Community Impact Team. Courtney is located in our Mason City Downtown office.

Amanda Crowell

Universal 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. Amanda graduated from the Iowa Bankers Leadership Institute in 2019. Amanda serves as the President of the Clear Lake Kiwanis Club and the Treasurer for Mission Thornton. She is also on the NIACC Foundation Board of Directors. Amanda volunteers on the bank’s Relay for Life Team and the United Way Day of Caring.

Mackenzee Ebeling

Personal Banking Officer

Mackenzee Ebeling began with CLB&T in 2016 with four years of financial services experience. She was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor and at the end of 2020 became a Personal Banker. She offers assistance in accounts and fraud services. Mackenzee is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Political Science. She is a Mason City resident with her husband and three children.

Joni Erwin

Business Banking Officer

A graduate of Iowa State University with a BS in Agricultural Business, Joni joined CLB&T in 2022 as a Commercial & Ag Lender in our Garner location. Prior to becoming a lender, Joni worked in a business development role in North Iowa with the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Growing up on her family farm in Southeast Iowa, she truly enjoys helping farmers and local businesses meet their goals. Joni’s community involvement includes the Hancock County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Garner Rotary, Tri Clear Lake Planning Committee, youth leader at Zion Lutheran Church and Past President of the Clear Lake Jaycees.

Tami Gerdom

Wire 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.

Kevin Hennessy

Mortgage Loan Officer

Kevin Hennessy joined the consumer loan team in Clear Lake in 2019 with 8 years of experience in processing, underwriting, mortgage, and leadership experience. Kevin is a graduate of NIACC and the University of Northern Iowa and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Kevin is involved in Clear Lake Noon Lions, River City Barbershop Choir, is a board member for the Mason City YMCA and an advisory board member for the Iowa Banker’s Association Consumer Lending School.

Jillian McIntire

Retail Branch Manager

Jillian joined CLB&T in 2023 as a Retail Branch Manager. Prior to joining Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Jillian worked at another financial institution for 16 years as a Teller, Teller Supervisor, and most recently held the position of Head of Retail Sales. Jillian is a 2016 graduate of the Iowa Bankers Association Consumer Credit School, and a 2018 graduate of the Iowa School of Banking. Jillian is a member of the CARES After Prom Committee, a previous member of the Mason City Noon Lions Club, and enjoys volunteering for concession stands at various sporting events. Jillian is located in our Clear Lake location.

Tammy Orte

Assistant Vice President, 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. Tammy was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2023. 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 & Board of Trustees, Clear Lake Historical Society Board, and the Friends of the Library Board.

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.

Kara Ruge

Director of Marketing & PR

Kara Ruge joined CLB&T in 2020 and holds nearly 18 years of experience in the marketing industry. She is involved with First Presbyterian Church, River City Noon Kiwanis, the Dancing for the Dream Planning Committee, and serves on the United Way of North Central Iowa Board, the MacNider Art Museum Board, and serves as Secretary on the North Iowa Figure Skating Club Board. She is also the costumer at Stebens Children's Theatre. An Iowa State grad, Kara resides in Mason City with her husband and two children.

Ashley Upmeyer

Business Banking Officer / Credit Analyst

Ashley began her career with CLB&T in 2011 as a loan assistant. She was promoted to a credit analyst in 2017. Ashley manages a business loan portfolio and was critical in CLB&T’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) efforts over this past year. In 2022, Ashley was promoted to Business Banking Officer. Ashley has become involved in several Clear Lake community projects, and also serves as a First Mate for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Tyler Weigel

Insurance Officer

Tyler Weigel has been with CLB&T Insurance & Financial Services as an insurance agent since 2013. In 2021, he was promoted to Insurance Officer. Tyler's community involvement includes serving at the president of the Clear Lake Noon Lions, and the treasurer for the Clear Lake Jaycees.

Brigitte Wilkins

Mortgage Loan Officer

Brigitte Wilkins began with CLB&T in 2013 and holds nearly 14 years of experience in all aspects of the real estate lending industry. She is experienced in processing, underwriting, and mortgage lending. She serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Executive Committee of the Crisis Intervention Board. She also serves on the Community Kitchen Board as well as part of the Habitat for Humanity Credit Committee. Brigitte is a graduate of North Iowa Area Community College and Buena Vista University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, and Business Management. She is a Mason City native and resides there with her husband and four children.

Nathan Wilson

Assistant Vice President & IT Officer

Nathan is a graduate of North Iowa Area Community College. He began with CLB&T in 2017 as an IT Support Specialist. He was promoted to his current role in 2022.

Jamie Landers

Director of Finance & Accounting

Jamie Landers joined CLB&T in May of 2023 with nearly 12 years of banking experience. She volunteers as a coach for her kids’ t-ball team, and prior to moving back to her hometown Jamie taught Junior Achievement for three years, and sat on the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Board for three years. Jamie graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and is a licensed CPA. She currently resides in Bristow with her husband and three children.

Amy Beenken

Controller

Amy Beenken joined CLB&T in May 2023 after working for 14 years in public accounting as a licensed CPA. She graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Accounting, Finance, and Spanish. In the past, she has served on the Algona First United Methodist Church Finance Committee and helped with VBS, as well as volunteered as a Y-Pal at the Algona Family YMCA. Amy lives in Clear Lake with her husband, Jared, and three children.

Directors

Mark Hewitt - CEO / Chairman of the Board, 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

Todd Rognes - CAO, Kingland Systems / SVP of Business Affairs, Renovo Group

Rachel Hewitt-Maletta - AVP and Business Development Officer, Clear Lake Bank & Trust