Northwest Bank Celebrates Dwight Conover’s Recognition as a 50-Year Banker

Arnolds Park, IA - Northwest Bank is proud to share that Dwight Conover has been honored at the Iowa Bankers Association’s 2025 Annual Convention as a 50-year banker. Dwight Conover, a Holstein, Iowa native, graduated from Holstein Community Schools in 1970 and earned his B.S. from Iowa State University in 1974. He launched his banking career with Brenton Banks during a period of national economic hardship, pursuing advanced education to navigate industry challenges. Dwight earned an M.B.A. from Drake University in 1980, a graduate degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1983 and completed five graduate-level banking programs.

In 1984, Dwight purchased the troubled First National Bank of Creston and, alongside his brother Neal, led a dramatic turnaround that transformed the bank into a thriving institution employing over 400 people. His leadership extended beyond banking, saving family farms during the agricultural crisis and serving as a charter board member of the State of Iowa Mediation Board, Chairman of the Iowa Bankers Association, and a contributor to key industry initiatives.

Having a banker with 50 years of experience and leadership like Dwight Conover is an invaluable asset to Northwest Bank. His half-century in the industry has equipped him with expertise, resilience, and insight that guide our company’s mission to serve customers and communities with excellence. Dwight’s ability to lead through economic challenges, innovate in the face of adversity, and maintain a deep commitment to relationship-driven banking has shaped Northwest Bank into the thriving institution it is today. His unwavering commitment to safety and soundness, his belief in putting people first, his focus on our customers, and his market-centric approach to serving the community have shaped who we are as an organization. These core values are embedded in driving our mission to provide exceptional service to our customers and strengthen the communities we serve.

Greg Post, President and CEO of Northwest Financial Corp, shared: “Dwight’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the values of Northwest Bank. His ability to lead with character, empathy, and care for our people has set the standard for how we operate every day. Because of Dwight’s example, we can employ managers who also lead with these same qualities—caring, thoughtful, driven, and committed to our values. His legacy ensures that Northwest Bank continues to be an organization built on integrity and service to our team and community.”

Dwight and his wife, Marilyn, established a family foundation focused on strengthening their communities, providing significant gifts to local causes. His philosophy of “leaving it better than we found it” is reflected in his service to civic initiatives, hospital and school committees, and foundation boards and continues to be the cornerstone of Northwest Bank’s culture and success.  Dwight and Marilyn are proud parents of Abby and Philip, embodying family values in every aspect of his leadership.