Brenda brings over 50 years of experience in banking and more than 40 years in financial services. She is responsible for the production of all business banking products, including business operating lines of credit, business equipment loans, small business loans, and commercial real estate in the Omaha market. Additionally, Brenda manages commercial deposit accounts and electronic banking services. Brenda is actively involved in the community and regularly attends Westside Community Church.
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Carson Farmer specializes in Commercial and Agricultural banking. He has been with Northwest Bank since graduating from the University of Iowa in 2017. Since then, he has grown his career through underwriting and risk management roles, assisting lenders with commercial relationships and interpreting the numbers behind major loan decisions.
Carson enjoys building and developing relationships with business owners as well as assisting entrepreneurs pursuing business ownership. His background in credit, risk management, and finance allows him to have valuable conversations with borrowers about their current business needs and identify new opportunities to help them reach their financial goals.
In his free time, Carson enjoys coaching soccer, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and daughters. He is active in the community through volunteering as a coach with Northwest Iowa Soccer Club and as an assistant coach for Spencer High School.
Collin Snyder is a dedicated Mortgage Banker with over five years of experience—all with Northwest Bank. Known for his reliability, professionalism, and personalized approach, Collin has helped a wide range of clients navigate the home financing process with confidence.
With in-depth knowledge of loan programs and a strong commitment to clear, consistent communication, he serves as a trusted resource for first-time homebuyers, seasoned homeowners, and clients looking to refinance. Collin takes pride in delivering a smooth, tailored experience that aligns with each client’s financial goals.
Curt is a dedicated community banker currently serving as Ag and Commercial Banker at Northwest Bank. He continues to play an integral role in the bank’s growth and community engagement. Curt also serves as a Dickinson County Soil and Water Commissioner and formerly contributed to the Dickinson County Extension Council. He was a 4-H leader for 13 years and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002. He and his family reside on a third-generation farm outside of Superior and are active members of St. Mary’s Parish in Spirit Lake, where he is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.
Dean specializes in business transfer and succession planning. With his knowledge of family dynamics and his expertise in credit and business, Dean can help develop a business succession plan that meets every personal, family, and financial need a business owner may have.
Dean finds fulfillment in advising nonprofit groups in the Spencer area. He provides prudent, unbiased investment management and financial guidance to help nonprofits advance their mission and goals by using his extensive community service and investment experience.
"I began my career in 1983 helping individuals and businesses achieve success by providing them financial guidance and assistance. Over the years, my experiences led me to leadership roles that enabled me to develop strong relationships through my interactions with people. As a financial expert, I'm honored that customers trust me to provide personalized planning to help meet their long-term financial goals.
Four important values that I feel are imperative in an advisor-client relationship are mutual trust, honesty, character and integrity. These characteristics are the core foundation of any good relationship.
Meet experienced mortgage originator, Dee Murman who takes pride in finding the mortgage solution best suited for each of her customers, therefore, affording each homeowner the opportunity to create equitable wealth. You will find her friendly, professional approach to the sometimes-complex world of lending to be straightforward and simple. She specializes in opening doors for those buying for the first time and those stepping up. You can count on Dee to be available to assist long after your mortgage loan closes, as well. She is a member of the Fort Dodge Noon Rotary Club and active in the Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. She, and husband Bruce, are parents to two grown children.
With a career that spans over 25 years, Doug has wide range of banking and management experience that includes retail, business banking, agricultural and commercial lending, and treasury management. Doug is an Iowa native and was raised on a west central Iowa farm. He resides in Ames with his wife, Tina and their twin sons, Carson, and Caleb. He is a 1995 graduate of Iowa State University and a three-year football letter winner and member of the 1994 Academic All-Big 8 team. He is also a 2008 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. Doug is active in and dedicated to the Ames and Story County community. He has served on the United Way of Story County Board of Directors, Gilbert Education Foundation board, Cyclone Gridiron Club board and was treasurer of ASSET. Many hours have also been spent coaching youth sports teams over the years. He also was an appointed commissioner for the Ames Planning and Zoning Commission. Currently, Doug is on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Story County, Ames Economic Development Commission, and Ames Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Ames Noon Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
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Eric Walhof, Regional President, oversees Northwest Bank locations in Sioux Center, Le Mars, Spencer, Milford, Arnolds Park, Spirit Lake, and Estherville, along with their Market Presidents. He supports the bank’s mission by delivering progressive financial services and building long-term relationships with customers and communities. With over 25 years of experience in agricultural and commercial banking, as well as team leadership, Eric brings a strong understanding of community banking and a passion for mentoring customers and employees. He is committed to developing solid loan portfolios and empowering local teams to grow and lead. Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Dordt College. He previously served on the Sioux Center Health Foundation, Planning and Zoning Committee, and ATLAS of Sioux Center. He remains active in community efforts across Northwest Bank’s footprint and is a current Kiwanis member. Eric is dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting team members in their professional growth.
Gary Presnall brings over 20 years of experience to Northwest Bank and believes providing exceptional service to his customers is the key to building great relationships. Gary specializes in First Time Homebuyer, Conventional [VA, FHA & RD], as well as Construction Loans and enjoys being able to help find the right loan option for each customer. He is an active board member at The Refuge, a faith-based center for addiction, and is an evangelism leader at New City Church in Ankeny, Iowa. His customers have praised him for his consistent communication through every step of the loan process.
President's Club Winner:
The Iowa Mortgage Association is pleased to announce the President’s Club. An ongoing recognition program, the club consists of mortgage originators who meet certain criteria set from year to year. Gary was also recognized as the top lender in the state of Iowa!
Jared Barnett was raised in Dallas, Texas. He graduated and moved to Iowa to attend Iowa State University where he specialized in Business Administration and Accounting. He also played Quarterback for the Cyclones and was an integral part of several big programs wins. Jared also earned his MBA at Southwestern College while coaching college football.
In his career, Jared has excelled in building and maintaining relationships with a client-centered focus to provide expertise to build processes to help clients achieve their current and future goals. Jared and his wife Marni, and two children Marshall and Charlie, live in Waukee, Iowa and are active members in the community.
Jared’s focus is on delivering sound, objective advice tailored to each client’s unique goals and values, rooted in transparency, integrity, and a commitment to providing financial peace of mind. Whether that’s preparing for retirement, managing investments, or planning for future generations.
Jason has been in banking for nearly 25 years, with a substantial background in mortgage and consumer lending. Jason enjoys working with local businesses to help with their lending needs and enjoys watching businesses succeed with their goals. Jason is a native of Spencer and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. He serves on multiple boards and service clubs, including Vice President of the Spencer Economic Development Corporation, Hope Church, Kiwanis, and many more. Jason is a volunteer coach for multiple youth sports.
Jill Thielen brings 26 years of financial services experience and expertise to Northwest Bank. Jill serves on the Board of the Faith Formation Council at St. Mary’s of Nazareth and is involved with the Johnston and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
Jodi has been in banking since 2022, joining as a commercial lender. With a strong business background, she brings a unique perspective to the industry. Her entrepreneurial journey began right after college in January 1997 when she launched a multi-location dry-cleaning business, which she successfully owned, managed, and operated until selling it in January 2019. In 2010, Jodi expanded her business interests into residential real estate, where she continues to own and manage a portfolio of properties.
Outside of work, Jodi is a devoted mother to three children: Lauren, Zachary, and Scarlet. Lauren is a senior majoring in speech pathology at the University of Iowa, Zachary is a junior studying film and television at DePaul University, and Scarlet is a freshman at Southeast Polk High School, proudly performing with the RhythAMetteS dance team.
Jodi enjoys long outdoor walks and cherishes time with her children and friends. She is an active member of a book club, a wine group, and a birthday group. As a University of Iowa graduate, she has been a longtime Hawkeye football season ticket holder. Passionate about giving back, Jodi has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the foster care system since 2019. She was also recently appointed to the board of the Dollars for Scholars scholarship program for the Southeast Polk School District.
Kelly brings over 18 years of commercial lending and relationship management experience to Northwest Bank. He is confident that business owners will appreciate his consultative approach to commercial banking. Allow Kelly to invest time in your business and demonstrate how his resources can benefit you. His areas of specialty include working capital lines of credit, real estate loans, and equipment facilities.
Kelly is a Small Business Association Facilitator, participates in Boots to Business, and serves as a SCORE Mentor. He is also a volunteer Hastings College Alumni Mentor and a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Nebraska Bankers Association, and the Association of Corporate Growth.
Kelly is a recent graduate of the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI, where he earned a certificate in Executive Leadership from the Wisconsin School of Business.
Kevin is very active in the community, volunteering and serving on various non-profit boards and advisory committees. He is a past chairman of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the board of directors for the Midlands Community Foundation, CHI Health Midlands Hospital Community Board, Papillion La Vista Schools Teammates Mentor, Youth Frontiers Business Advisory Committee, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Past Chairman’s Council, and is a former board member of the Papillion/La Vista Teammates.
Additionally, Kevin is involved with the University of Nebraska Alumni Foundation Champions Club and serves as an advisory board member of Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Nebraska.
Since 2011, I have been a Wealth Advisor for Northwest Wealth Management. My background and temperament drive me to move people past the daily distractions and focus on what is real and lasting about wealth - in their own lives, in volatile markets and in our ever-changing world. I guide individuals, families and institutions on how to:
With each relationship, I strive to help individuals, families and institutions make meaningful connections between their money and their life. What do you care about the most? What concerns you? What are you looking to achieve? If credentials and experience are the bricks in a wealth advisory relationship, my genuine interest in clients' lives and goals is the mortar.
Professional - My financial career began in 2001 when I joined Edward Jones, ultimately becoming a partner at the firm. I transitioned to Northwest Wealth Management in 2011, as a better fit for offering objective, evidence-based wealth advisory services grounded in a team approach to client care.
Education - I am a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a proud, fourth-generation Iowan.
Personal - My wife and I participate in a number of community groups, including the Okoboji Foundation, the Dickinson County Conservation Foundation, Kiwanis, and the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce. We also love all things aquatic, especially if it involves boating, swimming or (in the winter) skiing with our two young children.
A key feature in my home office is a "vision board" that I've filled with inspiring images. The way I see it, if I know what I'm about and where I'm trying to go, I stand the best chance of getting there. That's how I view my clients' financial objectives as well. Clear vision is at the heart of sound wealth management.
LeAnne Hamrick brings over 18 years of financial services experience to the Northwest Bank team, including 8 years in the mortgage lending field. She specializes in working closely with homebuyers and homeowners to educate and guide them through a smooth and seamless mortgage loan process.
Whether you're purchasing a new home, refinancing, or starting a construction project, LeAnne is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and expert support every step of the way.
LeAnne is actively involved in her community, serving as a member of the local PIE group at Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School. She has also volunteered with organizations such as Spencer Jaycees and previously served on the board for Spencer Main Street.
Lucas began his career in banking with Northwest Bank in 2019 as a teller while still in high school. Starting at the Fort Dodge location, he gained hands-on experience in customer service and developed a strong foundation in financial services. An Iowa State University graduate, Lucas brings a strong background in customer-focused banking and a passion for helping individuals and businesses reach their financial goals. He takes pride in getting to know his customers, building lasting relationships, and providing solutions that are customized to fit their unique needs.
Michael is a dedicated Wealth Advisor based in Sioux Center, where he helps individuals, families, and businesses navigate their financial journeys with clarity and confidence. A 2019 graduate of Spencer High School, Michael continued his education at Northwestern College, excelling both academically and athletically as a member of the football and golf teams. After graduating, Michael settled in Sioux Center with his wife, Madison. Together, they are raising their son, Gibson, and enjoy making the most of their family time whether at home or outdoors.
Michael is passionate about building meaningful relationships with his clients and providing tailored financial strategies that align with their goals and values. His approachable style and commitment to personalized service help clients feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
Beyond his professional role, Michael actively volunteers with SCENE, a local organization in Sioux Center dedicated to helping professionals connect and build strong community networks. His involvement reflects his belief in the power of collaboration and shared growth.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys golfing, hunting, and spending quality time with his family. He believes that a balanced, purpose-driven life leads to better financial decisions, and he’s dedicated to guiding his clients toward success, both financially and personally.
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Nicole has 15 years of banking experience. She has worked with Northwest Bank since April of 2012, starting out as a Personal Banker. Gaining her Wealth Management license in 2013, she began adding value to her customers by offering wealth solutions as well. Since then Nicole has served as a manager in the Arnolds Park branch and is currently working as the Bank President for the Arnolds Park and Milford locations. Nicole’s role consists of developing and servicing commercial businesses with their banking needs and to support their business growth in addition to team development and coordinating bank involvement within the community.
Nicole graduated with honors from Buena Vista University in 2005 with a degree in Finance & Banking. She grew up in southwest Minnesota and has lived in Spirit Lake since 2008 with her husband Tom, their son Davis and daughter Charlee. Nicole is very dedicated to the Dickinson County’s Relay for Life organization as well as serving as President of the Spirit Lake Elementary School’s Partners in Education organization. She is very dedicated to her customers and their well-being and looks forward to seeing them succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
Paul brings over 10 years of experience in commercial lending with Northwest Bank, specializing in equipment loans, lines of credit, and commercial real estate financing. He also has an extensive background in Treasury Management, giving him a well-rounded perspective to support the financial needs of local businesses.
A strong advocate for community involvement, Paul currently serves as President of the Clay County Pheasants Forever Chapter, sits on the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club Board, and is a past Board Chair of the Spencer Family YMCA.
Ross is responsible for managing and developing relationships with local businesses in the Des Moines market. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Ross is an active member in the Des Moines community and is involved with Young Variety – The Children’s Charity as VP of Philanthropy, and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and Ankeny Chamber of Commerce.
Check Out Ross's Podcast Episode: "Road to Business Ownership"
Sara holds both an undergraduate and master’s degree from Wayne State College. She began her career at the Spencer Family YMCA before transitioning to Northwest Bank’s Human Resources team. In 2017, she moved to the Omaha area, where she served as a Treasury Management Service Representative. With 8+ years of banking experience, Sara now supports business customers in commercial lending, treasury management, and banking services.
A 2023 graduate of Leadership Sarpy, Sara is also active in the community through the Chamber of Commerce. As a Loan Portfolio Manager, her goal is to help businesses grow and thrive with the support of Northwest Bank. She values building strong relationships with clients and believes the connection to your financial institution is invaluable. Sara is committed to being a compassionate, approachable financial partner, always ready to help find answers and solutions.
Sharon Hotz brings over 25 years of experience in agricultural, commercial, and small business lending, along with expertise in commercial deposits and treasury management. She is dedicated to helping business owners and farmers achieve their financial goals and plan for future success.
A graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Sharon combines deep industry knowledge with a personal, relationship-based approach.
She currently serves as President of the Friendship Haven Foundation Board and volunteers with Saint Edmond Catholic Schools. Sharon has also held leadership roles with several local organizations, including Fort Dodge Kiwanis, the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, and Webster County 4-H.
With over 10 years of experience in the banking industry, Tramy is passionate about working closely with her customers to provide them with personalized financial guidance. Throughout her career, she has built a strong foundation of trust and expertise, helping clients navigate their financial journeys and helping to make informed decisions that align with their unique needs. Tramy takes pride in fostering lasting relationships whether it's guiding them through account options, loans, or investments, her goal is always to offer the best solutions to support their success.
Zak was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Saint Edmond High School and attended Central College in Pella, IA, where he played for the men’s basketball program while obtaining his degree in Business Management. Spending time with family, golfing, and cycling are just a few things Zak enjoys on a regular basis. Taking long weekends with his two daughters for new experiences is something he and his wife, Sharon, are passionate about.
As a Wealth Advisor, Zak is dedicated to helping clients meet their financial goals. He strives to fully understand and meet our clients’ unique needs as every situation is different. Zak does this through ongoing conversations, investment analysis, retirement planning, and asset management.
In the community, Zak volunteers his time to the youth, school, and church. He has also been active in the American Bankers Association’s Teach Children to Save Program where Zak teaches children the importance of saving and being responsible with money. He is also a member of the Iowa Central Community College Foundation Board.
