New Hire and Promotions at Bank First

Bank First is pleased to announce a new hire and several promotions.

“At Bank First, we understand the value of building a team with exceptional skills to support the growth of the bank while continuing to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We proudly recognize the talent and dedication of several key team members and announce a welcome addition to Bank First. It is with great pleasure we announce the following,” stated CEO, Mike Molepske.

Rich Balge recently rejoined the bank as Market President. Previously, Rich served as Retail Banker and Sheboygan Market President at Bank First and left for a short period to explore another opportunity. In his new role, Balge will be responsible for the oversight of retail and community development efforts in the bank’s Plymouth market. Balge currently serves on the Board of Directors of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, UW-Sheboygan Foundation, and the Lakeshore Community Foundation. He also serves on the Stefanie H. Weill Center Endowment Committee. Balge received his bachelor’s degree in finance from UW-Milwaukee, and earned his master’s degree in management from Cardinal Stritch University. He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at UW-Madison. Rich enjoys visiting the family cabin in Mercer, reading, playing piano, trapshooting, and serving the community as a volunteer. He resides in Kohler with his wife, Amy. They have two grown children.

Joshua Neeb has been promoted to Regional President. Josh joined the bank in 2018 as Business Banking Lead. He has over 18 years of experience in the banking industry, most recently serving as Sheboygan Market President. In his new role, Josh is responsible for mentoring and managing the team of bankers in the Sheboygan County region, as well as supporting existing and developing new business relationships. Focused on community involvement, Neeb is a
member of the Sheboygan Economic Club and recently served on the Board of Directors of Oostburg Christian School. He also serves as an assistant youth baseball and basketball coach, and teacher for Junior Achievement. Neeb earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College, where he majored in finance and accounting. He resides in Oostburg with his wife and their four children.

Cheryl Schuh has been promoted to Senior Vice President - Commercial Loan Operations Manager. Cheryl joined the bank in 2005 as an Account Manager and later moved to theManitowoc region to manage the bank’s Loan Operations team. Most recently, Cheryl served as Vice President - Deposit Operations Manager. Schuh’s wealth of knowledge in banking and extensive experience in commercial lending will enhance the established commercial loan operations team and help it to grow in line with the bank’s strategic plan. Cheryl has over 30 years of banking experience. She earned her associate’s degree in accounting from Lakeshore Technical College and recently began working towards her business administration degree from Lakeland University. Cheryl enjoys walking, biking and golfing.

Elizabeth Miller has been promoted to Deposit Operations Manager. Elizabeth joined the bank in 2009 as a Teller/Customer Service Representative and advanced into other roles such as Personal Banker, Assistant Branch Manager and most recently Branch Operations/Training Coordinator. In her new role, Elizabeth will use her extensive banking experience to oversee deposit operations of the bank. Elizabeth is a board member of the Plymouth Intergenerational Center (Generations) and the Plymouth Arts Center. She attended Lakeshore Technical College
and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Lakeland University. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, and their three children. Her hobbies include crafting, spending time in her garden and flowerbeds, as well as hunting and fishing at their family cabin.

Naji Allan has been promoted to Business Banking Officer. Naji joined the bank in 2019 as a Business Banking Analyst and has quickly progressed into a key member of the business banking team. In his new role, he will assist new and existing business customers in the Sheboygan area. With a history of volunteerism through youth development and sports programs, Naji is looking forward to returning to his Sheboygan roots and re-establishing community connections. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance and international business management at UWOshkosh. Naji enjoys exercising, traveling, and football Sundays.