News

Melissa Townsend Joins Bank First as Retail Banking Officer

Bank First — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:21:48 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, September 21, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) is pleased to welcome Melissa Townsend as Retail Banking Officer. Melissa joins the Bank with six years of experience at Bay Title & Abstract, where she advanced from processor to manager of the Manitowoc branch. Throughout her career, she developed strong customer relationships while supporting real estate and escrow transactions across the region. Her experience working closely with homebuyers, real estate professionals, and community members has given her a strong understanding of the financial needs of local families and businesses. In her new role at Bank First, Melissa works closely with individuals and families to understand their financial goals and provide personalized lending solutions. She is focused on building lasting customer relationships, developing new business opportunities, and serving as a trusted financial resource within Kiel and the surrounding communities.

"Melissa's relationship-focused approach and commitment to serving others make her an excellent addition to our team," said Kathryn Schmitz, Vice President - Retail Market Manager at Bank First. "We're pleased to welcome someone with Melissa's experience and community focus, and we're excited to welcome her to the Kiel community."

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Bank First Increases Prime Rate

Bank First — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:10:44 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, September 17, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC), the subsidiary of Bank First Corporation, announced today it has increased the Bank’s prime rate from 6.75 percent to 7.00 percent, effective September 17, 2026.

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Rich Hildebrandt Joins Bank First as Vice President - Business Banking

Bank First — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, September 17, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) is pleased to welcome Rich Hildebrandt as Vice President – Business Banking. Rich brings more than 35 years of banking experience to Bank First. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with business owners, helping them navigate borrowing needs, manage growth, and achieve their financial goals. His background includes commercial lending leadership, portfolio management, team development, and relationship banking. Many customers throughout the Bank's Stateline Region may recognize Rich from his years serving local businesses at First National Bank & Trust and Walworth State Bank. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Investor Relations at Millennium, where he worked with investors and business leaders to support broadband infrastructure projects and economic growth initiatives. His combination of commercial banking expertise and business development experience positions him well to serve Bank First customers throughout the region.

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Bank First Welcomes Kevin Sonnemann as Vice President – Technology

Bank First — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, September 15, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) is pleased to welcome Kevin Sonnemann as Vice President – Technology. Kevin brings nearly three decades of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and organizational leadership to Bank First. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Information Security at GetixHealth. Throughout his career, he has led technology operations, information security programs, strategic initiatives, regulatory compliance efforts, and enterprise technology teams across a variety of industries. His extensive leadership experience and expertise in technology strategy make him well-positioned to support Bank First's continued growth and innovation.

In his new role at Bank First, Kevin will lead the Bank's information technology operations, working closely with the Chief Information Officer to support the strategic planning, implementation, and management of technology systems and services. He will oversee IT operations, vendor relationships, cybersecurity initiatives, technology infrastructure, and staff development while helping ensure the security, reliability, and effectiveness of the bank's technology environment.

“We're thrilled to welcome Kevin to Bank First and look forward to the leadership and experience he brings to our organization,” said Matt Longmeyer, Chief Information Officer at Bank First. "His experience leading high-performing teams, managing complex technology environments, and driving strategic initiatives will help position Bank First for continued success as we enhance our capabilities and support our customers and employees."

Kevin earned a Master of Business Administration from Lakeland University, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Silver Lake College, and an Associate of Science in Accounting from Lakeshore College. He also holds several professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Project Management Professional (PMP). Kevin is active in the community and recently volunteered his expertise to help modernize the technology infrastructure at Hope House.

Bank First Welcomes Sarah Larson as Vice President – Guest Services

Bank First — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, September 14, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) is pleased to welcome Sarah Larson as Vice President – Guest Services. Sarah brings more than 20 years of leadership, operations, and customer service experience to Bank First. Most recently, she served as Operations and Training Manager at Americollect (GetixHealth), where she led a team of more than 60 employees, developed operational strategies, managed departmental performance, and partnered with healthcare organizations to improve service and financial outcomes. Prior to joining Americollect, Sarah held a variety of customer service, operations, and leadership roles with Advocate Aurora Health. Her experience leading teams, improving processes, and enhancing the customer experience across clinics, hospitals, and call centers has prepared her well for her role at Bank First.

At Bank First, Sarah will focus on delivering exceptional customer experience and ensuring clients receive personalized, responsive service. She will support team development, strengthen customer relationships, and help advance the Bank's commitment to serving the financial needs of individuals and businesses throughout the communities it serves.

"Sarah's extensive leadership experience and passion for creating exceptional customer experiences make her an outstanding addition to Bank First," said Brendan Marston, Chief Operations Officer at Bank First. "Her commitment to developing high-performing teams and building strong customer relationships will help us continue delivering the level of service our customers expect and deserve."

Sarah holds an Associate Degree in Human Resources from Lakeshore Technical College and a Data Science certificate from UW–Green Bay. She also earned additional certifications in medical coding, human resources, and revenue cycle management, and participated in the Aurora Leadership Academy throughout her career with Advocate Aurora Health. An active community volunteer and leader, Sarah serves on the boards of the North American One-Arm Golfer Association and the Mid-Western Amputee Golf Association. She also serves as chairperson of the Women's Committee for the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance and has volunteered with the Manitowoc Chamber of Commerce Leadership group and Winter Miracle Splash. Sarah is also a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Bank First Ranked #4 in U.S., Top-Performing Wisconsin-Based Bank in National Report

Bank First — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:44:04 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, May 28, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) has been recognized as one of the top performing community banks in the country, earning the #4 ranking nationwide in the 2025 Raymond James Community Bankers Cup.

The recognition places Bank First among the top 10% of community banks in the United States based on key measures of financial performance, efficiency, and balance sheet strength. Bank First was also the highest ranked Wisconsin-based bank included in this year’s report.

The annual Community Bankers Cup evaluates 191 publicly traded community banks with assets between $500 million and $10 billion, using metrics such as return on assets, core deposit growth, efficiency ratio, and asset quality.

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Bank First Announces Officer Promotions (Diehl, Goebel, Musche, Stoll)

Bank First — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, August 24, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) is pleased to announce the promotions of Steve Diehl, Denise Goebel, Gwen Musche, and Vinny Stoll.

Steve Diehl has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Business Banking. He joined Bank First in 2019 and has built a well-rounded background in commercial lending and relationship management through a series of progressively responsible roles. Most recently serving as Business Banking Officer, Steve has focused on helping business owners achieve their goals through trusted relationships and sound financial guidance. In his new role, he will continue strengthening relationships with new and existing clients while providing strategic financial insight and personalized solutions to support their long-term success. Steve is active in the community and serves with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County, the Home Builders Association of Fond du Lac, the Fond du Lac Cross Country Booster Club, and Fond du Lac Young Professionals. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from UW–Oshkosh and a Master of Business Administration with a finance emphasis and Corporate Finance Certificate from UW–Whitewater.

Denise Goebel has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Business Services. With more than 33 years of banking experience, Denise has built a strong foundation of industry knowledge and leadership throughout her career. Since joining Bank First in 2010, she has played an important role in supporting the Bank's operations and customer service initiatives, most recently serving as Business Service Officer. In her role, Denise will continue to provide leadership and mentorship to the Bank's Business Service Representative team, oversee key segments of the loan origination and servicing process, and foster seamless communication between customers, relationship managers, and internal teams. Through her leadership, she helps drive consistency and efficiency across key operational processes while enhancing the customer experience. Denise holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from UW–Milwaukee and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at UW–Madison. She is an active community member, volunteering with the Humane Society of Sheboygan County and Meals on Wheels.

Gwen Musche has been promoted to Vice President – Deposit Product Management. In her role, Gwen aligns technology initiatives with the Bank's strategic goals by overseeing deposit-related systems, ensuring seamless integration and performance, and partnering with leadership and IT teams to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the customer experience. Gwen has more than 20 years of banking experience in deposit operations, digital banking, product management, and customer experience. Since joining Bank First in 2025, she has played a key role in advancing the Bank's deposit product strategy and technology initiatives through her leadership, expertise, and customer-focused approach. Gwen attended Hartford Union High School and studied at UW–Whitewater. She is a member of the Customer Experience Professionals Association and supports local youth volleyball programs through volunteer efforts and event support.

Vinny Stoll has been promoted to Business Banking Officer. He joined Bank First in 2021 and has advanced through several roles of increasing responsibility while developing expertise in commercial banking and customer relationship management. Most recently serving as a Business Banking Representative, Vinny has worked closely with customers to understand their goals and connect them with solutions that support their day-to-day operations and future growth. In his new role, he will focus on building lasting relationships, identifying opportunities to help customers succeed, and delivering responsive service tailored to their unique needs. Vinny earned an undergraduate degree in Real Estate and Finance from Marquette University and a Master of Business Administration from Marquette University. He is involved in the community as a Meals on Wheels route volunteer, Versiti blood donor, and Treasurer at Safe Harbor of Sheboygan County.

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PPP Data and Business Scams

Bank First — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

How scammers are using publicly available PPP data to target businesses, and what business owners can do to help protect their accounts.

Over the past several years, businesses across the country have seen an increase in fraud attempts tied to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Many business owners are surprised to learn that certain information about PPP loans was made publicly available as part of a federal government data release, including business names, addresses, loan amounts, and lender information.

It's important to note that this information was not released by Bank First. The data was published by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and has been publicly available for several years. Unfortunately, fraudsters are now using this information to make scams appear more convincing.

Because scammers may know details about your business and your PPP loan, they can sound legitimate when they call, email, text, or mail you. Their goal is often to gain access to sensitive information or persuade you to send money.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are using publicly available PPP loan data to impersonate banks, government agencies, and even law enforcement officials. They may reference actual loan details and claim there is a problem with your account, your loan, or your online banking access.

In many cases, their objective is to obtain online banking credentials, one-time passcodes, or other confidential information that can be used to access accounts and move funds.

What to Watch For

Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and:

Requests your online banking credentials or one-time passcodes.
Claims there is suspicious activity on your account.
Pressures you to act immediately.
Threatens legal action, fines, or arrest.
Asks you to click a link or download software.
References your PPP loan and requests verification of information.

Remember, caller ID can be spoofed. Just because a call appears to come from a legitimate organization doesn't mean it actually does.

How to Protect Your Business

A few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your business from fraud:

Never share passwords, online banking credentials, or one-time security codes.
Verify unexpected requests by contacting your bank directly using a trusted phone number.
Make sure employees know how to recognize fraud attempts.
Enable multifactor authentication when available.
Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity.
Report suspicious communications immediately.

Matthew Gloshen joins Bank First as Chief Retail Officer

Bank First — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, August 17, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) is pleased to welcome Matthew Gloshen as Chief Retail Officer and a member of its Senior Management team. In this role, Matthew will lead the Bank’s Retail Banking and Branch Operations teams, bringing the two areas together to create a more integrated retail banking approach focused on driving growth, developing employees, strengthening collaboration, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Matthew brings more than 15 years of retail banking and branch leadership experience to Bank First. Most recently, he served as Market President for BMO's Northeast Wisconsin Green Bay Market, supporting growth and relationship development across multiple Wisconsin markets. Prior to joining BMO, Matthew spent more than 13 years with U.S. Bank, where he began his banking career as a teller and worked his way up to Vice President – District Manager, eventually leading, coaching, and developing a team of more than 110 employees.

“Our goal is to ensure our teams have the leadership, support, and development opportunities they need to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers,” said Tim McFarlane, President of Bank First. “Matthew brings a strong retail banking background, but what really stood out to us is his passion for developing people and helping teams succeed. His experience leading high-performing teams, building strong relationships, and supporting growth across multiple markets will be valuable as we bring our Retail Banking and Branch Operations teams closer together and build on the great work taking place across both areas.”

Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from UW–Parkside, along with a UNIX Administration Certificate and a minor in Economics. He is also a graduate of the Consumer Bankers Association’s Executive Banking School. Active in the community, he serves as a volunteer youth soccer coach with Wisconsin United FC, coaching Juniors Academy and U12 Boys teams.

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Bank First Promotes Drew Olstead to Assistant Vice President – Business Banking

Bank First — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

MANITOWOC, WI, August 10, 2026 -- Bank First (NASDAQ: BFC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Drew Olstead to Assistant Vice President – Business Banking. Drew joined Bank First in October 2025 as a Business Banking Representative after serving as a Business Development Officer with First National Bank and Trust (FNBT), where he gained valuable experience in commercial banking and business relationship development. "Drew has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving our customers and building meaningful relationships throughout the communities we serve," said Dave Marshick, Region President at Bank First. "His dedication, industry knowledge, and customer-focused approach make him a valuable member of our team. We are excited to see him continue to grow in this role."

Drew develops and manages commercial banking relationships with business owners, real estate investors, and professional clients, helping them achieve their financial goals through lending, deposit, and treasury management solutions. Drew earned two bachelor's degrees from UW–Madison, including a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts.

Active in the Beloit community, Drew volunteers with Beloit Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to seniors, and serves on the organization's Board of Directors.

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News

Melissa Townsend Joins Bank First as Retail Banking Officer

Bank First Increases Prime Rate

Rich Hildebrandt Joins Bank First as Vice President - Business Banking

Bank First Welcomes Kevin Sonnemann as Vice President – Technology

Bank First Welcomes Sarah Larson as Vice President – Guest Services

Bank First Ranked #4 in U.S., Top-Performing Wisconsin-Based Bank in National Report

Bank First Announces Officer Promotions (Diehl, Goebel, Musche, Stoll)

PPP Data and Business Scams

How scammers are using publicly available PPP data to target businesses, and what business owners can do to help protect their accounts.

How the Scam Works

What to Watch For

How to Protect Your Business

We're Here to Help

Matthew Gloshen joins Bank First as Chief Retail Officer

Bank First Promotes Drew Olstead to Assistant Vice President – Business Banking