Extra Innings: Get to Know Blackhawk Bank & Trust's New President
December 16, 2024
Q. Chris, congratulations on becoming the new President of Blackhawk Bank & Trust! What does it feel like to step into this role after so many years with Blackhawk Bank & Trust?
A: Thank you! You know, it’s truly an honor. When you’ve invested 44 years in one place, it becomes more than a career. For me, this is family, and a community I deeply care about.
Q: Your career started back in 1981 in the bank’s management trainee program. How has that experience influenced your approach to leadership?
A: Starting in the Bookkeeping Department and moving through roles like teller, Assistant Branch Manager, and Loan Officer gave me a full view of bank operations. I could really see the importance of each department and how it contributes to the bigger picture, and really gain an appreciation for all the different moving parts of a bank.
Q: 44 years and many different roles, that’s an incredible tenure with one organization. What has kept you so committed to the bank for all this time?
A: Blackhawk has always felt like family, thanks to the relationships I've built and our community roots. I've seen how the bank helps local families and businesses thrive, and I take pride in being part of that positive impact. Plus, there's such a sense of stability working for a bank that’s committed to staying "Not for Sale."
Q: Yes, it’s no secret Blackhawk Bank & Trust has a strong “Not for Sale” commitment. Can you speak to the importance of this promise?
A: Yes, that’s something our Chairman, Gerry Huiskamp, and our entire board feel passionately about. That promise is about us always being a community bank, and being fully committed to serving our customers without outside influence. In this day and age where smaller banks continue to be bought out, it’s a unique promise that we will continue to uphold.
Q: Speaking of your background, Loan Officer isn’t the only title you’ve had. Will you be drawing on any of your coaching experience as president of the bank?
A: Oh absolutely. Coaching baseball at Alleman High School taught me so much about patience, leadership, and how to bring out the best in others. I see managing employees in a very similar way.
Q: What excites you most about the future of Blackhawk Bank & Trust?
A: Jim left such a great legacy, so my top priority is to build on that existing foundation with the fantastic team we have here. With the experience we have, and young talent coming up the ranks, I’m truly excited for where we are headed. Gerry [Huiskamp] said it best: We aren’t striving to be the biggest bank, but we’re striving to be the best.
Q: Thank you for your time, Chris. We can end the interview on a lighter note: When you’re not coaching up bank employees and leading an organization, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: In my free time, I enjoy spending time out on the golf course and traveling with my wife, Theresa. We particularly love to visit Door County, WI and Palm Springs, CA. And, I am a huge Notre Dame fan – so any given Saturday you’ll find me cheering on the Irish.