Joe Chybowski
President and CFO, Bridgewater Bank
Within 10 years, Joe Chybowski rose from controller at a small bank to CFO of one of the largest publicly traded banks in Minnesota. At 31, he led Bridgewater Bank’s
2025 Notable Leaders in Banking
A bank can be a network, a hub, a launchpad. It can sow opportunities, shape markets, and help businesses get off the ground. The nine banking leaders and advisors on our Notable list drive forward with these characteristics in mind. They have grown their financial institutions, emerged as industry experts, and prioritized community impact while devising solutions for their clients.
Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.
To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.
Kelly Elkin
Commercial banking executive, public finance/government and nonprofit banking, Alerus
A 40-year veteran of the Twin Cities banking industry, Kelly Elkin has specialized in public financing and government and nonprofit banking since 2001. In 2023, she joined North Dakota-based Alerus
John Erickson
Assistant vice president, branch manager, and nonprofit/specialty lender, Stearns Bank
John Erickson has played an integral role at Stearns Bank since he began contributing his talents in 2011. Last year, for example, he secured more than $60 million in nonprofit
Lucas Giambelluca
President, Bank of America Twin Cities; business banking market executive, Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas, Bank of America
Under Lucas Giambelluca, Bank of America has achieved remarkable growth in Minnesota, with increased brand favorability and market share, plus the opening of more than 31 financial centers, says colleague
Christine Hobrough
Community banking president, Old National Bank
Christine Hobrough oversees all banking centers and is deeply involved in partnership activities with Bremer Bank, which became a division of Old National following an acquisition finalized in early May.
Michael Maeser
Minnesota regional president, The Huntington National Bank
Since taking the helm as the Huntington National Bank’s Minnesota regional president in 2024, Michael Maeser has helped establish the financial institution as a state leader. Maeser, who previously led
Justin Robinson
Senior vice president, compliance and risk, Drake Bank
Justin Robinson joined Drake Bank in 2021 and leads compliance, risk management, internal audit, and vendor management programs. With 25 years’ experience in law, consulting, and banking, Robinson has been
Breia Schleuss
Partner, Faegre Drinker
Faegre Drinker partner Breia Schleuss leads the law firm’s finance team across domestic and international offices, providing strategic counsel and representing companies and lenders in various banking matters. Schleuss co-chairs
Mary Stoick
Senior vice president and director of tax credit lending, Sunrise Banks
Mary Stoick, senior vice president and director of tax credit lending at Sunrise Banks, has overseen the St. Paul bank’s New Markets Tax Credit program, supporting development in low- to