Newsroom

WAUKESHA, Wis. (December 5, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank, a 14-branch independent community bank in Waukesha County, is proud to announce the promotion of Tammy Kasinski to controller.

“With a proven track record in financial analysis and a deep understanding of the banking industry, Tammy brings a wealth of experience to her new role,” stated Ann Pascavis, Waukesha State Bank senior vice president – chief financial officer. “This promotion is reflective of the leadership she has shown as part of the finance team.”

Tammy has nearly 20 years of banking experience and started her career with Waukesha State Bank in 2008 as a personal banker. She has held various positions in retail banking including bank manager of the Oconomowoc office and retail banking administrator. In October of 2021, she transitioned to the finance department and took on the role of finance and operations analyst where she was responsible for the analysis of various bank financial and operational policies, procedures, and performances. In her new position as controller, Kasinski will be responsible for directing the staff and operations of the finance department, which includes analysis of the Bank’s financial information on a periodic basis.

Kasinski earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in business administration from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay and is currently attending the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree with an accounting emphasis.

WAUKESHA, Wis. – On November 16 at an event held in Wisconsin Dells, the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF) honored Waukesha State Bank for their efforts in promoting financial literacy to Wisconsin’s consumers. As the non-profit arm of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), WBF’s mission is to promote financial literacy and capability to the public and to broaden consumer empowerment in the financial services industry through research, education, grants, and scholarships.

During the 2022–2023 fiscal year, over 360 bankers across the state participated in financial education-focused presentations helping to reach over 24,700 consumers of all ages. This outstanding effort is underscored in the efforts of the Waukesha State Bank team.

In addition to being recognized with the Foundation’s Excellence in Financial Education Award for the bank’s organization-wide dedication to financial education, Heather Pfalz was also recognized with a Certificate of Recognition for her individual effort in financial literacy as well as surpassing five total presentations.

“Throughout Wisconsin, bankers go above and beyond in their commitment to their communities,” said Chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Rose Oswald Poels. “We thank the team at Waukesha State Bank — with special thanks to Heather — for their outstanding work in helping individuals and families to build foundational financial skills.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. (November 21, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank, a 14-branch independent community bank in Waukesha County, is proud to announce the promotion of Sam Zarling to commercial banker.

“Sam has consistently demonstrated ambition towards furthering his skillset. This promotion is well deserved and reflective of Sam’s contributions to our team and his business customers in southeastern Wisconsin,” stated Tony Laszewski, Waukesha State Bank senior vice president – commercial banking manager.

Zarling graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Concordia University and started his career with Waukesha State Bank in October of 2022 as a credit analyst/portfolio manager. He holds an active Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) designation and has obtained various licenses, including the Series 6 securities license, Series 63 uniformed securities agent designation, and life insurance licenses. Transitioning into his new position as a commercial banker, Zarling will be tasked with the responsibilities of prospecting, developing, and overseeing commercial loan portfolios.

Beyond his professional commitments, Zarling actively engages with the community, volunteering with Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in West Bend and coaching youth baseball.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (November 20, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 locations across Waukesha County, is proud to announce the expansion of its mortgage lending team, reinforcing its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of homebuyers in Southeastern Wisconsin. The bank welcomes Lee Turner as the new Mortgage Sales Manager, alongside the additions of Doug Gray and Jim Larcheid as New Construction Mortgage Consultants.

Leo Spanuello, Senior Vice President – Mortgage Lending Manager at Waukesha State Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded team, stating, “We are delighted to announce the growth of our mortgage team with the valuable additions of Lee, Doug, and Jim. Their extensive experience in mortgage lending, coupled with their dedication to customer service and leadership, positions them perfectly to uphold our ongoing commitment to supporting the needs and goals of local homebuyers.”

Lee comes to Waukesha State Bank from Bell Bank Mortgage where he served as Wisconsin Market Manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne in La Verne, California and has over 20 years of residential lending experience, which includes managing and coaching mortgage loan officers, executing marketing and sales strategies, and originating loans. In his new role as Mortgage Sales Manager, Lee will be responsible for promoting an effective mortgage sales environment, through regular sales training and coaching, to achieve bank production goals.

Lee is active with local mortgage industry organizations serving as a Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association past board member and member of their Education Committee in addition to serving on the Youth Foundation Committee for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS. As a U.S. Navy Veteran, Lee also served as a board member for USO Wisconsin and is an Ambassador and Real Estate Committee Chair for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. He and his family currently reside in Waukesha.

As New Construction Mortgage Consultants, Doug Gray and Jim Larcheid will be responsible for originating new construction mortgage loans, which includes meeting with prospects, taking mortgage applications, counseling borrowers and developing relationships with Realtors, builders, financial service providers and various community groups.

Doug Gray joins Waukesha State Bank with 27 years of mortgage lending experience most recently serving as Assistant Vice President – Residential Lending for Associated Bank. He has an extensive background in new construction financing and has been specializing in this area for the last 25 years. Doug is active in the community participating in the Hunt for Heroes organization and was a licensed foster parent for Waukesha County for 5 years. He and his family currently reside in Sussex.

Jim Larcheid has over 30 years of residential lending experience specializing in new construction financing. Most recently, he served as Assistant Vice President – Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at Associated Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Marquette University and is active in the community serving with St. Dominic Catholic Church and with the Metropolitan Builders Association as past chairman of their advisory board. He and his family currently reside in Brookfield.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (September 19, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 locations in Waukesha County, has promoted Leo Spanuello to senior vice president – mortgage lending manager.

“Leo has been an integral member of our mortgage lending team,” stated Ty R. Taylor, President & CEO of Waukesha State Bank. “His extensive mortgage lending experience, combined with his passion for customer service and his team leadership skills, position him well to continue our ongoing commitment of supporting the needs and goals of homeowners in southeastern Wisconsin.”

Leo began his career with Waukesha State Bank in 2021 as vice president - mortgage sales manager. He has over 30 years of residential lending experience, which includes managing and coaching mortgage loan officers, executing sales strategies, and originating loans. In his new role as senior vice president – mortgage lending manager, Leo will be responsible for managing the mortgage lending staff and leading the day-to-day operations of the department, all while continuing the bank’s mission of providing clients with personalized service and a wide range of options to meet all of their home buying and refinancing needs.

Leo is active in the local community currently serving on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association where he served as state president for the 2019-20 term. In addition, he also serves on various committees with the Metropolitan Builders Association and volunteers with the Crohn’s Colitis Foundation. He and his family currently reside in Brookfield.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (August 16, 2023) – Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 offices in Waukesha County, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tina Neis to senior vice president – chief credit officer.

“Tina’s remarkable banking expertise has played a vital role in the success of Waukesha State Bank,” stated Ty R. Taylor, President & CEO of Waukesha State Bank. “As chief credit officer, I eagerly anticipate her ongoing contributions in driving the future growth of our organization.”

Neis joined Waukesha State Bank in 1999 as an SBA loan administrator. She was promoted to assistant cashier in 2002, assistant vice president – assistant cashier in 2004, vice president – commercial banking officer in 2006, vice president – manager of commercial credit in 2015 and senior vice president – manager of commercial credit in 2021. Tina has extensive experience in commercial lending specializing in underwriting and the administration of commercial loans and commercial real estate, and she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. In her new role as senior vice president – chief credit officer, Tina will oversee credit risk strategies and policies throughout the bank. This will include managing the underwriting, approval and auditing processes for commercial, mortgage and retail lending.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (July 6, 2023) – Waukesha State Bank, a 14-branch independent community bank in Waukesha County, is pleased to announce the addition of Dave Rios as bank manager of its Muskego office located at S69 W15273 Janesville Road.

“We are excited to welcome Dave to the Waukesha State Bank team,” stated Heather Pfalz, Waukesha State Bank vice president – retail banking manager. “He has extensive banking and management experience, which positions him well to service the needs of both individuals and businesses in Muskego.”

Dave comes to Waukesha State Bank with over 25 years of leadership and management experience including 12 years of banking experience. He most recently served as branch manager with Huntington Bank, and in his new role as bank manager of the Waukesha State Bank’s Muskego office, Dave will be responsible for all aspects of daily operations, including business development, personnel management, customer service, lending, relationship management and community service.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (June 16, 2023) - Waukesha Investments,^ located at Waukesha State Bank, is proud to announce the promotion of Harry Mewes to Executive Financial Advisor & Manager.

“This well-deserved promotion reflects Harry’s outstanding contributions to our organization,” stated Ty Taylor, Waukesha State Bank President & CEO. “Harry does a fantastic job of connecting with his customers through a variety of economic conditions, and he has been an incredible mentor to the entire Waukesha Investments team over the years. As the new Manager of Waukesha Investments, I have full confidence that Harry will continue to inspire his team and contribute to the future growth and success of the division.”

Harry joined Waukesha Investments in 2000 as an Investment Representative and was promoted to Executive Financial Advisor in 2011. He has over 30 years of financial planning experience. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), Harry is responsible for providing financial guidance and investment solutions that assist his customers in meeting their financial goals. As the new Manager of Waukesha Investments, he will also be responsible for leading the division and for employee development.

^Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered.
Investments are: *Not FDIC insured *May lose value *Not financial institution guaranteed *Not a deposit *Not insured by any federal government agency.
Registered location: 151 E. St. Paul Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188, (262) 549-8559.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (June 12, 2023) – Waukesha State Bank, a 14-branch independent community bank in Waukesha County, is pleased to announce the promotion of Heather Pfalz to vice president – retail banking manager.

“Heather has been an integral member of our Retail Banking team for over 25 years,” stated Ty Taylor, Waukesha State Bank President & CEO. “Her tenure with the Bank, focus on exceptional customer service and passion for supporting and developing bank employees makes her the perfect candidate for this position and also highlights our commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for advancement within our organization. I look forward to witnessing her continued growth and success.”

Heather started her career with Waukesha State Bank in 1997 as a teller and has held various positions during her employment. She was promoted to bank officer in 2003, assistant vice president in 2010 and vice president in 2017. She has managed the bank’s Meadowbrook (2001-2004), Oconomowoc (2004-2008), Sussex (2008-2017) and Downtown Waukesha (2017-May 2023) offices and played an integral role in opening both the Oconomowoc and Sussex locations. In November of 2020, Heather was promoted to a regional retail banking manager, and in her new role as retail banking manager, Heather will oversee the daily operations of the entire retail banking division. She will be responsible for implementing a strategic vision for retail banking, managing and developing retail staff, driving business development activities, fostering an exceptional customer experience culture and keeping current on the latest retail banking trends, regulation changes and technological advancements.

Heather is actively involved with Waukesha County non-profit organizations currently serving as a member of the Village of Sussex Community Development Authority and as a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, Donna Lexa Art Centers, and with her faith community. Additionally, she is a member of Sweet Adelines International and sings with the Joyful Blend Quartet.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (June 5, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 locations in Waukesha County, is proud to announce the retirement of Devon Arnold, senior vice president – retail banking manager. After 45 years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the bank’s success, Arnold will embark on a well-deserved journey of retirement, effective June 16, 2023.

“Devon’s loyalty to Waukesha State Bank’s values, employees, customers and our community over the past 45 years is immeasurable. His commitment to excellence and exceptional leadership created a strong, successful and dedicated retail banking division for our organization, and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude,” said Ty Taylor, Waukesha State Bank President & CEO. “On behalf of the entire bank, I want to thank Devon for his years of service and the enduring legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire and guide our team. We wish him the very best as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.”

Arnold began his career with Waukesha State Bank in 1978 as a coin wrapper while in high school. He fondly remembers helping wherever was needed, including processing mail, filing checks by hand, preparing checking statements, counting cash, running errands and performing maintenance tasks.

Arnold continued his career with the bank as a part-time teller while pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After graduating, Arnold became a full-time teller, worked for multiple years in the loan servicing department and took on consumer lending responsibilities. In 1990, he began his retail career focus with his first bank manager position at the Waukesha State Bank’s “Sun Branch” (now closed) adjacent to Sun Foods grocery store on Manhattan Drive in Waukesha. During this time, he was promoted to an officer of the bank and also held the assistant cashier title. Arnold went on to open the bank’s Silvernail Road office in Waukesha (now closed) and also served as the interim manager of the bank’s W. Sunset Drive office in Waukesha for a year.

In 1994, Arnold was promoted to assistant vice president and was chosen to open the bank’s Delafield office. Arnold immersed himself in the Delafield community, connected with Delafield businesses and was an integral part of the success of Waukesha State Bank’s newest branch. During this time, Arnold was an active board member and held numerous leadership positions with the Delafield and Hartland Chambers of Commerce, the Delafield-Summit Lions Club, and the Greater Delafield Community Fund. He was recognized for his service to the Lions Club organization with the distinguished Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. In 1998, Devon was promoted to vice president in recognition of his success in Delafield.

In 2003, Arnold was promoted to fill the newly created position of retail banking manager. In this role, Arnold oversaw the opening of 10 additional retail offices, the creation of the Customer Service Center, the development of Waukesha State Bank’s retails sales program, and the evolution of the bank’s retail products, staffing structure, systems and procedures. In addition, he was responsible for employee growth and leadership development. Devon also managed the bank’s Waukesha Investments division, which has seen consistent growth in assets under management, revenue, and staff. In 2021, Devon was recognized with a promotion to senior vice president.

“I am so proud to be a part of the bank’s story and it has been quite a journey,” stated Devon Arnold, Waukesha State Bank Senior Vice President – Retail Banking Manager. “My career has been filled with such rich and rewarding experiences with customers, community organizations, and a great team of bankers. I am looking forward to this new chapter and filling my time with family and friends as well as new adventures and experiences.”

WAUKESHA, Wis. (May 1, 2023) – Waukesha State Bank, a 14-branch independent community bank in Waukesha County, is pleased to announce the promotion of Liz Lijewski to assistant vice president - bank manager of its Mukwonago office and Mandy Gosseck to bank manager of its New Berlin office.

In their new positions, Lijewski and Gosseck will be responsible for all aspects of daily operations, including business development, personnel management, customer service, lending, relationship management and community involvement at their respective offices.

“Liz has demonstrated strong leadership as the manager of our New Berlin office, and we are pleased that she is bringing her passion and experience to lead our Mukwonago office. Mandy has also been an integral member of our team and has grown her knowledge and skills consistently in varying roles. We are excited to welcome her back to our New Berlin office as a familiar face and the manager of the great team we have there,” stated Devon Arnold, Waukesha State Bank senior vice president – retail banking manager. “These individuals have a track record of success combined with a commitment to our core philosophy of providing the highest level of customer service which makes them a perfect fit for these roles.”

Liz Lijewski started her career with Waukesha State Bank in 2010. She has held varying positions at the Bank from teller to customer service representative, assistant teller supervisor, personal banker and most recently bank manager of the New Berlin office. Liz is active in the local community serving as a mentor and advisory committee member for the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s Leadership Waukesha program. She also volunteers with SecureFutures to teach financial literacy to area students.

Mandy Gosseck joined Waukesha State Bank in 2016 as a teller supporting multiple bank offices and was quickly promoted to assistant teller supervisor and moved to Waukesha State Bank’s New Berlin office. In 2018, Mandy was promoted to teller supervisor-personal banker and earlier this year to assistant bank manager of Waukesha State Bank’s E. Racine Avenue location in Waukesha. She is excited to return to New Berlin with her newest promotion to bank manager.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (April 3, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank is celebrating Community Banking Month, throughout April, with a variety of pay it forward events including food drives, lunches for first responders, nonprofit donations and much more.

“Community Banking Month is a chance for Waukesha State Bank, as one of the largest independent, community banks in the state of Wisconsin, to celebrate our role in strengthening our local communities,” said Stephanie Ohlfs, Waukesha State Bank Vice President – Marketing Director.

Follow Waukesha State Bank’s social media pages and #PayItForwardPatrol to find out where our staff will be throughout the month. If you find us, you could receive something special.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (March 15, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 locations in Waukesha County, is proud to announce the retirement of Irma Mesura after 46 years with the Bank.

“Irma’s loyalty and commitment to Waukesha State Bank, our ideals and every customer she came into contact with is immeasurable. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude,” said Devon Arnold, Waukesha State Bank Sr. Vice President and Retail Banking Manager. “On behalf of the entire bank, I want to thank Irma for her years of service and the positive impact she has had on so many customers and co-workers. She consistently shared a unique level of genuine friendliness and took a sincere interest in everyone she touched. It is no surprise that Irma has a loyal following of customers, friends and a work family that will miss her greatly. We wish her the very best as she enjoys a well-deserved retirement.”

Mesura joined Waukesha State Bank in 1976 as a part-time teller at the Downtown Waukesha office and enjoyed many years working the front line to help customers with their day-to-day financial transactions. For the past 15 years, Mesura has served as the Downtown Waukesha Receptionist, acting as the friendly face every customer sees when they walk in the doors. Her bilingual ability has been an asset over the years, building business for the bank and fostering long-standing relationships with customers.

To celebrate Mesura’s career, Waukesha State Bank will be hosting a retirement open house event on Friday, March 24, from 10 AM – 3 PM, at their Downtown Waukesha location, 151 E. St. Paul Avenue.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (February 20, 2023) – Waukesha State Bank, a 14-branch independent community bank in Waukesha County, is pleased to announce the promotion of Juliet Martinez to mortgage consultant.

“We are thrilled to welcome Juliet to the mortgage banking team and look forward to seeing the ways in which she continues to apply her customer service skills and banking expertise to the borrowers of Southeastern Wisconsin,” stated Robert B. Helvey, Waukesha State Bank senior vice president – mortgage lending manager.

Juliet Martinez started her career with Waukesha State Bank in 2016 as a Waukesha West High School co-op student. In January of 2017, she was promoted to customer service representative and continued in this role while simultaneously attending the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Juliet was promoted to assistant teller supervisor in February of 2019, and after graduating with her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in general business, she was promoted again to personal banker in January of 2021. Her drive to support her customers and peers earned her a promotion to bank manager of the Waukesha State Bank Muskego office in November of 2021. In her new role as mortgage consultant, Juliet will be responsible for originating mortgage loans, which includes meeting with prospects, taking mortgage applications, counseling borrowers and developing relationships with Realtors, builders, financial service providers and various community groups.

Juliet will be based out of the Waukesha State Bank locations at E. Main Street and E. Racine Avenue in Waukesha and will service all of Southeastern Wisconsin.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (January 4, 2023) - Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 locations in Waukesha County, has promoted Holly Garza to mortgage consultant.

“Holly has consistently demonstrated a focus on mastering the skills and knowledge necessary to grow her career with the bank. This promotion is well deserved and reflective of Holly’s contributions to our team and our mortgage customers,” stated Robert B. Helvey, Waukesha State Bank senior vice president – mortgage lending manager.

Garza joined Waukesha State Bank in August 2018 as a teller and has held varying positions on the retail side of the bank including teller supervisor and personal banker. She transitioned to sales assistant of the mortgage team in April 2021 where she worked directly with senior lenders to build her skills in mortgage lending. With her promotion to mortgage consultant, she will be responsible for originating mortgage loans, which includes meeting with prospects, taking mortgage applications, counseling borrowers and developing relationships with Realtors, builders, financial service providers and various community groups.

Garza will be based out of the Waukesha State Bank location at S31 W25995 W. Sunset Drive in Waukesha and will service all of Southeastern Wisconsin.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (December 21, 2022) - Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 offices in Waukesha County, has hired L. Wesley MCKenzie III as assistant vice president - commercial banking officer.

“We are pleased to welcome Wesley to our commercial banking team,” stated Tony Laszewski, Waukesha State Bank senior vice president – commercial banking manager. “He brings both a broad financial background and the technical expertise we need to service the businesses of southeastern Wisconsin.”

MCKenzie has over 10 years of broad financial experience including business and retail lending in addition to collections and operations expertise. Prior to joining Waukesha State Bank, MCKenzie worked for US Bank as a business banking specialist. In his new role as assistant vice president - commercial banking officer, MCKenzie will be responsible for prospecting, developing and managing commercial loan portfolios.

MCKenzie is active in the community serving on the board of directors for UniteWI and Generation of Excellence Trendsetters. He is also an ordained minister serving at Abundant Faith Church of Integrity in addition to being an avid cyclist and completing a Century ride annually. He and his family currently reside in Milwaukee.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (November 21, 2022) – Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 14 locations in Waukesha County, awarded 20, $1,000 scholarships to incoming freshmen at Carroll University.

“We are proud to have supported Carroll University scholarships for the last 26 years,” said Ty Taylor, President and CEO of Waukesha State Bank. “Our annual scholarship commitment demonstrates our pledge to education and our local students.”

Waukesha State Bank began their Carroll University scholars’ program in 1996 to support Carroll students, from Waukesha County, in their freshmen year. Scholarships are awarded based on extracurricular activities, community service and job experience. To date, the program has impacted over 480 Carroll students.

“We are grateful for Waukesha State Bank’s continued commitment to Carroll University and our students,” said Dawn Scott, Vice President of Enrollment for Carroll University. “Through the years, many of the local students supported by Waukesha State Bank scholarships have stayed in the area and continued their impact through work, family and volunteerism.”

The twenty 2022-23 Waukesha State Bank scholarship recipients are Angel Calderon of Waukesha, Paige Clementi of Waukesha, Grace Fisher of Dousman, Audrey Flanders of New Berlin, Natalie Gricius of Oconomowoc, Marcela Hahn of Sussex, Alicia Holzem of Sussex, Emily Knott of New Berlin, Emily Krawczyk of Muskego, Alma Lopez of Waukesha, Paige McLaughlin of Hartland, Emily Motz of New Berlin, Abigail Olstinske of New Berlin, Chloe Raethke of Harland, Cora Riffle of Waukesha, Kaylee Shaffer-Joers of Waukesha, Sarah Stamn of Brookfield, Layla Tank of Pewaukee, Tess Thompson of New Berlin and Ethan Weber of Waukesha.