Executive Officers

Brent graduated from the University of Iowa in 1992. Brent completed the Community Bankers of Illinois School for Community Bankers, and has been the Branch Manager for our Poplar Grove location. He has been an integral part of our commercial and mortgage lending areas for the past ten years. Brent has been a board member since 2015. He has been active with the Byron Chamber of Commerce, Byron Fest Steering Committee, St. Mary’s Finance Council, and the Byron Boosters. Brent likes to golf and spend time with family and friends in his free time.

Jen graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1998 with a degree in Business. She earned her CPA in 1999. Jen completed the Community Bankers of Illinois School for Community Bankers. She has been a board member since 2008. Her dedication to organization and her compliance and project management skills have helped bring Byron Bank to the next level. Jen is the third generation in her family to work at the bank. She serves on the Byron Chamber of Commerce Board as Treasurer. She enjoys spending time with her three boys and traveling.

Don Banks has been in the banking and financial industry for over 30 years with extensive experience in commercial lending. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking, CBAI Community Bankers School, and ABA Commercial Lending School at Southern Methodist University. Don’s strong skills in developing and nurturing customer relationships, as well as his leadership abilities, have helped propel Byron Bank to the next level. He is a very active community member and is a board member for; Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Community Building Complex of Boone County, Boone County Community Foundation, Belvidere Mutual Insurance, and the Belvidere IOU Club. Don is the Flora Cemetery Board President and acts as the Clerk for the Flora Township.

Ben was President for 17 years and is now the Chairman of the Board. He joined the board in 1977. Ben graduated from the University of Missouri and earned his MBA from Southern Illinois University. Ben was instrumental in leading the bank to become a preferred lender for Freddie Mac loans at Byron Bank. His leadership skills have brought Byron Bank from $4 mm to over $240 mm. Ben’s ability to see the needs of the bank as we have grown has been amazing. He is a very hard worker who sets a great example for all the bank employees. Ben was co-founder of the Park District and Forest Preserve with Chet Kobel. Ben is an avid golfer, loves to garden and has traveled the world!

Gail graduated from the University of Missouri and earned a Master’s in Business Education from Southern Illinois University. She joined the board in 1977. She has been instrumental in the bank marketing, hiring of employees, and helping retain those “excellent” hires for over 30 years. Gail’s hard work ethic and knowledge of banking has helped Byron Bank become one of the leading community banks. She has also been active in many volunteer organizations including the Byron Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Club and the Byron Foundation for Education Excellence. When she isn't spending time with her 7 grandchildren, Gail is busy cooking and traveling the world with Ben.

Mike graduated from the University of Platteville in 1981 with a BS in Ag Business. He has been a board member since 1992, and has over 25 years of banking experience. His extensive knowledge in commercial lending, and his many years of banking leadership have been instrumental in the continual growth of Byron Bank. Mike is well known in the community and has participated in several organizations over the years including the Byron Rotary, Byron Kiwanis, Byron Chamber of Commerce, Byron Fest Steering Committee, the Byron Museum District Board and the St. Mary’s Church Finance Council. Mike enjoys spending time with his family and fishing at his cabin in Wisconsin

Scott has been in the finance world for over 35 years. Prior to joining Byron Bank, he worked in banking with experience in branch management, loan collections, and loan origination. Scott is a licensed Financial Consultant, has his Series 7, 63, and Life Insurance Licenses, and is currently the Chief Financial Officer. His extensive banking experience and knowledge are a great addition to the Byron Bank team. Scott earned a degree from the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, TN. He and his family reside in Roscoe. In his free time, Scott enjoys golfing, traveling, being outdoors, water sports, and watching professional sports.

Delene graduated from Highland Community College in 1985. She has been a member of the executive team for 6 years and has over 30 years of banking experience. Delene oversees the operations of the bank and prior to that was our Internal Auditor. With her extensive banking background, she is able to tackle any project given to her, whether for a customer or an employee, and come up with the best solution. She is committed to seeing that our day to day operations run smoothly. Delene is active in various community organizations and her church. She loves watching football and has been a Denver Broncos fan for 21 years.