FIRST BANK OF BERNE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Sales Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Retired Executive Director
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Member of Executive Commitee
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Operations Manager
An experienced banking professional, Deon Shoaf has been with First Bank of Berne for 17 years and currently serves as the Chief Operations Manager. A graduate of Bellmont High School, Deon went on to Indiana/Purdue University Fort Wayne (now Purdue University of Fort Wayne) where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Business-Accounting. Deon also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in 2011.
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Business Banking Manager for Berne
Jenilee Bransteter has been in banking for 15 years. She earned a degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics from The Ohio State University before attending the University of Wisconsin's Graduate School of Banking.
Jenilee was drawn to First Bank of Berne because she was looking for a career that allowed her to serve others. She says First Bank of Berne is a perfect fit. She enjoys the teamwork at First Bank of Berne.
As the business banking manager for Berne, Jenilee interacts daily with area business owners who she describes as the most driven and inventive people in our communities. She appreciates conversations with business owners regarding strategies, opportunities, and successes. She enjoys the opportunity to share her perspectives on financial ratios and key drivers of cash flow while offering services to support them in achieving their goals.
Jenilee lives in Ohio where she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Rockford United Methodist Church. She is also involved with the Berne Rotary Club in Berne.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President
Kent Liechty has spent over 25 years in the banking industry, all but four of them at First Bank of Berne, where he now serves as president and CEO. A graduate of South Adams High School, Kent holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue in Agriculture Economics, where he graduated with highest distinction. He then earned his MBA from Indiana University. He also holds an advanced degree from the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin.
Kent is an advocate of community banks. That's because working at a community bank enables him to see the direct result of how the bank's work impacts a local community. He says that being a part of a financial services team who cares about customers continues to be a very rewarding career.
Kent is extremely involved in his community. He serves on the Board of Directors for Swiss Village, Youth for Christ and Berne Community Development Corporation. He is also involved in Junior Achievement and serves as a Sunday school teacher at the First Mennonite Church.
He enjoys working locally because of the people he interacts with every day and the ability to participate in a number of projects that allow our areas to grow and prosper. He says the best thing about his staff at First Bank of Berne is their strong work ethic and desire to take care of our clients.
"I believe First Bank of Berne is best positioned to serve our local community because we have the right employees and the products and service which all work to help make our clients successful."
Kent Liechty has been with First Bank of Berne since 1997.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of Executive Commitee
After helping run a manufacturing business, Kevin put his financial background to work by joining First Bank of Berne. He currently serves as chief financial officer. A graduate of Norwell High School, Kevin holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne and an MBA from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne.
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Agribusiness Banking Manager
- Board Member and Vice President of the Wells County Chamber
Rick is a graduate of Southern Wells High School and continued his education at Purdue University where he earned a bachelor's degree in General Agriculture.
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee
- Chairman DRG, Inc
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Manager
- Member of Executive Commitee
Sharon Neuenschwander has had a long, successful career at First Bank of Berne. She currently serves as the Human Resource Manager. She has served as a Bookkeeper, Teller, Trust Officer and worked in the Loan Department.
More than choosing a career in banking, Sharon chose a career at First Bank of Berne. She first joined the bank because she felt the values of the bank aligned with her personal values. She also looked forward to the opportunity to work for a well-established and respected organization.
Job Titles:
- Member of Executive Commitee