Sturgis Bank Awards Promotions
At its annual meeting held in May, the Sturgis Bank Board of Directors approved promotions for several employees. Jason Hyska, CEO of Sturgis Bank, said “On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to recognize these team members for their contributions to Sturgis Bank, for being great examples of our company values, and for their service to our shareholders, customers, fellow employees, and communities. Our people are the reason we continue to see success as a Community Bank focused on ‘growing home’.”
Nathan Matkin was promoted to Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender. He joined Sturgis Bank in 2017 as a Commercial Lender and was promoted to Vice President in 2021. Nate has previous experience as a Real Estate Agent and a VIP Host for Gun Lake Casino. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University.
Leanne Brownfield was promoted to Vice President, Business Development Specialist for Berrien County. Leanne joined Sturgis Bank in 2020 and has fifteen years’ experience in the Banking industry. Leanne volunteers actively with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce and was voted “Ambassador of the Year” by her peer ambassadors for that organization. Leanne’s office is in the downtown St. Joseph Sturgis Banking Center.
Jason Riemens was promoted to Vice President, Commercial Credit Manager. Jason joined Sturgis Bank in 2020 and has 20 years’ previous experience in Financial Services Management, Commercial Lending and Credit Analysis, and Retail Management. Jason holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance degree from the University of Michigan - Flint and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from the Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University. His office in is the Portage Loan Office on Milham Avenue. Jason is an active volunteer with SPCA of Southwest Michigan, Head Coach for Challenger Little League for special needs athletes, and Founder and Head Coach for The Kalamazoo Courage, a disabled competitive sports team.
Matt Vizthum was promoted to Vice President, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. He joined Sturgis Bank in 2015 as a teller. Matt was soon promoted to Credit Analyst and then to Commercial Loan portfolio Manager. Matt graudated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University.
Sarah Bartz was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Originator. She joined Sturgis Bank in 2022. Sarah serves the larger St. Joseph County area and works out of the Sturgis Main location. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University.
Natalie Brazo was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Originator. She joined Sturgis Bank in 2019 as a Customer Service Representative and was promoted to Mortgage Loan Originator in 2022. Natalie serves the larger St. Joseph County area and works out of the Sturgis Main location. She is actively involved in the Kiwanis Club as well as the St. Joseph County Grange Fair Association and volunteers with Sturgis Bank’s School Savings program. She studied at Western Michigan University.
Mike Mortimore was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Credit Analyst. He joined Sturgis Bank in July 2024 and serves the Berrien County market. Mike is a graduate of Michigan State University and has over 20 years of experience in financial services. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for Lincoln Township Public Library.
Stacey Smith was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager. She joined Sturgis Bank in 2021 and manages the two Sturgis Bank South Haven Banking Centers on Center Street downtown and on M-43. Stacey has over fifteen years’ experience in Financial Services Management and Office Administration. She holds Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Western Michigan University and serves as an Ambassador for the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.