Green Bay, Wis.-based Associated Bank recently launched franchise banking services. .The Minneapolis-based vertical is led by Senior Vice President Shaun Coard. Associated hired four franchise banking bankers to round out the division, including Phil Davis as SVP, portfolio manager; Jasmine Synstelien as VP, relationship manager; Kriston Jordan as loan administrator; and Todd Matthies as cash automation solutions manager. According to the $50 billion bank, the franchise banking line will strengthen Associated’s core business in the Midwest while expanding the bank’s complementary markets and businesses.Coard has more than 30 years of financial services experience, most recently leading the national franchise banking division at Bremer Bank, which was acquired this year by Evansville, Ind.-based Old National Bank. She previously led commercial banking in the Houston market for Regions Bank, Birmingham, Ala., and spent more than a decade in commercial banking leadership positions at Wells Fargo. “She brings a history of successfully launching and growing new platforms, establishing disciplined credit frameworks and cultivating strong brand and operator relationships,” said Associated Bank Head of Specialized Industries John Utz.
