WBA names 2024 Leaders in Banking Excellence

The Wisconsin Bankers Association recently recognized three leaders for their contributions to banking, community service and civic involvement. .The class of 2024 Leaders in Banking Excellence includes:.William Censky, retired CEO of Investors Community Bank in Manitowoc, Wis. Censky started his career in banking working with his father, Gerald Censky, who started Manitowoc County Bank in the 1960s. Censky later played a major role in founding Investors Community Bank in 1997. .The initial CEO and board chair, Censky helped ICB grow to $1.5 billion before its 2021 sale to Nicolet National Bank. Censky, who transitioned his CEO role in 2012, remained on the board, helping the bank grow to having $1.4 billion in total agricultural loans serviced. He also played a pivotal role in taking the bank public and trading on NASDAQ in 2015. .Gerald Jacobson, Northwestern Bank, Chippewa Falls, Wis. Jacobson, whose career in banking started in 1978, progressed in the organization from a teller to president in 1998. Under Jacobson's guidance, Northwestern Bank assets have grown to $700 million from $150 million while net income increased to $10 million from $2 million. He's also served on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Community Bankers of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Bankers Association. Thomas Pamperin, Premier Community Bank, Marion, Wis. A banker with 35 years of experience, Pamperin joined Premier Community Bank in 1998, leading the bank's growth plan and expansion into investment and insurance services. In 2005, he was named president and CEO of the bank. Pamperin was the 2013-14 chair of the WBA board, and has been involved with several committees. .WBA hosted a celebration of the trio on Aug. 16, unveiling new plaques on the Leaders in Banking Excellence installation at its Madison headquarters. ."We are delighted to congratulate Bill, Jerry, and Tom on being inducted into the Leaders in Banking Excellence," said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. "This designation reflects the highest standard of excellence — both in helping to shape our industry and in serving our Wisconsin communities."