Commercial Lenders

	Jack Ritt Chairman of the Board/Emeritus Jack graduated from Cretin in 1959 and went on to graduate from Georgetown University in 1963 with a BSBA in Economics and Marketing. With over 59 years in the banking industry my passion is helping others realize the vision they have for their family, education and business. I would be pleased to introduce you to my colleagues, and I personally invite you to “experience the difference, experience North Star Bank”.
	Lisa Ritt Meyers Chairman of the Board/Vice President Retail Banking Lisa started her banking career and entered the family business at the age of 15. As a fourth-generation banker, with over 30 years of experience, she is very proud of the long-lasting successes both Midway National Bank and North Star Bank clients have achieved. Currently serving as Vice President of the Retail Banking division, Lisa is dedicated to assisting clients with all their account needs, ensuring their financial goals are met with exceptional service. Lisa values building strong connections and delivering solutions that empower individuals and business alike. North Star Bank is “Your Financial Partner”
	Lane Peterson President of North Star Bank A graduate of Concordia College- Moorhead and the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking, with over 30 years of experience in community banking and experienced in all areas of commercial lending and bank management.
	Steve Ritt Vice President, CFO Steve has been in the Commercial Lending Department at North Star Bank since 2002. He is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and earned Cum Laude honors while achieving a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Marketing. He currently serves as the Banks Chief Investment Officer and helps facilitate loans of all types. Steve volunteers his time at the Century College Foundation, where he serves as President, and is a member on several other committees including the Alumni association.
	Jon Stow Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Manager With 13 years of residential and 17 years commercial lending experience, Jon is well versed in all types of lending, specializing in commercial real estate and SBA loans. Jon completed an MBA, UW River Falls and Graduate School of Banking, UW Madison. Jon has worked extensively with business customers throughout the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin. Jon is active with Business Networking International and volunteers his time with Junior Achievement & Rotary International.
	David Lameyer Vice President, Commercial Lending David is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been in the banking industry for over 30 years and has over 20 years of experience as a commercial lender. As a commercial banker, David has worked hard to be a true partner to all of his clients and has helped grow many different businesses throughout the Twin Cities. He has always been involved in the community and is presently on the board of East Side Neighborhood Development Company and the 622 Education Foundation. He has served on two capital campaigns building the Hmong American Partnership and the Arlington Hills Community Center. David looks forward to meeting you and helping your business grow.
	Brian Williams Vice President, Commercial Lending Brian is a graduate of Bemidji State University. He has over 35 years of banking experience. Brian has 30 years of experience in commercial lending and 11 years experience in bank management. Brian has experience in commercial real estate, equipment, SBA and asset-based lending. One of his favorite quotes from a customer is, “Brian is my banker and partner. I don’t make a major decision without talking to him first.”
	Brad Garnes Vice President, Commercial Lending Brad is a trusted business advisor who has over 32 years of banking experience. He has 13 years of experience working with commercial clients in surety bond underwriting and 19 years in commercial lending and banking roles. Brad graduated from St. Cloud State University and currently serves as a middle-school youth mentor with the Hope For Tomorrow program.
	Sarah Kortmansky Market President-West Market Sarah is deeply committed to helping businesses and people thrive. She builds trusting, collaborative relationships and is fanatical about honest banking and win-win scenarios. Sarah brings over 20 years of commercial banking experience working with start-ups, small businesses, middle-market companies and non-profits. She holds a BA in Economics from NYU an MBA from UMass Amherst and completed the Graduate School of Banking, UW Madison.
	Lanee Noble Vice President, Commercial Lending In 1998, Lanee Noble began her career in residential lending and later gained experience in homebuilding, land development, construction finance and title. In 2007, she transitioned to become a business banker, where she found her passion in understanding and collaborating with businesses to provide tailored banking solutions. Lanee identifies with business owners, having been one herself, and understands the importance of a banker who genuinely cares about their clients’ best interests. Outside of work, she is dedicated to giving back and spends a significant amount of time volunteering as the president of the Minnesota 100 Club, supporting Minnesota’s first responder community. Lanee and her husband have a Brady bunch of eight children, adding a unique and heartwarming dimension to her personal life.
	Jeff Elden Vice President, Commercial Lending Jeff is a dedicated Commercial Lender with extensive experience providing tailored financial solutions. He is committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and a client-first mindset by working with business owners to understand their unique needs. Jeff is a graduate of St. Olaf College with 20 years of experience in commercial banking. He has received further training and volunteered his time with various organizations including SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives), NAGGL (National Assoc. of Government Guaranteed Lenders), NATP (Natl. Assoc. of Tax Professionals) and RMA (Risk Management Association). Outside of work Jeff enjoys spending time at the cabin with family and friends and coaching and cheering on his children in their various activities.