Robert Cera, president and chief executive officer of Baylake Bank in Sturgeon Bay, has been elected to serve as the 2014-2015 chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association.
The WBA is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 270 commercial banks and savings institutions, their nearly 2,300 branch offices and 23,000 employees.
Cera, 52, has worked in the financial services industry for more than 22 years. Prior to joining Baylake Bank, he served as president of the Chicago region of Associated Bank following its acquisition of State Finance Services Corp. in October of 2005. He also has experience outside of the banking industry, working for Bando McGlocklin Capital Corporation and The Lang Companies.
Also serving as officers on the WBA board are: chair-elect Peter Prickett, president and CEO, The First National Bank – Fox Valley, Neenah; vice chair Cynthia Erdman, president and CEO of First Bank, Tomah; and past chair Thomas Pamperin, president and CEO of Premier Community Bank, Marion.
Joining the board for new three-year terms are: James Mayo, president and CEO of Security Financial Bank, Durand; Dave Schuelke, president and CEO of Spring Bank, Brookfield; and David Werner, president and CEO of Park Bank, Milwaukee.
Board member continuing their terms are: Paul Adamski, president and CEO of The Pineries Bank, Stevens Point; John Drace, president and CEO of Jackson County Bank, Black River Falls; Joe Fazio III, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Commerce State Bank, West Bend; Mark Forsythe, president of Peoples State Bank, Prairie du Chien; Daniel Frazier, president – Madison market of US Bank, Madison; Peter Knitt, president and CEO of Peoples State Bank, Wausau; Mark Meloy, president and CEO of First Business Bank, Madison; Charlie Schmalz, president and CEO of East Wisconsin Savings Bank, Kaukauna; and Jeffrey Whitrock, president and CEO of Pioneer Bank, Auburndale.
