Bemidji, (March 2024) – First National Bank Bemidji announced leadership changes aimed at reinforcing its position in personal customer service and ensuring the continued growth and success of the bank and its customers.

Ryan Welle, who has been with First National Bank Bemidji for 12 years, has been promoted to the position of President. Since joining First National Bank Bemidji, Ryan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, serving as Executive Vice President since March 2019. Ryan’s extensive experience and community involvement make him well-suited for this new role. “Bemidji and our customers have always been the lifeblood of our organization, and we are forever grateful for the trust that you, our customers, have placed in us as your financial institution of choice. It’s a trust we don’t take lightly and will work tirelessly to keep,” said Ryan Welle, President of First National Bank Bemidji. In addition to acting as President, Ryan will continue to oversee First National Bank Bemidji’s securities portfolio as well as serve as a financial advisor and commercial loan officer. 

Amy Haskell has been named Executive Vice President in addition to her current role as Chief Risk Officer. Amy, who started her career at First National Bank Bemidji after graduating from Bemidji State University in 2007, has steadily risen through the ranks, demonstrating her expertise in all departments she has overseen. Amy is also a certified community bank risk specialist and an active Bemidji community volunteer. 

Georgia Del Favero has been named Executive Vice President in addition to her role as Chief Legal Officer. Georgia joined First National Bank Bemidji in February 2021 and brings a wealth of legal experience to her role with the Bank. After receiving her Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline College of Law in 2014, Georgia worked as a tribal attorney for Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, then as a family law attorney in Silicon Valley, California. Georgia is an active volunteer with the United Way Community Investment Cabinet.

After serving as President of First National Bank Bemidji since March 2019, Hugh Welle will be stepping down from the role while continuing as Chief Executive Officer. Hugh Welle will continue to serve the bank and small business borrowers as a commercial lending officer. Regarding the management changes, Hugh remarked, “This executive management team is beyond capable of leading our organization, and I very much look forward to seeing what they can do,” going on to say, “After 38 years here at the bank, I am looking forward to serving the bank in a different way. My greatest joy is working with so many banking professionals in providing personal service to customers, each one of them devoted to helping our customers and Bemidji succeed.”

These leadership changes underscore First National Bank Bemidji’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to serving the community. The bank remains focused on providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to its customers.

About First National Bank

For over 125 years, First National Bank Bemidji has served Bemidji’s businesses and families. It is a community bank – investing in local people and their dreams – and celebrating the successes that enhance quality of life. First National Bank Bemidji has had a partnership with Bemidji for generations. In 1985, our employees invested in the bank through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This means we’ll always be Bemidji’s bank because we are owned by employees, certifying that we will be your banking partner for generations.

First National Bank Bemidji is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.