“Each of these individuals brings a unique set of skills and goes above and beyond living our core values each day,” said Daust. “I am pleased to announce these promotions, as each of these employees are deserving of this recognition.”

Benjamin Wood, Executive Vice President

Benjamin (Benji) Wood was promoted to Executive Vice President. In this position, he will take on additional executive management responsibilities bank-wide, while continuing his Community Bank President role in both Dickinson and Brown counties. He is a graduate of Alma College, the Graduate School of Banking, and the University of Wisconsin Business School’s executive leadership program. He joined Range Bank in 2016 as the Community Bank President of Dickinson County and has since taken on additional responsibilities including the role of Community Bank President of Brown County. He is active in the community, coaching youth sports, serving as past President of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Rotary Club, Vice President of the Boundary Waters Musky Club and as a member of the Michigan DNR’s Warmwater Steering Committee. “I truly enjoy being part of an outstanding team that makes a daily impact in our communities. I am proud to step into the role of Executive Vice President at a bank that has a 135-year history of supporting the people and businesses who live in this very special part of the country,” stated Wood. He lives with his wife, Tara, and two daughters in Iron Mountain.

Rachel Simonsen, Chief Operations Officer

Rachel Simonsen

Rachel Simonsen was promoted to Chief Operations Officer. In her new role, she now oversees the Deposit Services staff company-wide, along with continuing to oversee the Digital Banking, Deposit Operations, and IT departments of the bank. Rachel holds a business management degree from Northern Michigan University (NMU). She joined Range Bank in 2010 as a Management Trainee, and has had a range of experience in roles including: Treasury Management, Deposit Operations & IT Officer, and most recently VP, Branch Administration & Digital Banking Officer. Through her guidance, the bank has implemented many new digital banking tools, and created a department of six employees dedicated to supporting these tools. She resides with her husband, Adam, and two daughters in Negaunee Township.

Brian Syrjala, Chief Home Mortgage Officer

Brian Syrjala was promoted to Chief Home Mortgage Officer. In this role, Brian oversees the mortgage lenders company-wide. Brian joined Range Bank in 2011 as a Mortgage Business Development Officer. He has over 30 years of banking experience, with the majority of that time in mortgage lending, and holds a business management degree from NMU. Through his guidance, Range Bank has grown to be one of the regions’ most trusted and respected mortgage financiers and servicers. Brian resides with his wife, Tricia, and family in Negaunee.

Angie Knauss, Senior Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer

Angie Knauss was promoted to Senior Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer. She has over 35 years of experience in the financial industry, with most of her experience in mortgage lending. She joined Range Bank in 2006, as a Mortgage Loan Officer, and holds a finance degree from NMU. She volunteers as treasurer for the MSHS baseball team and has held that role in numerous organizations over the years. Angie lives with her husband, Eric, and son in Marquette.

Brian Syrjala

Chris Gobert, Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer

Chris Gobert was promoted to Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer. He has over 15 years’ experience in the financial industry and joined Range Bank in 2009, he has held several roles at Range Bank including Branch Manager and Loan Officer. He holds a managerial finance degree from NMU, where he was a member of their hockey team. He currently serves on NMU’s athletic council and was recently elected to the Marquette Junior Hockey Board of Directors. Chris resides with his wife, Casey, daughter and two sons in Marquette.

Christy Smith, Mortgage Loan Officer

Christy Smith was promoted to Mortgage Loan Officer. Christy has 14 years of experience in the financial industry. She joined Range Bank in 2008. Christy has a depth of experience in both the mortgage and business banking departments. She has held the roles of mortgage processor, commercial loan processor, credit analyst and business banking portfolio manager. She also a NMU graduate. Christy lives with her husband, Charlie, in Negaunee.

Stacy Bouman, Branch Administration Officer

Angie Knauss

Stacy Bouman was promoted to Branch Administration Officer. In her new role, Stacy will oversee the Dickinson and Brown County Deposit Services staff. The Negaunee native, joined Range Bank in 2013, and has held multiple roles including Teller, Branch Manager, and Employee Development Manager. Additionally, she holds a degree from NMU. Stacy resides with her son in Marquette.

Joe Sayen, Branch Administration Officer

Joe Sayen was promoted to Branch Administration Officer. In this role, Joe will continue to oversee the Deposit Services staff and functions throughout the Copper Country. The Hancock native joined Range Bank in 2010, and has held multiple roles including Teller, Branch Manager and Regional Branch Administrator. Joe resides with his wife and two daughters in Atlantic Mine.

Chris Gobert

Christy Smith

Joe Sayen

Stacy Bouman