COMPANIES

Associated Bank

Office address: 433 Main Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
Website: associatedbank.com
Year established: 1970
Company type: banking
Employees: 4,000+
Expertise: personal banking, business banking, commercial lending, wealth management, treasury management, mortgage lending, insurance, digital banking, private banking, capital markets
Parent company: Associated Banc-Corp
Key people: Andrew Harmening (CEO), Derek Meyer (CFO), Patrick Ahern (chief credit officer), Jayne Hladio (division president), Nicole Kitowski (chief risk officer), Phillip Trier and John Utz (division heads)
Financing status: corporation

Associated Bank is a Wisconsin-based firm that operates close to 200 branches and manages assets totaling $44 billion. The bank offers personal, business, and wealth management services, serving over 100 communities across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri.

History of Associated Bank

Associated Bank traces its story to 1861, when a small Neenah bank began serving local businesses. In 1970, three respected banks in northeast Wisconsin joined together to build a stronger regional presence. These banks were:

  1. Kellogg Citizens Bank
  2. Manitowoc Savings Bank
  3. First National Bank of Neenah

A new name and a symbol

In September 1992, leaders from these founding banks chose the Associated Bank name and introduced the evergreen tree logo. The tree symbol reflected their shared commitment to stability, growth, and the communities they served. This image also honored the region’s history, as pine lumber was once a key industry in northeast Wisconsin.

Growth through mergers

A major milestone came in 1997 when First Financial merged with Associated Bank, keeping the Associated name. First Financial itself was the result of several Wisconsin-based savings and loan banks coming together over the years.

Associated Bank’s network expansion

Recent years brought new chapters, including seven acquisitions in just five years. In 2019, the firm acquired Huntington National Bank’s Wisconsin branches, adding over 60,000 deposit accounts and reaching 13 new communities.

The 2020 purchase of First Staunton Bancshares brought 30,000 more customers. This expanded the bank’s reach in Illinois, especially in the Metro East region near St. Louis. In 2024, Associated Bank managed $44 billion in assets and continued to grow its core customer deposits.

Associated Bank’s products and services 

Associated Bank provides a variety of investment options and services for individuals, businesses, and organizations:

Personal and wealth investment services

  • financial planning: personalized plans for future goals
  • retirement accounts: IRAs, annuities, and savings options
  • managed portfolios: custom investment portfolios for clients
  • self-directed brokerage: online platform for independent investing
  • full-service advisory: direct support from licensed advisors
  • risk management and insurance: coverage for life and long-term care needs
  • trust and estate administration: support for legacy and estate planning

Business and institutional investment services

  • business savings and CDs: accounts for business growth
  • treasury management: liquidity and deposit solutions
  • employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs): equity plans for staff
  • institutional asset management: investment services for organizations
  • corporate trust services: administration for corporate and public entities
  • retirement plan solutions: advisory and consulting for workplace plans

Capital markets and specialized services

  • capital markets: interest rate derivatives and loan syndications
  • commercial real estate financing: loans for property and development
  • specialized industry services: financial solutions for unique sectors

Associated Bank also provides digital banking tools and local expertise for all clients. Their investment services are backed by experienced advisors and a strong Midwest presence.

Culture and corporate values

Associated Bank states that it values a mix of backgrounds and viewpoints to support strong outcomes for stakeholders. The company says it works to build a workplace where every voice is valued and differences are respected.

Employees receive a range of benefits, including the following:

  • health coverage: medical, dental, vision, and wellness incentives
  • retirement and savings: 401(k) with match, pension, and employee stock plan
  • paid time off: vacation, 11.5 holidays, volunteer hours, and military leave
  • family support: parental leave, adoption and fertility assistance
  • insurance: life, AD&D, and disability coverage
  • professional growth: tuition reimbursement, job training, and conference support
  • flexible work: options for flexible schedules and pre-tax commuter savings

Associated Bank provides diversity and inclusion training for all staff, with extra programs for leaders. More than half of employees join at least one colleague resource group, taking part in over 110 events each year. The company encourages open sharing of ideas and supports growth through workshops, online courses, and interactive activities.

About CEO Andrew Harmening and key people

Andy Harmening became president and CEO of Associated Bank in 2021 and also serves on its board of directors. Before joining the firm, Harmening held senior leadership roles at Huntington Bank, Bank of the West, and US Bank. He holds an MBA from the University of Cincinnati and serves on several local and industry boards.

The executive leadership team guides Associated Bank’s strategy and supports its growth across the Midwest:

  • Derek S. Meyer leads as CFO, overseeing financial strategy and reporting for the company
  • Patrick E. Ahern serves as chief credit officer, managing credit risk and lending standards
  • Jayne C. Hladio directs private wealth, focusing on investment management and client relationships
  • Nicole M. Kitowski acts as chief risk officer, handling risk management and regulatory compliance
  • Phillip Trier heads corporate and commercial banking, supporting business clients and commercial lending
  • John A. Utz leads specialized industries and capital markets, providing tailored solutions for unique sectors

The team at Associated Bank seeks to bring together their deep experience and local knowledge to support the bank’s mission. Their focus on community and modern banking helps drive growth and financial success for clients.

The future at Associated Bank

Associated Bank has hired experienced commercial bankers from US Bank in 2025 to help grow its commercial banking business in the Midwest. These new hires will support clients in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, and are part of a broader effort to expand the bank’s reach and services. By investing in talent and new business lines, the firm aims to diversify its balance sheet and offer more solutions to commercial clients.

Associated Bank is also expanding its presence in downtown Minneapolis when it leased an entire floor at the IDS Center. This new office can support around 100 employees across commercial banking, real estate, and client management. The move shows the company’s commitment to the city’s growth and will help provide better service and convenience for clients in the Twin Cities.

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