ESCANABA — The Board of Directors of Northern Interstate Bank, N.A. (NIB) is have announced a leadership transition plan. At its January board meeting, Gary Fish was appointed to the position of president and chief lending officer and has become a member of the board. Fish takes over the president’s role from Tim Mattson, who will remain as chief executive officer of the bank, as well as president and CEO of Northern Interstate Financial, Inc., the bank’s holding company.

Fish has been with Northern Interstate Bank since November of 2017, beginning as vice president – business banker, and most recently serving as the bank’s chief lending officer as well. Allan Burklund, chairman of the board of directors stated, “We are excited to have an individual of Gary’s experience already on staff and positioned to be able to lead our bank into the future. His extensive background in the commercial lending area and knowledge of the Upper Peninsula make for an ideal match for our bank”. Fish will become the eighth President in the history of the bank, which was originally founded in 1901.

A native of L’Anse, Fish is also a 2006 graduate of Finlandia University. Fish’s career in the financial services field spans over 15 years in progressively increasing responsibility. His primary role has been in the commercial lending market and includes a regional vice president role for a mid-sized banking group prior to joining NIB. He is currently attending the Graduate School of Banking in Madison Wisconsin and is involved in numerous community organizations. He and his wife, Hallie, have two daughters and reside in Iron Mountain, MI.

Mattson has served as president and CEO of Northern Interstate Bank, and its’ predecessor, First National Bank of Norway for 28 years. With over 40 years of banking experience, all spent in the Upper Peninsula, Mattson expects to retire in mid-year 2023. Mattson stated that he is “confident to be able to pass the leadership role on to Fish. Having worked closely with Gary for the past few years, I know he is dedicated to the principles of Community Banking. He cares deeply about our customers and staff, which is what Northern Interstate Bank is committed to.”

Along with Mattson and Fish, the Bank’s Senior Management Team consists of Renae Rossato, Vice President – Administration and Human Resources; Alex Manier, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Security/BSA Officer; Daniel Fezatt, Vice President – IT/Audit & Compliance and Billie Jo Waite, Vice President – Loans & Crystal Falls Market Manager. Northern Interstate Bank has over $190 million in Assets and operates seven offices throughout the South Central Upper Peninsula.