After 38 years, on January 27th, 2021, the Board of First Independent Bank elected as President someone other than Duke Pogatchnik.
Bruce Pogatchnik was named as the new Bank President. Bruce Pogatchnik joined the First Independent Bank Board in 1990 and has currently been serving as Vice-President/Chief Financial Officer of the Bank. Bruce Pogatchnik served as President/CEO of Northview Bank from 1987-2017. Duke Pogatchnik prepared for the stability of the Bank in the event of his untimely passing with succession plans and replacement candidates identified.
The ownership of the Bank remains in the Pogatchnik family along with its Employee ESOP ownership. The Pogatchnik family through Finlayson Bancshares has owned First Independent Bank since 1982. Lowell Pogatchnik has served as Chairman of the Board since 1982.
Finlayson Bancshares, in addition to First Independent Bank, also owns Northview Bank in Finlayson Minnesota. With combined company assets of over 700 million, 20 locations and capital of 70 million, they are in a strong position to meet the future needs of their customers.
