Meet our Officers & Directors

Mike joined CLB&T in 2023 and holds over 10 years of experience in banking. Mike is a graduate of the University of Iowa. He is also a graduate of the Iowa Banker's Association Commercial Lending School, and is currently in his final year of the Iowa School of Banking.

Joan M. Hanson, assistant vice president, works in the Clear Lake office as the Lead Document Specialist in the agricultural and business banking department. A CLB&T employee since 1992, Hanson earned her AA from NIACC and a BA in finance and banking with a minor in sociology from Buena Vista University. She is involved in many local organizations, including the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Hancock County; the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Education Foundation Board; Garner Education Center Operations Board; Hancock County Extension and Outreach and the Hancock County District Fair.

After several years of college internships with CLB&T, Rachel Maletta joined our team permanently in October 2018. Rachel is a Clear Lake native and graduate of the University of Iowa with a bachelor of arts in communication studies and business administration. She joined the business banking department after spending five years in sales and management in the Chicago and Des Moines markets. Rachel was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Business Banking in 2020.

In 2007, Nikki joined Clear Lake Bank & Trust as a Teller in our Mason City West office, bringing 6 years of previous banking experience.  After being appointed Lead Teller, Nikki was promoted to BSA Officer in 2018 and Assistant Vice President of Teller Operations/BSA Officer in 2022.  She attended the Iowa Bankers Association Bank Leadership Institute.  Nikki is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and resides in Clear Lake with her husband and two children.  Nikki is a volunteer with Cerro Gordo County Relay for Life and Central Garden’s Bugs and Blooms Program.

As a graduate of Garner-Hayfield High School and Iowa State University (ISU), Morgan began her career at Clear Lake Bank & Trust as a Teller Intern in 2015. After graduating from ISU, she transitioned to the Trust Department as a Trust Assistant in 2016. She is the current President of the Clear Lake Jaycees, serves as member of the United Way of North Central Iowa’s Community Impact Teams, and volunteers with Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

Sandra Whitehurst began her career after graduating from North Iowa Area Community College. She has been in the consumer lending department for 15 years, most recently adding lending responsibilities to her scope of work. In 2022, Sandy was promoted to assistant vice president of consumer lending. She serves the community through her involvement as treasurer of Clear Lake Lion’s Pride, Meals on Wheel’s, Community Kitchen, and the United Way of North Iowa.

Tammy Orte is the bank's internal audit officer and has been with CLB&T since July 2006. Tammy is responsible for audit and accounting activities of the bank. Tammy was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2023. Tammy earned her BA in accounting from Monmouth College in Monmouth Illinois and an AA from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg Illinois. She is involved in Clear Lake Noon Rotary, Daughters of the American Revolution, and serves on the Clear Lake Library Foundation Board & Board of Trustees, Clear Lake Historical Society Board, and the Friends of the Library Board.

Courtney joined CLB&T in 2014 working as a Teller in Clear Lake and Mason City. Courtney was promoted to a Personal Banker in 2016 after completing her degree in Organizational Leadership at Buena Vista University. She was promoted to Personal Banking Officer in 2020 and Universal Banking Officer in 2023, followed by Retail Branch Manager in 2023. Her community involvement includes volunteering for CLB&T's Banking on a Cure Relay for Life Team and United Way of North Central Iowa's Community Impact Team. Courtney is located in our Mason City Downtown office.

Amanda joined CLB&T in 2007 with six years of previous banking experience. During her time at the bank, she has worked in various roles throughout the organization, in teller operations, customer service, and personal banking. With her experience in diverse roles, she brings an extensive wealth of information and knowledge to her customers and colleagues. Amanda graduated from the Iowa Bankers Leadership Institute in 2019. Amanda serves as the President of the Clear Lake Kiwanis Club and the Treasurer for Mission Thornton. She is also on the NIACC Foundation Board of Directors. Amanda volunteers on the bank’s Relay for Life Team and the United Way Day of Caring.

Mackenzee Ebeling began with CLB&T in 2016 with four years of financial services experience. She was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor and at the end of 2020 became a Personal Banker. She offers assistance in accounts and fraud services. Mackenzee is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Political Science. She is a Mason City resident with her husband and three children.

A Rockwell-Swaledale graduate, Tami joined CLB&T in 1996 with 10 years of banking experience. She has served in several capacities during her 21 years at CLB&T and was promoted to transfer/funds management officer in 2017.

Kevin Hennessy joined the consumer loan team in Clear Lake in 2019 with 8 years of experience in processing, underwriting, mortgage, and leadership experience. Kevin is a graduate of NIACC and the University of Northern Iowa and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.  Kevin is involved in Clear Lake Noon Lions, River City Barbershop Choir, is a board member for the Mason City YMCA and an advisory board member for the Iowa Banker’s Association Consumer Lending School.

Jillian joined CLB&T in 2023 as a Retail Branch Manager. Prior to joining Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Jillian worked at another financial institution for 16 years as a Teller, Teller Supervisor, and most recently held the position of Head of Retail Sales. Jillian is a 2016 graduate of the Iowa Bankers Association Consumer Credit School, and a 2018 graduate of the Iowa School of Banking. Jillian is a member of the CARES After Prom Committee, a previous member of the Mason City Noon Lions Club, and enjoys volunteering for concession stands at various sporting events. Jillian is located in our Clear Lake location.

A Clear Lake native, Sue Price has been a member of the CLB&T team since 1998. Whether you are looking to open a new account, purchase a CD/IRA or have any questions about our products or services, she can assist you with all of your personal banking needs. Sue serves as the executive assistant to the bank president and chairman of the board. She is a graduate of Hamilton Business College. She has been a volunteer for the United Way Day of Caring and Meals on Wheels.

Kara Ruge joined CLB&T in 2020 and holds nearly 18 years of experience in the marketing industry. She is involved with the River City Noon Kiwanis, the MacNider Art Museum Board, the Jefferson Elementary School PTO, and serves as Secretary on the North Iowa Figure Skating Club Board. She is a past president of the United of North Central Iowa Board. An Iowa State grad, Kara resides in Mason City with her husband and two children.

Ashley began her career with CLB&T in 2011 as a loan assistant. She was promoted to a credit analyst in 2017.  Ashley manages a business loan portfolio and was critical in CLB&T’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) efforts over this past year. In 2022, Ashley was promoted to Business Banking Officer. Ashley has become involved in several Clear Lake community projects, and also serves as a First Mate for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Brigitte Wilkins began with CLB&T in 2013 and holds nearly 14 years of experience in all aspects of the real estate lending industry. She is experienced in processing, underwriting, and mortgage lending. She serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Executive Committee of the Crisis Intervention Board. She also serves on the Community Kitchen Board as well as part of the Habitat for Humanity Credit Committee. Brigitte is a graduate of North Iowa Area Community College and Buena Vista University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, and Business Management. She is a Mason City native and resides there with her husband and four children.

Nathan is a graduate of North Iowa Area Community College. He began with CLB&T in 2017 as an IT Support Specialist. He was promoted to his current role in 2022.

Jamie Landers joined CLB&T in May of 2023 with nearly 12 years of banking experience. She volunteers as a coach for her kids’ t-ball team, and prior to moving back to her hometown Jamie taught Junior Achievement for three years, and sat on the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Board for three years. Jamie graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and is a licensed CPA. She currently resides in Bristow with her husband and three children.

Amy Beenken joined CLB&T in May 2023 after working for 14 years in public accounting as a licensed CPA. She graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Accounting, Finance, and Spanish. In the past, she has served on the Algona First United Methodist Church Finance Committee and helped with VBS, as well as volunteered as a Y-Pal at the Algona Family YMCA. Amy lives in Clear Lake with her husband, Jared, and three children.

A graduate of Iowa State University with a BS in Agricultural Business, Joni joined CLB&T in 2022 as a Commercial & Ag Lender in our Garner location. Prior to becoming a lender, Joni worked in a business development role in North Iowa with the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Growing up on her family farm in Southeast Iowa, she truly enjoys helping farmers and local businesses meet their goals. Joni's community involvement includes the Hancock County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Garner Rotary, Tri Clear Lake Planning Committee, youth leader at Zion Lutheran Church and Past President of the Clear Lake Jaycees.