Jacobson honored as Banker of the Year

Gerald “Jerry” Jacobson, president and CEO of Northwestern Bank, was named the 2023 Banker of the Year, at an awards ceremony Feb. 8, from the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA).

Jacobson has been in banking since June of 1978. In his 45 years, at Northwestern Bank, he worked as a teller, auditor, cashier, executive vice president and president, serving in the president capacity since 1998.

Getting to know staff on a personal level and providing opportunities for professional success, are priorities of Jacobson’s. As an example, he walks to the post office most days, to get the mail. He will then sort it and hand it out to the Chippewa Falls branch employees, giving him the opportunity to greet most employees daily.

He also takes time out of every week to go to all Northwestern Bank locations, to visit with staff.

“He is a highly accomplished yet humble individual, who leads by example in his bank, in his community, and at the state and national levels of the banking industry,” said,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president.

Jacobson has volunteered with more than two dozen civic and community organizations and along with his wife, Mary, have created a leadership family endowment with the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, for the benefit of future generations. He has worked extensively on economic development in the Chippewa Valley region.

Under Jacobson’s leadership as CEO, Northwestern Bank has seen asset growth quadruple in recent years.

The WBA’s Banker of the Year award is presented to one Wisconsin banker, each year, in recognition of outstanding service to their bank, to the continued vitality of their community and to the banking profession. The Banker of the Year award began in 1986, and Jacobson is the 38th banker honored with this distinction.

“This award is an honor and could only have been achieved with the support of our Northwestern Bank team, both past and present,” said Jacobson. “The employees and bank directors care about our customers, and communities. They are committed to building stronger communities and I’m proud to share this award with the entire bank.”