Bill LaVigne Named Chairman of the Board at BankIn Minnesota

Bloomington, Minn., Aug. 4, 2026 – Bill LaVigne, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Bank of Elk River, has been named Chairman of the Board for BankIn Minnesota, the association representing community banks across the state. LaVigne assumed the role on July 30 during the association's annual convention in Welch, Minn.

A 25-year veteran of The Bank of Elk River, LaVigne was promoted to President in March 2026 after serving in a series of senior leadership roles at the bank. He continues to serve as Chief Operating Officer and recently joined the bank's Board of Directors. Throughout his career, LaVigne has also been actively involved in advancing community banking through leadership, advocacy, and industry collaboration at both the state and national levels.

As he begins his term as Chairman, LaVigne is placing a particular emphasis on member engagement and the value of bringing voices from throughout Minnesota's community banks into the association.

During his incoming Chairman address at BankIn's Convention, LaVigne asked bankers in the room to consider the range of roles represented – from emerging and mid-career professionals to presidents, CEOs, and directors. The relatively even representation, he noted, reflects an encouraging level of engagement throughout member banks and creates opportunities for more bankers to learn, contribute, and help shape the future of the industry.

"BankIn Minnesota is strongest when community bankers at every level are engaged and involved," LaVigne said. "That participation strengthens individual bankers and their banks, but it also strengthens our collective voice and our ability to move community banking forward."

LaVigne also recognized bank leaders who create opportunities for their employees to participate in BankIn Minnesota programs, committees, and events, while encouraging those employees to make the most of those opportunities.

He succeeds Greg R. Raymo, retired CEO and current Director at First State Bank Southwest in Worthington, who served as Chairman during the 2025-26 term.

"Greg provided steady leadership during an important year for BankIn Minnesota, and I'm grateful for the foundation he helped build," LaVigne said. "I'm looking forward to carrying that work forward and continuing to find ways for more of our members to connect, contribute, and have a voice in the work of their association."

Joining LaVigne on the BankIn Minnesota Board of Directors executive committee for 2026-27 are Chair-Elect Mike Bresnahan of First National Bank Minnesota; Vice Chair Randy Dorn of My Kind of Bank; and Treasurer Terri Barrett of Bravera Bank. Raymo will serve as Past Chair.

The association also welcomed several changes to its Board of Directors. Chad Forkrud of Citizens Alliance Bank moved from an at-large director position to represent District 5, while Jason Erdman of Key Community Bank joined the Board as the new District 4 director.

BankIn Minnesota also recognized two directors concluding their service on the Board: Tiffany Baer Paine of Security Bank USA, who completed her term as Past Chair, and Michael Bilski of North American Banking Company, who concluded six years of dedicated service.