Grand Forks, N.D.-based Alerus hired Joe Birkholz as chief risk officer.
Birkholz has nearly two decades of industry experience, including a decade in risk management. He was most recently CRO at St. Louis Park, Minn.-based Bridgewater Bank.
Alerus Financial also announced the retirement of Chief Technology Officer Jon Hendry, effective at the end of the year. He is expected to transition his responsibilities to Karin Taylor, who will become executive vice president and chief operating officer on Jan. 1.
Taylor joined Alerus Financial as CRO in 2018 with three decades of experience in the financial industry.
Alerus President and CEO Katie Lorenson credited Hendry for leading the company through technology initiatives and saving the company’s servers from the devastating Grand Forks flood and fire of 1997. “We are thankful for Jon’s continued contribution as he works closely with Karin to ensure a smooth transition upon his retirement,” Lorenson said.