Associated names new CCO

John P. Hankerd (left) and Patrick E. Ahern

John P. Hankerd, executive vice president and chief credit officer at Associated Bank in Green Bay, Wis., has announced his plans to retire in the first quarter of 2020. 

Hankerd, who joined Associated in 2002, had a successful career in banking spanning more than 35 years. He has held multiple leadership roles in commercial and corporate banking.

In anticipation of Hankerd’s retirement, the company promoted of Patrick E. Ahern to executive vice president and deputy chief credit officer. Ahern will assume the chief credit officer role in early 2020.

Ahern joined Associated in 2010 and was promoted to senior vice president, corporate senior credit officer in 2018. He has more than 30 years of experience, including multiple leadership roles in commercial real estate and credit functions. He currently sits on the management committee and serves as treasurer for the Urban Land Institute – Chicago chapter.

Ahern has a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an MBA with a concentration in real estate from DePaul University, Chicago.

“I would like to thank John for his leadership in the successful execution of the company’s credit program. His approach and understanding of relationship banking have helped us provide value to our customers and shareholders,” said Philip B. Flynn, president and CEO of the $33 billion Associated. “We are excited to promote Pat to Associated’s executive committee. His institutional knowledge and experience in credit and commercial real estate will help us continue to deliver increased value to our customers, while ensuring that loan growth is managed in a disciplined manner.”