Chicago’s First Midwest Bank is beefing up its presence in Milwaukee with the addition of a commercial banking center.
Earlier this year, First Midwest established a wealth presence through its acquisition of Northern Oak Wealth Management, a registered investment adviser with approximately $800 million of assets under management.
“We have been looking to further expand our footprint in Milwaukee for some time given the market’s proximity to Chicago and the growth between these two metropolitan areas,” said Michael L. Scudder, Chairman and CEO of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. “Our new commercial banking office enhances our commercial and wealth capabilities in Milwaukee.”
Working in the new office will be Mark Bruss, senior vice president and commercial banking officer, who was hired in 2018 to enhance and grow First Midwest’s corporate and institutional banking capabilities in the middle market.
Daniel Brandt recently joined First Midwest to lead its commercial real estate team. Prior to joining First Midwest, he was a senior vice president and relationship manager in the commercial real estate division at Old National Bank, Evansville, Ind.
Regina Levchets, vice president, also joins the Milwaukee commercial real estate team from Old National Bank. She has more than 12 years of real estate, business development and relationship management experience.
“As we looked to expand our commercial capabilities in Milwaukee, it was important for us to add local, established bankers who know the market,” said Mike Jamieson, executive vice president and director of commercial banking. “Daniel and Regina have more than a decade of commercial real estate experience and impressive track records in servicing Milwaukee-based clients. We are excited to welcome them to First Midwest.”