Roxanne Daust was named the new chair and CEO of Range Bank, Marquette, Mich. Daust, the first woman to lead the 131-year-old bank, replaced Kenneth Palmer, who retired June 1.
Daust joined Range Bank in 1997 as chief financial officer and senior vice president and was named president and chief operating officer last September when Palmer announced his intention to retire.
She played a key role in Range’s merger with First National Bank, Negaunee, Mich., consolidating backroom functions to successfully meld the two banks.
Daust began her banking career with MFC First National Bank in Marquette. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems and accounting from Northern Michigan University, Marquette.
“Ken has done an exceptional job leading Range Bank, and it has been an honor working with him,” Daust said. “He embodies the true spirit of community banking, which always strives to put the community first. I am honored to be selected to succeed Ken. We have been a great team, and I look forward to continuing to build on our accomplishments well into the future.”
After joining Range Bank as chairman, president and CEO in 1999, Palmer expanded its footprint and scope of services, growing it into one of the largest community banks serving Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Prior to joining Range Bank, he held positions with First of America Bank and Associates Finance.
Founded in 1887, the $368 million Range Bank has 11 branches in three Michigan counties and one LPO in Green Bay, Wis.