You probably know many of Sterling Federal’s Officers and Directors. If so, you’ll appreciate how much we rely on their insights and direction.
Dean A. Ahlers, Director, President & CEO
Dean A. Ahlers has served as President and CEO and member of the Board of Directors for Sterling Federal Bank in Sterling, Illinois since 2013. Previously, he served as the bank’s Vice President of Operations from 2007-2013. Prior to joining Sterling Federal Bank, Mr. Ahlers had a successful career in the financial services industry for over 17 years, earning several certifications of distinction including the CFP (Certified Financial Planner), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), and CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) designations. Mr. Ahlers graduated with honors from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from Iowa State University. In addition, Mr. Ahlers has been involved in many community service organizations serving in various capacities. He served as Chairperson and currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Sinnissippi Centers, Inc., a nonprofit community based behavioral healthcare center that has provided quality care to residents in NW Illinois since 1966. He is also past president of the Board of Directors for Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center, a nonprofit that offers support, wellness, educational, and referral services for people with cancer, their loved ones, as well as survivors. Mr. Ahlers is a current member of Sacred Heart Church, Sterling, IL, and served on the finance council for many years. He coached youth football, soccer, baseball, and basketball for over 10 years. Other notable community service involvement includes the development of the Sterling Federal Bank Employee Charity Challenge which awards over $40,000 each year in monetary gifts to local non-profit organizations, current member and past president of Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary, past member of Kiwanis, and ongoing mentor for the WACC CEO program, a local entrepreneurial educational program for high school juniors and seniors.
Steven R. Brewer, Director, Vice President, CFO & Treasurer
Elected to the Board in 2015. Mr. Brewer serves as Vice President, CFO, Treasurer and Secretary of Sterling Federal Bank, having been with the bank since 2010. Prior to joining the bank, Steve served 15 years in the banking industry, most recently as Senior Vice President and Controller of AMCORE Bank. Prior to that he worked for 17 years in agribusiness with DeKalb Genetics Corporation, where he was Chief Tax Officer. Steve holds the professional designations of Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. He is an Elder and Treasurer of First Baptist Church in Sycamore and serves on the Board for Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center.
Reed A. Hutchcraft, Vice President, Chief Lending Officer
Mr. Hutchcraft is Vice President-Chief Lending Officer of Sterling Federal Bank. He has more than 35 years of lending experience, having received his Bachelor’s Degree in Ag Business from Western Illinois University and a diploma from the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Reed has been very active in the communities where he has resided, serving on the City Council, School Board, Kiwanis, and holding the President’s position with the Rotary and Chamber of Commerce.
Bo Mays, Vice President & COO, Assistant Secretary
Mr. Mays joined the bank in 2015. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Illinois State University, and has banking experience in both large and small communities. Bo comes to Sterling Federal Bank from Watseka, IL, where he served his community through a number of organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Whiteside County.
Laura Oquendo, Vice President & Chief Retail Officer
Laura joined Sterling Federal Bank in 2006. In her most recent role, Laura was the Director of Branch Development for all Sterling Federal Bank’s locations. Laura resides in Rock Falls, Il with her husband and 2 sons.
Laura completed her bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, and is currently undergoing the completion of her MBA through the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois. Laura serves on the board for The Salvation Army in Sterling, IL.
Raymond P. Sharp, Chairman of the Board
Elected to the Board in 2002. CIO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Illinois State University and graduated with honors with an MBA from the prestigious Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago. Fellow in American College of Healthcare Executives, member of College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, and member of Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Board Member and former President of United Way of Whiteside County, and active with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sterling Noon Rotary, YMCA, and Newman Central Catholic High School.
David L. Schreiner, Vice Chairman of the Board
Elected to the Board in 2004. President & CEO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon. Adjunct Faculty member in the graduate program for the University of St. Francis. Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. Mr. Schreiner has served on many boards in the Sauk Valley, and was named the 2007 Dixon Citizen of the Year.
Rita E. Smith, Director
Elected to the Board in 2008. Retired past Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Bank. She is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and Twin City Sunrise Rotary. A life-long resident of Sterling-Rock Falls, Rita is active with Community Christmas for Children and on the CGH Foundation Fundraiser Committee.
Robert L. Rosengren, Director
Elected to the Board in 2013. President of Rosengren Farms, Inc. and Green Rose Farms, Inc., having received his Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois. A life-long Rock Falls resident, he is active in many community charitable organizations. He is a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau, member of St. Andrew Church Finance Committee and active with Newman Central Catholic High School.
Brian L. Grummert, Director
Elected to the Board in 2014. President of Grummert’s Hardware, Inc., President of Sterling Main Street, and former President and board member of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. He is active with St. Mary’s School in Sterling, coaches youth sports and is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Anne M. Kenney, Director
Elected to the Board in 2016. Retired past Vice President of Savings & Assistant Secretary of the Bank and has been with the bank since 1983. She currently serves on the Board of Sterling Today and is a member of the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society. Anne is a former board member of Hospice of the Rock River Valley, Lincolnland Red Cross and Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a former ambassador for the Rock Falls and Sauk Valley Area Chambers of Commerce and is a past recipient of the YWCA Pearl Woods Award. A life-long resident of Sterling-Rock Falls, she is active in many community charitable causes.
Joel M. Downie, Director
Elected to the Board in 2017. Owner of Downie & Associates CPA’s in Rock Falls. Member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A life-long resident of Sterling-Rock Falls. Serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee for the Rockford Diocese. Serves as a Director on the board for Oak Knoll Cemetery. Is a member of the Finance Committee and the Board of Education at Newman Central Catholic High School, also a member of the Finance Committee at St. Mary’s Church in Sterling. He also participates in other activities at Newman Central Catholic High School and St. Mary’s Church in Sterling.
