Board of Directors

Ben joined the bank in 1976. He was president for 17 years and is now the Chairman of the Board. Ben graduated from the University of Missouri and earned his MBA from Southern Illinois University. His leadership skills have brought Byron Bank from $4 mm to over $240 mm. Ben’s ability to see the needs of the bank as we have grown has been amazing. He is a very hard worker who sets a great example for all the bank employees.

Gail joined the bank in 1984. Gail graduated from the University of Missouri and earned a Master’s in Business Education from Southern Illinois University. She has been instrumental in the bank marketing, hiring of employees, and helping retain those “excellent” hires for over 30 years. Gail’s hard work ethic and knowledge of banking has helped Byron Bank become one of the leading community banks. She has been active in many volunteer organizations including the Byron Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Club and the Byron Foundation for Education Excellence.

Mike graduated from the University of Platteville in 1981 with a BS in Ag Business. He is the Senior Vice President - Commercial Loans of the Bank. Mike’s extensive knowledge in commercial lending, and his many years of banking leadership have been instrumental in the continual growth of Byron Bank. Mike is well known in the community and has participated in several organizations over the years including the Byron Rotary, Byron Kiwanis, Byron Chamber of Commerce, Byron Fest Steering Committee, the Byron Museum District Board and the St. Mary’s Church Finance Council.

Jen graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1998 with a degree in Business. She earned her CPA in 1999. Jen completed the Community Bankers of Illinois School for Community Bankers. She works at the Byron Bank as the VP-Finance. Her dedication to organization and her compliance and project management skills have helped bring Byron Bank to the next level. Jen is the third generation in her family to work at the bank. She serves on the Byron Chamber of Commerce Board as Treasurer.

Brent Baker is the President of Byron Bank. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1992. Brent completed the Community Bankers of Illinois School for Community Bankers, and has been the Branch Manager for our Poplar Grove location. He has been an integral part of our commercial and mortgage lending areas for the past ten years. Brent has been active with the Byron Chamber of Commerce, Byron Fest Steering Committee, St. Mary’s Finance Council, and the Byron Boosters.

Craig joined Lundstrom Insurance in 1998 as a Commercial Insurance Producer and became a Partner of the Agency in 2002. Craig graduated from the University of Iowa in 1993 and earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 2001. He also serves on the District 100 Foundation for Excellence which oversees a grant process that enhances the educational opportunities for District 100 students and is a volunteer youth basketball coach. Craig lives in Poplar Grove and has brought a wealth of sales experience and knowledge to our board.

Maryjo is a highly respected attorney and partner with Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC in Rockford. She was a “40 under 40” recipient from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and was also named “Next Up” Young Leader by the Rockford Register Star in 2019. She has been admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Illinois Courts. Maryjo was selected by her peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Labor and Employment Law. She is committed to her community and serves on the Goldie Floberg Center Board as Vice President and the Next Rockford Board as Past-President. She also serves as a certified arbitrator for the 17^th Judicial Circuit Court and volunteers with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and Holy Family Church. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Rockford Chamber of Commerce Program and a proud wife and mom.