The first quarter was a strong start for Ressler Consulting and a clear signal of what we’re seeing across the Midwest banking market: demand is up, timelines are tight, and the talent shortage is real.
In Q1, we completed 7 successful placements across community and regional banks in Missouri and Illinois. I’m grateful to our clients for trusting us with critical leadership and revenue-driving roles, and to the candidates who partnered with us through a thoughtful, transparent process.
Q1 placements
Here are the roles we successfully filled in Q1:
- Chief Financial Officer — Mutual Bank (Missouri)
- Chief Operations Officer — Community Bank (Illinois)
- SVP, Commercial Loan Officer — Regional Bank (Missouri)
- SVP, Commercial Loan Officer — Regional Bank (Illinois)
- SVP, Private Banking Officer — Regional Bank (Missouri)
- Commercial Relationship Manager — Community Bank (Missouri)
- Commercial Lender — Community Bank (Missouri)
These placements reflect what many institutions are prioritizing right now: strong executive leadership, experienced commercial lenders, and credit talent that can support growth while maintaining disciplined risk management.
What we’re working on now (heading into Q2)
Momentum is carrying into the second quarter. We’re currently engaged on searches across multiple Midwest markets and business lines:
- SVP, Commercial Loan Officer — Community Bank (Missouri)
- VP, Commercial Loan Officer — Regional Bank (Missouri)
- Commercial Loan Officer — Community Bank (Illinois)
- Commercial Loan Officer — Community Bank (Kansas)
- Business Banking Relationship Manager — Regional Bank (Missouri)
- Business Banker — Community Bank (Minnesota)
- Agricultural Lender — Community Bank (Minnesota)
- Credit Department Manager — Community Bank (Missouri)
- Senior Credit Analyst — Community Bank (Missouri)
- Senior Credit Analyst — Community Bank (Kansas)
- Credit Analyst — Community Bank (Minnesota)
- Treasury Management Officer — Community Bank (Missouri)
The market: talent shortage is driving urgency
One theme continues to show up in nearly every conversation: banks are competing in a tighter talent market than they’ve seen in years.
We’re seeing:
- Increased competition for proven talent
- A limited bench of experienced talent
- More urgency to move quickly once the right candidate is identified
In this environment, the institutions that win are the ones that combine speed with clarity — a well-defined profile, a streamlined interview process, and a compelling story about culture, growth, and leadership.
Welcome Matt Jehling, Principal
As we continue expanding throughout the Midwest, I’m excited to share that Matt Jehling is joining Ressler Consulting as a Principal.
Matt brings over a decade of experience in financial services to the firm’s executive search practice. Prior to joining Ressler Consulting, he spent eight years as a Portfolio Advisor at Charles Schwab and Northern Trust Wealth Management, where he advised clients on comprehensive financial planning and investment strategy. His background gives him a deep understanding of the financial landscape and the professionals who drive it.
Matt’s background in wealth management provides a unique perspective in executive search. He understands the demands, culture, and career trajectories within banking and financial services firsthand. This allows him to connect meaningfully with both candidates and clients, ensuring the right fit for long-term success. He is committed to delivering a consultative, relationship-driven experience rooted in the firm’s core values.
Matt will be a key part of our continued expansion throughout the Midwest, helping us serve more community and regional banks with the same structured, transparent process our clients rely on.
Looking ahead
We’re entering Q2 with strong momentum, an active search pipeline, and an even deeper bench of expertise to serve our clients.
If your bank is planning for growth, succession, or backfilling a key role, we’re always open to a confidential conversation.