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The Forte Bank Commercial Lenders

Our commercial lenders provide a relationship-based approached and have an expert ability to navigate every situation and provide the perfect personalized solutions.

Gary Heckendorf — Gary Heckendorf Senior Vice President
Chief Lending Officer

Gary Heckendorf Senior Vice President
Chief Lending Officer
Phone: 262-670-3891

Gary Heckendorf is a Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer (CLO) for Forte Bank. He oversees all customer facing lending personnel and functions within the Bank. As CLO, he supervises and develops commercial and residential lending staff, makes credit and lending decisions, and performs credit monitoring across the entire loan portfolio. Gary joined Forte Bank in October 2019 and has been in banking for over 30 years. He has more than 20 years of commercial banking experience.
Gary received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and also is a 2008 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Graduate School of Banking. He is a lifelong resident of Jackson, and he and his wife Holly have three daughters. When the weather is good and Gary's not at a softball game, he likes to play golf.
Gary counts his clients as friends and strives to build long-lasting partnerships with them. Gary is always seeking to understand his clients’ goals and working to help clients achieve them. His mission is to always be available when clients have questions or would like his input.
Why a community bank?
"Community banks serve a vital role in the growth of our communities. Our customers can trust us with their personal and commercial deposits, which will be used to help others build their business or homes. When we help businesses expand, it often means more jobs for the community. Community banks also support the community in charitable ways. Not only do employees serve on local boards and volunteer with area nonprofits, but community banks also make charitable contributions that go right back into supporting local programming and events."
Community Involvement
Member of the Slinger Business Network, 2022-present
Member of the Greater Jackson Area Business Alliance, Scholarship Committee Member, 2017-present
David's Star Lutheran Church, Board of Elders, 2022-present
Family Promise of Washington County Board of Directors, 2025-present

Todd Novotny — Todd Novotny Vice President
Commercial Banker

Todd Novotny Vice President
Commercial Banker
Phone: 262-709-9039

Todd Novotny is a Vice President and Commercial Banker with Forte Bank. In this role, Todd establishes, develops, and manages commercial banking relationships with local business owners and investors to drive financial success. Todd joined Forte Bank in August 2024. He has been in banking for over 20 years and has more than five years of experience as a commercial banker.
Todd received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He and his wife, Jess, have two young kids who keep them busy running from one event to the next. When he’s not spending time with family or friends, Todd enjoys following track and field at all age levels. He coached the sport at the middle and high school levels for 15 years and still looks to volunteer when the time allows.
Todd’s approach to customer service is to listen, guide, and then deliver. His clients appreciate his dedication, strong work ethic, and ability to go the extra mile.
Why a community bank?
"To me, community banking is relationship-focused where the bank can offer personalized services and maintain a greater connection to the customers. In addition, by serving local markets, community banks have a unique understanding of community needs and are heavily invested in meeting those needs. I want to see local communities continue to thrive, and community banks like Forte Bank play a significant role in that."
Community Involvement
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Usher/Greeter, 2023-present
Assistant Track & Field Coach at Slinger High School, 2003, 2010-2018

Ashley Mueller — Ashley C. Mueller Vice President
Business Banking Officer

Ashley C. Mueller Vice President
Business Banking Officer
Phone: 262-673-5800

Ashley Mueller is Vice President and Business Banking Officer. She brings more than 14 years of commercial banking experience across multiple financial institutions, with expertise in business banking, commercial lending, portfolio management, and credit analysis.
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Loras College and brings deep expertise in credit structuring, risk analysis, and relationship-driven banking. Ashley serves a key role in expanding Forte's commercial banking presence and delivering value to our customers and communities.

Courtney Gonzales — Courtney Gonzales Business Banking Officer

Courtney Gonzales Business Banking Officer
Phone: 262-673-5800

Gonzalez brings more than 10 years of sales and banking experience, with a strong background in commercial lending support, business banking, data analysis, and customer relationship management.
Throughout her career, Gonzalez has worked closely with commercial loan and credit teams and has become a trusted resource for Salesforce and sales support systems. Known for her strong analytical skills, relationship-focused approach, and drive to continuously grow professionally, she is committed to expanding her knowledge and advancing her career in banking.
Gonzalez studied Business Administration and Management at Rasmussen University and will serves a key role in strengthening our commercial banking efforts and delivering value to our customers and communities.

Meet Our Mortgage Lenders

We use a tailored approach to find you the best solution.

Wendy Christenson — Wendy Christenson Vice President
Real Estate and Consumer Lender

Wendy Christenson Vice President
Real Estate and Consumer Lender
NMLS#: 417436 Phone: 262-670-3889

Wendy Christenson is a Vice President, Real Estate and Consumer Lender for Forte Bank’s Richfield office. Wendy advises new and existing customers on the home mortgage, home equity and consumer lending processes so they can meet their financial goals. She has been with Forte Bank for 40 years.
Wendy loves spending time with family and friends, including her two adult children whom she adores. She also likes to spend time outdoors hiking, biking and camping, and enjoys cooking.
Wendy enjoys working with both new and existing clients. Her approach to client service is focused on building strong, lasting relationships and providing personalized service in a stress-free environment.
WHY A COMMUNITY BANK?
“It’s important to me to work for a community bank that cares about supporting the growth and development of the communities we serve. Helping people realize their dreams by providing them with the financial tools and resources they need truly is rewarding. Relationships are formed and continue to strengthen as we grow together within our communities. I am proud to work for a bank that makes it a priority to give back to the community.”
COMMUNITY INVOLVELMENT
Honours, Inc. Board Member, 2023-Present
Washington County Builders Association, Member, 2012-Present
Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador, 2019-Present

Mortgage Options Get Started on a Mortgage

Meet Our Consumer Lenders

The Forte Bank team is local and ready to help with all your lending needs.

Tammy Tongusi — Tammy Tongusi Assistant Vice President
Retail Banker & Consumer Lender

Tammy Tongusi Assistant Vice President
Retail Banker & Consumer Lender
Phone: 262-670-3867

Tammy Tongusi is an Assistant Vice President Retail Banker & Consumer Lender for Forte Bank. Tammy assists customers in selecting and opening new accounts, maintaining customer accounts and files, and referring customers to other staff members for additional help or services. In addition, Tammy supports the bank’s marketing functions and consumer lending. She has been with the bank for more than 30 years.
Tammy received American Institute of Banking diplomas in General Banking and Bank Operations from the American Bankers Association in 2011. Tammy has two children and recently became a grandma. In her spare time, Tammy runs a photography business specializing in families, seniors and events. She loves creating memories for others.
Tammy takes great pride in helping customers from start to finish. She works to ensure that customers leave the bank feeling relaxed and appreciated. Every day counts!
Why a community bank?
“It’s important to me to work for a community bank because I not only work in the community, but I live here, too. Our bank is like a family and we treat our customers like family. We’re always willing to go above and beyond to provide them with great products and the best customer service.”
Professional Activities & Accreditations
American Bankers Association Certificate of Excellence – Consumer Lending, 2019
Wisconsin Bankers Association Certificate of Excellence – Bankers Promoting Financial Literacy, 2017-2018
Wisconsin Bankers Association Certificate of Excellence – Bankers Promoting Financial Literacy, 2010-2011
Wisconsin Bankers Association Certificate of Excellence – Personal Economics Program, 2009-2010
Community Involvement
Wisconsin Bankers Association, Marketing Committee, 2020-2023
Junior Achievement, Volunteer, 2007-Present

Cheryl Scott — Cheryl Scott Universal Banker

Cheryl Scott Universal Banker
Phone: 262-673-5800

Cheryl Scott is a Universal Banker at the Hartford Branch of Forte Bank. Cheryl assists new and existing customers with account openings, supports customers with questions or concerns about their accounts, and maintains account files. In addition, Cheryl helps customers with consumer loans. She has more than 25 years of experience in banking and finance.
In her spare time, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her son, ballroom dancing, and volunteering with Citizen Advocates of Washington County, an organization that supports children with special needs.
Cheryl loves hearing about her customers’ goals and helping them turn their dreams into reality.

Why a community bank?
“I enjoy the close connections we build with our customers and their families. We can offer them customized financial options that they probably won’t find at a ‘big bank’. I also love that we are very involved in the community. Giving back to the community is something I’m very passionate about."
Professional Activities & Accreditations
Notary Public
Community Involvement
Citizen Advocates of Washington County, 2020-Present

From the Blog

Find expert advice and news related to your money and everyday banking.

Turning a Day Off into a Day of Impact

Forte Bank turned the federal holiday into a day of impact across Washington County.

BCT Service Heat Treating

This month, we’re featuring BCT Service Heat Treating (BCT), Inc., a partner crafting exceptional metallurgical solutions right here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Visit us in person

Visit us at one of our four full-service Washington County Locations.

Locations & Hours

Hartford
262-673-5800

Richfield
262-628-5500

Slinger
262-644-7606

West Bend
262-450-4200