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Management Team

Aaron Lensink — Aaron Lensink President
Chief Executive Officer

Aaron Lensink President
Chief Executive Officer

Aaron Lensink is President and Chief Executive Officer for Forte Bank He has 20 years of experience in finance, lending and real estate, and has been with Forte Bank since July 2017.
Aaron received his bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He and his wife have two children. In his free time, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family and friends, especially when it involves time outdoors or at any one of Wisconsin’s great inland lakes!
For Aaron, customers are most important because their success is vitally important to the community as a whole. Aaron strives to become a trusted advisor to all of his customers when he assists them with their financing needs.
Why a community bank?
“Community banks play a vital role in the economic growth and sustainability of local neighborhoods by lending to borrowers in their area. I am proud to work for Forte Bank given the important role this institution plays in the local economy.”

Professional Activities & Accreditations
Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, Member, 2017-Present
Hartford Area Development Corp., Board Member, 2018-Present
Commercial Association of Realtors (CARW), Member
Wisconsin Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, Member, 2004-Present
Real Estate Alliance for Charity, Board Member, 2007-2009
Community Involvement
Medical Center Foundation of Hartford, Board of Trustees President, 2023-Present
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, Board Member, 2021-Present

Douglas Persich — Douglas J. Persich Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

Douglas J. Persich Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Phone: 262-673-5800

Doug Persich serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Forte Bank. He is responsible for managing the financial operations of the bank, including financial planning and budgeting, the bank’s investment portfolio, and regulatory reporting. He also oversees the Accounting Department and Facilities Maintenance Staff.
Doug received both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin in 2003 and 2004, respectively. He is a Certified Public Accountant. In addition, Doug graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Graduate School of Banking in 2015. He and his wife have three children. Doug enjoys spending time watching his kids’ sporting events, appreciating the outdoors, and cheering on Wisconsin’s sports teams.
Doug lives by two main tenets —treat others as you wish to be treated, and be consistent in all you do.

Why a community bank?
“I want to build lasting relationships with people and businesses in the communities we live and serve to help them achieve success.”

Professional Activities & Accreditations
Financial Managers Society, Wisconsin Chapter, Member and Past Officer, 2007-Present
Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA), Member, 2008-Present

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

Josh Sandleback — Josh Sandleback Vice President
Chief Credit Officer

Josh Sandleback Vice President
Chief Credit Officer
Phone: 262-673-5800

Josh Sandleback serves as Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Forte Bank and is responsible for managing all aspects of the bank’s credit policy and credit administration, and ensures the bank makes sound credit decisions. Josh also develops and updates the bank’s loan policy, and monitors the bank’s compliance with loan policy and appropriate regulations. He joined the bank in 2017.

Prior to working at Forte Bank, Josh held various underwriting and commercial credit management positions at financial institutions in Appleton and Milwaukee. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance from UW-La Crosse. In his spare time, Josh enjoys golfing with his wife and coaching his kids’ sports teams.
Josh believes in working hard to help provide individuals, families and businesses with the means to achieve financial success.
Why a community bank?
“Community banking is important because lending and other key decisions are made locally by people who live in the community. We have face-to-face relationships with our customers, and we understand local needs. Because of this personal knowledge, community banks are often able to approve loans that big banks would reject.”

Kara Guse — Kara Guse Vice President
Chief Operations Officer

Kara Guse Vice President
Chief Operations Officer
Phone: 262-673-5800

Kara Guse serves as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Forte Bank. In her role, she is responsible for the administration, direction, and oversight of Operations, which include Deposit Operations, Commercial Loan Processing and Servicing, Retail Loan Processing and Servicing, Compliance, Teller and New Accounts Operations systems, Document Imaging, and involvement in Information Technology. Kara joined Forte Bank in 2024 and has over 25 years of experience in the financial and technology industries.
Kara received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She and her husband have two adult children and two Bernadoodles. When not at work, Kara enjoys DIY projects and outdoor activities, including walking, biking, gardening when the weather is warm, and patrolling at Little Switzerland in winter.
Professional Activities & Accreditations
Leadership West Bend Graduate, Class 2009
West Bend Police Department Citizens Academy, Class of 2010

Community Involvement
Tower Heritage Center (Washington County Historical Society) Board of Directors, 2021-Present
Leadership West Bend Board of Directors 2010 – 2014 and 2024-Present
National Ski Patrol - Volunteer Patrol, Little Switzerland, Slinger, WI
Washington County, WI Board Supervisor – District 9, 2020-2022

Cathleen Slack — Cathleen Slack Vice President
Human Resources Officer

Christian Novales — Christian Novales Vice President
Director of Retail Banking

Christian Novales Vice President
Director of Retail Banking

Christian is the Vice President/Director of Retail Banking. With more than 15 years of retail banking leadership experience, Christian is passionate about helping people thrive, whether that's customers reaching their financial goals, employees growing their careers, or communities building stronger connections.
In his role, Christian leads Retail Banking across all Forte Bank locations, overseeing branch operations, consumer lending, deposit growth, small business relationships, training and development, customer experience, community engagement, and digital banking initiatives. His leadership style focuses on creating exceptional experiences, building high-performing teams, and fostering a culture where both customers and employees feel supported and empowered.
When he's not helping shape the future of retail banking, Christian is deeply involved in the West Bend community. He serves on the Board of Directors for Family Promise of Washington County, leads worship music at Kettlebrook Church, serves as a board member and incoming Treasurer for the West Bend West High School Booster Club, and coaches youth basketball with the West Bend West Junior Spartans program.
At the heart of everything Christian does is a simple belief: strong relationships create stronger communities.

Amy Swanson Kieser — Amy Swanson Kieser Marketing Manager

Commercial Lending

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.

Mortgage Lending

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

Business Banking Services

Lisa Becker — Lisa Becker Assistant Vice President
Business Services Banker

Lisa Becker Assistant Vice President
Business Services Banker
Phone: 262-673-5800

Lisa Becker is an Assistant Vice President (AVP) and Business Services Banker. With 12 years of dedicated service to the Bank, Becker has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and a strong commitment to delivering outstanding service to our commercial banking customers.
Becker has been a vital part of Forte Bank since 2012 and brings over 25 years of banking experience to her new role. As the Business Services Banker, Becker assists business clients with deposit accounts, online and mobile banking (including ACH, RDC, and Positive Pay), merchant services products, and the Employee Benefit Banking program. Her proactive approach to business development, frequent in-field visits, and strong customer relationships have significantly contributed to the success of Forte Bank’s commercial banking services.
Six years ago, Becker became our Business Services Banker. In this role, she supported new commercial customers, established deposit relationships, and provided training on key products such as Positive Pay and Merchant Card Services. In her role as AVP, Becker is a driving force in ensuring our business banking customers receive the highest level of service.
Over the past year, Becker’s efforts have driven deposit growth and deepened relationships with municipalities within our service areas. She is deeply committed to representing Forte Bank across all four communities we serve, actively engaging in professional organizations, and continuing to enhance the Bank’s visibility and impact.
When asked about her experience working for a community bank, Becker said, “Forte Bank is focused on customer service banking, which allows me to develop close relationships with customers and better meet their business banking needs.”
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Becker enjoys relaxing in the north woods of Wisconsin and spending time with her husband and family. She is passionate about providing exceptional customer service and strives to make every banking experience positive for her clients.
Professional Activities & Accreditations:
Certified Electronic Banking Officer, 2019
Community Involvement:
Slinger-Allenton Rotary, 2019-Present
Slinger Business Networking Group, 2021-Present
Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, Member, 2018-Present
Germantown Chamber of Commerce, Member, 2012-2018

Consumer Lending

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

Deposit Operations

Lesli Summ — Lesli Summ Deposit Operations Manager

Branch Managers

Brian Cosio — Brian Cosio Branch Manager - Hartford

Brian Cosio Branch Manager - Hartford

Brian Cosio is the Branch Manager of the Hartford branch and brings a strong background in banking and financial services, with experience focused on leadership, operations, customer experience, and team development.
Brian has a reputation for hands-on leadership, operational excellence, and constantly delivers high-quality service. In his role, Brian leads the Hartford branch team while building strong relationships, supporting customers and the community, and delivering the friendly, personal service that defines Forte Bank.
Brian’s strengths include leadership, problem-solving, relationship building, and creating positive team cultures that support both employees and customers.
Brian graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Prior to that, he earned an associate degree in Business Management from Moraine Park Technical College, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

Tonya Kleppin — Tonya Kleppin Branch Manager - Richfield

Tonya Kleppin Branch Manager - Richfield
Phone: 262-628-5500 ext. 2306 ext. 2306

Tonya Kleppin is the Branch Manager for the Richfield location of Forte Bank. Tonya serves as a trusted advisor within the community and identifies the financial needs of customers. In addition, she helps lead a team of retail associates and ensures she and the team are providing exceptional customer service. Tonya has 10 years of banking experience.
Tonya received her associate degree in business mid-management from MATC.
In her personal time, Tonya actively participates in many community volunteer activities. She enjoys a close relationship with her children and three grandchildren, while still finding time to enjoy hiking and biking.
Why a community bank?
“Working and living within a community brings together creativity and success through conversation with customers and community events.”

SarahAnn Nickel — SarahAnn Nickel Branch Manager - Slinger

SarahAnn Nickel Branch Manager - Slinger
Phone: 262-673-5800

As Branch Manager at Forte Bank in Slinger, SarahAnn Nickel inspires her team and actively engages with the community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Communications, which supports her commitment to excellence and building strong relationships.
SarahAnn is deeply connected to Slinger, values family life, and enjoys outdoor activities, particularly near the water. She is dedicated to community service through active involvement with the Slinger Elementary PBO and the American Legion Auxiliary, and as a Girl Scout Leader.
Living and working in Slinger allows SarahAnn to build lasting relationships and support local families, making her role both rewarding and meaningful.

Tanner Reffke — Tanner Reffke Branch Manager - West Bend

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