Meet Our Business Experts

Mark E. Kroencke
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2242
[email protected]

Mark is the lead division head of First American’s commercial and industrial lending group for Illinois with responsibility of an $800,000,000 portfolio. He is a shareholder of the bank and a member of the bank’s Executive Loan Committee and Senior Loan Committee. Throughout his 21 years with First American Bank, he has focused on managing and building relationships with middle-market, privately held companies. Mark works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, heavy metal fabricators, contractors, professional service firms, construction suppliers, and plastic molders.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois. He has been involved with various charitable and for-profit boards, including the Ray Graham Association, and is a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

J. Ross Van Beek
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2259
[email protected]

Ross started his career at First American Bank in 2006 as a leadership trainee. Today, he is a relationship manager with a responsibility for a $180 million commercial loan portfolio, a shareholder, and a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee. He specializes in lending and cash management solutions for closely held middle-market companies and not-for-profit organizations. Ross works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, construction firms, professional firms, charter schools and social service agencies.

Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies and an Advisory Board member for Legal Prep Charter Academy in Chicago.

Matt Paasch
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2235
[email protected]

Matt started his career at First American Bank in 2004 as a commercial banking analyst. Today, he is a shareholder and a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee. During his tenure, Matt has focused on building and managing relationships with privately held and family-owned businesses. He is well versed in conventional, leveraged, and SBA lending with clients across a number of sectors including manufacturing, distribution, construction, and business services.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois.

Corey J. Roberts
First Vice President
(847) 586-2652
[email protected]

Corey joined First American Bank in 2021, and is a relationship manager on the commercial and industrial banking team. Corey focuses on closely held middle-market companies and works with a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, distributing, wholesalers, engineering, call centers, staffing and service businesses. His specialties include balance sheet lending, cash flow analysis, cash management solutions and a strong referral network in Chicagoland.

Corey received his MBA and Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University. While completing his undergraduate degree, Corey was a Division I athlete on the Huskies' swim team. He currently resides in Arlington Heights with his wife and two sons. He is an active den leader and treasurer for Pack 269.

Nathan Webb
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2223
[email protected]

In his 25 years with First American Bank, Nate has progressed from an account analyst to being in charge of the sponsor-backed private equity lending group of the commercial bank. He has vast experience in C&I lending, including manufacturing, distribution, and construction services, along with lending to various professional service companies. His knowledge of the various solutions the bank has to offer while being industry agnostic allows for quick decision-making turnaround. His experience in dealing with the LBO market is attractive to those sponsors that travel throughout the country and like working with the same team, giving them comfort during the underwriting and account management process. Nate sits on both the bank’s Executive and Senior Loan Committees and is a shareholder of the organization.

Nate holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus.

Ahmet Markicic
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2280
[email protected]

Ahmet joined the Commercial Banking Department in 2008 after spending five years in the business banking group at a regional bank. Today he is a shareholder and a member of the Bank’s Senior Loan Committee. Ahmet focuses on providing lending services such as lines of credit, equipment/term loans, buyout loans and real estate financing to middle market family owned businesses. He helps his clients with implementing the most efficient cash management solutions. Clients include manufacturers, distributors and professional service organizations. He has utilized his experience to not only be a strong partner to his clients but also an advisor so that he can help them achieve their long-term goals. Additionally, Ahmet also works on the private equity sponsored backed portfolio of the Bank.

Ahmet is also involved Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Chicago and is an active member of the Technology and Manufacturing Association. Ahmet holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois College of Businesses and resides with his family in Highland Park.

James M. Walrack
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2285
[email protected]

James is a commercial relationship manager working with a variety of businesses ranging from heavy manufacturing to consulting and brokerage companies. He specializes in ESOP financing and lending to closely held middle-market companies with an emphasis on cash flow lending.

James holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association as well as the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and regularly speaks at conferences outlining the intricacies of employee ownership.

Daniel J. Rekowski
Assistant Vice President
[email protected]

Dan began his career with First American Bank's commercial lending team in 2006. His responsibilities have grown from credit analysis to relationship management focusing on the financial needs of commercial clients within the middle market space across the country. Those needs include working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisition, cash flow and ESOP financing.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus. He is also an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association.

Maria Santillan
Assistant Vice President
(847) 586-2110
[email protected]

Maria began her career at First American Bank as a Senior Commerical Analyst on the ESOP team in 2018. Her prior financial services career spans 12 years with two national banks. The ESOP team specializes in ESOP financing and lending to closely held middle market companies. In 2023, she transitioned to the commercial and industrial team, where her responsibilities have grown to include managing a group of commercial loan analysts. Maria specializes in the credit analysis of potential clients and the credit management of existing clients including credit approval, collateral decisions, loan structure and pricing.

Maria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois and a Master’s in Business Administration from Roosevelt University. She is an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association.

Daniel J. Walsh
Commercial Loan Officer
(847) 586-2127
[email protected]

Danny began his career at First American Bank in our Commercial Leadership Trainee Program in 2020. He currently serves as a Commercial Loan Officer within the Leveraged Lending Group and specializes in ESOP financing. His responsibilities include credit analysis and reporting on current and potential customers as well as supporting both relationship managers and customers with varying tasks on a day-to-day basis. He has been regularly attending ESOP conferences and events put on by The ESOP Association (TEA) and National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) since 2021 and currently serves on the Programs Committee for the IL Chapter of The ESOP Association. 

Danny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of the Investment Club and Student International Business Council. 
 

Randy Sherwood (WI)
First Vice President
(262) 220-2398
[email protected]

Randy is a Commercial and Industrial Lender in the Bank's Wisconsin area. Randy has over 16 years of commercial and business banking experience with a focus on manufacturing, construction, food and beverage, and agricultural industries. He also has experience in SBA 7a and 504 transactions. Randy's focus on a business's cash flow cycle enables him to be an advisor and advocate for clients no matter what stage of the maturity the business is in.

Randy is an active member in the Wisconsin TMA and MBBI in Milwaukee. Randy has been an active duty and reserve member of the United States Coast Guard for 25+ years, currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Reserve Advisor at Station Kenosha, WI. 

Sarah A. Herbst
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2219
[email protected]

Sarah started her banking career at First American Bank in 1986. After spending time in Retail Banking, Trust, Compliance and Commercial Lending, Sarah took some time away to raise her family of four boys. She returned to Commercial Lending in 2011, with a focus in professional services. Her experience across several facets of the Bank makes her qualified to handle not only the financial needs of the companies and practices, but also the personal needs of the owners and their associates.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from The University of Iowa.

James D. Matteson
First Vice President
(847) 586-2629
[email protected]

James began his career at First American Bank as one of our Leadership Trainees in January 2012. After completing our training program, James worked in our Trade Finance Division where he issued standby and commercial letters of credit, and facilitated the processing of documentary collections and foreign receivable/purchase order financing. In January 2015, James transitioned to our Commercial Lending Department, working with our Not-for-Profit and Commercial & Industrial Teams. His responsibilities include credit analysis, underwriting, and managing a portfolio of customers including manufacturers, professional firms and private day schools. Additionally, James has assisted our SBA Program Manager in educating prospects and customers about SBA financing, as well as processing and closing SBA loans and managing the bank's SBA Payroll Protection Program (PPP) portfolio. As of May 2022, James took over the bank’s SBA Program Manger position permanently.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Hector Peña
Senior Vice President
(305) 643-8913
[email protected]

Hector Peña is the senior relationship manager for First American Bank's commercial and industrial lending group out of Little Havana, Florida, with responsibility for growing and expanding the bank’s commercial portfolio. Throughout his 30 years of banking experience, he has focused on managing and building relationships with middle-market, privately held companies. Hector works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, heavy metal fabricators, contractors, professional service firms, construction suppliers, and plastic molders.

Hector holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA from Florida International University. He has been involved in the South Florida community throughout his entire career understanding the needs of small businesses in the area.

Amanda R. Dorr
Assistant Vice President
(847) 586-2183
[email protected]

Amanda started her career at First American Bank as a Commercial Leadership Trainee in 2019 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterward. Her responsibilities include analyzing the creditworthiness of our current and potential customers and preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees.

Amanda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Finance and Economics from the University of Dayton. While completing her degree, Amanda volunteered with various not-for-profit organizations including homeless shelters and elementary schools and was a member of the Christmas on Campus and Human Rights Week committees. She now volunteers with a local animal shelter. 

Sarah M. Eikenberry
Vice President
(305) 777-1025
[email protected]

Sarah began her banking career with First American Bank in 2012 as a Leadership Trainee. Sarah worked for two years in our Treasury Management department, and in 2014 she relocated from Chicago to Miami to assist with the bank's Florida expansion and join the South Florida commercial lending team. As a relationship manager her experience working with manufacturers, exporters, and contractors, coupled with her expertise in all SBA programs, allows her to offer a variety of unique lending solutions for growing businesses. Sarah manages the oversight and training of the bank's South Florida C&I loan analysts and is a member of the bank's Senior Loan Committee.

Sarah is an active member of the South Florida Manufacturers Association and chair of its Miami-Dade Steering Committee. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business, with a dual major in Finance and Marketing.

Tony Sasso (FL)
Senior Commercial Loan Relationship Manager
(813) 686-4088
[email protected]

Tony joined First American Bank in 2023 as a relationship manager on the commercial and industrial banking team in Tampa. He has over two decades of experience providing banking services to small and commercial businesses while overseeing business development. Throughout his career, he has prioritized building enduring customer connections.

Tony holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the University of South Florida, a Dale Carnagie Leadership Award, and a 40 Under 40 distinction from the Tampa Business Journal. He currently serves on the board of First Tee - Tampa Bay.

Konrad Gawel
Assistant Vice President
(847) 586-2383
[email protected]

Konrad joined First American Bank in 2022 as a Senior Commercial Loan Analyst on the commercial and industrial banking team. His prior banking career spans seven years across two local community banks in the Chicago area. His current responsibilities include analyzing the creditworthiness of our current and potential customers, preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees, as well as managing a portfolio of commercial and industrial customers.

Konrad graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Loyola University Chicago. While obtaining his degree, Konrad was a member of Loyola’s hockey team and still plays in rec-leagues in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs.

Elliot B. Jackson
Senior Analyst
(847) 586-2025
[email protected]

Elliot began his banking career at First American Bank in 2010 as a Leadership Trainee. Elliot then transitioned to the Wire Transfer Department, where he spent nine years managing and developing his team. As the Wire Transfer Manager, Elliot created and modified procedures to ensure the timely processing of over $2,000,000,000 worth of incoming and outgoing wires monthly. Elliot also assisted the Bond Portfolio team purchasing and selling bonds as well as monitoring incoming interest on each bond. In his current role, his responsibilities include analyzing the credit parameters of current and potential customers and preparing detailed reports for the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees. In addition, Elliot assists with training new commercial loan analysts.

Elliot graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Elmhurst University.

Austin T. Olberg
Commercial Banking Officer
(847) 586-2229
[email protected]

Austin started his career with First American Bank in 2019 as a Commercial Leadership Trainee and was promoted to a full-time role in early 2020. His current responsibilities include credit analysis and relationship management in addition to supporting other commercial lenders and customers with various daily tasks. He has attended several events hosted by the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) and the Northern Illinois Alumni Association.

Austin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He was an active member in the Finance department’s Investment Association, and he also volunteered his time for several organizations including Feed My Starving Children and Ups for Downs.

John Olsen
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2254
[email protected]

John leads the bank's commercial real estate lending activities. His responsibilities include oversight for the development, origination, management, and collection of the bank's commercial real estate operations. With over 30 years of experience, he and his team specialize in construction and term financing for a myriad of property types, including land acquisition, land development, residential subdivisions, multi-family, industrial, office, retail, hospitality, and self-storage. He is the chairman of the bank's Senior Loan Committee and is also a member of the Executive Loan Committee.

John received his MBA, with distinction, from Northwestern's J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He also received his BA, magna cum laude, from Benedictine University.

Adam Garrett
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2209
[email protected]

Adam is the group head for the Illinois Commercial Real Estate Team. He and his team are responsible for developing relationships with commercial real estate companies and originating loans for acquisitions and refinance of commercial real estate projects, as well as construction financing for multi-family, office, retail and industrial projects located in the Chicago metropolitan area. Adam joined the bank in 2019 and is a member of the bank's Senior Loan Committee.

Adam received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. He resides with his family in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

Maureen Prochenski
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2298
[email protected]

Maureen manages a $120 million portfolio within the commercial real estate lending group. Her responsibilities include origination and collection of commercial real estate; focusing on construction and term loan financing for multi-family, industrial, commercial, retail and hospitality property types. She has over 34 years of experience in multiple roles within Retail Banking, Loan Operations, Business Banking and Commercial Real Estate. Maureen joined the bank in 2010 and is a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee.

Pam Turer (WI)
Senior Vice President
(414) 290-9570
[email protected]

Pam is a Senior Vice President – Group Head in First American Bank’s Wisconsin commercial real estate lending group. Based in the Milwaukee office, she brings over 20 years of experience to the commercial real estate industry. Pam is recognized as one of the industry’s top resources for competitive, complicated financing deals for development.

In addition, Pam is renowned for her industry leadership and service. Pam served on the Real Estate Alliance for Charity Board of Directors, elected as president in 2020, and was the 2021 board president for NAIOP Wisconsin. She also serves as a mentor for junior industry professionals.

Pam graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison and served on the Bukacek Construction Board of Directors. She and her husband, Harris, reside in Milwaukee and have adult children.

Mark Henschel (WI)
Senior Vice President
(262) 942-4350
[email protected]

Mark Henschel is a Senior Vice President in First American Bank’s commercial real estate lending group. Based in the Milwaukee office, he is responsible for developing relationships with commercial real estate companies located in Wisconsin and the Milwaukee metropolitan area.  Mark has over 20 years of commercial real estate lending experience originating loans for acquisitions, refinance and construction of all property types including apartments, office, retail, industrial and land development.

Mark received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  He is an active member in the Wisconsin chapter of NAIOP as part of the Public Policy Committee and also a member of Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin.

Jeanette Blanch (FL)
Senior Vice President
(305) 643-8244
[email protected]

Jeanette has 22 years of banking experience in both lending and bank operations. She has held a variety of positions within the organization from branch management to residential and commercial/construction lending. She manages the South Florida lending team with a focus on construction, multi-family, industrial and retail.

Jeanette holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Florida.

Patrick Shea (FL)
Senior Vice President
(813) 868-4086
[email protected]

Patrick is Senior Vice President in First American Bank’s commercial real estate lending group based in Tampa. He brings over 18 years of experience to the commercial real estate lending industry. His primary lending focus includes new construction and value-add commercial projects in Tampa Bay, west coast Florida, and the greater Orlando area. Patrick is a member of the bank's Senior Loan Committee and has a passion for working with highly skilled and motivated real estate professionals.

Patrick graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s in finance, as well as an MBA from the University of Florida and a graduate banking degree from Louisiana State University. Patrick and his wife, Jessica, reside in Tampa and have three children.

John M. Lee
First Vice President
(847) 586-2248
[email protected]

John began his career with First American Bank’s commercial lending team in 2004. His responsibilities have grown from construction analysis to loan generation focused throughout Chicagoland, Florida and Wisconsin. He works with a variety of businesses ranging from real estate developers to multi-family investors. He specializes in new construction residential development. In addition to loan generation, John’s other responsibilities include overseeing all construction draws and leasing bank owned real estate.

John holds a Bachelor of Science from Sheffield University and an MBA from Buckinghamshire University. He is active with the Chicago Home Builder Association, Southside Builders Association and the Residential Construction Employers Council. He is also a member of Chartered Institute of Building and the Architects and Surveyors Institute.

James M. Walrack
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2285
[email protected]

James is a commercial relationship manager working with a variety of businesses ranging from heavy manufacturing to consulting and brokerage companies. He specializes in ESOP financing and lending to closely held middle-market companies with an emphasis on cash flow lending.

James holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association as well as the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and regularly speaks at conferences outlining the intricacies of employee ownership.

Daniel J. Rekowski
Assistant Vice President
[email protected]

Dan began his career with First American Bank's commercial lending team in 2006. His responsibilities have grown from credit analysis to relationship management focusing on the financial needs of commercial clients within the middle market space across the country. Those needs include working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisition, cash flow and ESOP financing.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus. He is also an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association.

Maria Santillan
Assistant Vice President
(847) 586-2110
[email protected]

Maria began her career at First American Bank as a Senior Commerical Analyst on the ESOP team in 2018. Her prior financial services career spans 12 years with two national banks. The ESOP team specializes in ESOP financing and lending to closely held middle market companies. In 2023, she transitioned to the commercial and industrial team, where her responsibilities have grown to include managing a group of commercial loan analysts. Maria specializes in the credit analysis of potential clients and the credit management of existing clients including credit approval, collateral decisions, loan structure and pricing.

Maria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois and a Master’s in Business Administration from Roosevelt University. She is an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association.

Daniel J. Walsh
Commercial Loan Officer
(847) 586-2127
[email protected]

Danny began his career at First American Bank in our Commercial Leadership Trainee Program in 2020. He currently serves as a Commercial Loan Officer within the Leveraged Lending Group and specializes in ESOP financing. His responsibilities include credit analysis and reporting on current and potential customers as well as supporting both relationship managers and customers with varying tasks on a day-to-day basis. He has been regularly attending ESOP conferences and events put on by The ESOP Association (TEA) and National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) since 2021 and currently serves on the Programs Committee for the IL Chapter of The ESOP Association. 

Danny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of the Investment Club and Student International Business Council. 
 

Nathan Webb
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2223
[email protected]

In his 25 years with First American Bank, Nate has progressed from an account analyst to being in charge of the sponsor-backed private equity lending group of the commercial bank. He has vast experience in C&I lending, including manufacturing, distribution, and construction services, along with lending to various professional service companies. His knowledge of the various solutions the bank has to offer while being industry agnostic allows for quick decision-making turnaround. His experience in dealing with the LBO market is attractive to those sponsors that travel throughout the country and like working with the same team, giving them comfort during the underwriting and account management process. Nate sits on both the bank’s Executive and Senior Loan Committees and is a shareholder of the organization.

Nate holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus.

Ahmet Markicic
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2280
[email protected]

Ahmet joined the Commercial Banking Department in 2008 after spending five years in the business banking group at a regional bank. Today he is a shareholder and a member of the Bank’s Senior Loan Committee. Ahmet focuses on providing lending services such as lines of credit, equipment/term loans, buyout loans and real estate financing to middle market family owned businesses. He helps his clients with implementing the most efficient cash management solutions. Clients include manufacturers, distributors and professional service organizations. He has utilized his experience to not only be a strong partner to his clients but also an advisor so that he can help them achieve their long-term goals. Additionally, Ahmet also works on the private equity sponsored backed portfolio of the Bank.

Ahmet is also involved Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Chicago and is an active member of the Technology and Manufacturing Association. Ahmet holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois College of Businesses and resides with his family in Highland Park.

Mark E. Kroencke
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2242
[email protected]

Mark is the lead division head of First American’s commercial and industrial lending group for Illinois with responsibility of an $800,000,000 portfolio. He is a shareholder of the bank and a member of the bank’s Executive Loan Committee and Senior Loan Committee. Throughout his 21 years with First American Bank, he has focused on managing and building relationships with middle-market, privately held companies. Mark works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, heavy metal fabricators, contractors, professional service firms, construction suppliers, and plastic molders.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois. He has been involved with various charitable and for-profit boards, including the Ray Graham Association, and is a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

Steve J. Eikenberry
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2231
[email protected]

Steve oversees tax-exempt finance and interest rate derivatives for the bank. Prior to joining First American in 2005, he worked for Bank One Capital Markets and predecessor organization American National Bank since 1984. Steve has over 30 years' experience marketing and originating tax-exempt bonds for not-for-profit corporations, municipalities and middle-market manufacturing companies, and he has completed more than 250 transactions totaling over $1 billion. In addition, he has executed derivative hedging transactions including interest rate swaps, caps and collars for over 100 customers with a total notional value exceeding $1.2 billion.

Steve’s clients include a wide variety of not-for-profit organizations including independent schools, private colleges and universities, graduate schools, social service agencies and cultural institutions. He speaks regularly at conferences on topics related to tax-exempt finance and derivatives, and his comments have also been reported in publications including Business Week, The Bond Buyer and The Illinois Manufacturer. He also plays an active role lobbying for legislation expanding and enhancing the use of tax-exempt bonds.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The Colorado College. He is an active member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies and its Legislative Committee, and he is a Board Trustee and Finance Chair of the Science and Arts Academy. He is also a Public Member of the Institutional Actions Council for the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accreditors for colleges and universities in the United States.

Amanda R. Dorr
Assistant Vice President
(847) 586-2183
[email protected]

Amanda started her career at First American Bank as a Commercial Leadership Trainee in 2019 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterward. Her responsibilities include analyzing the creditworthiness of our current and potential customers and preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees.

Amanda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Finance and Economics from the University of Dayton. While completing her degree, Amanda volunteered with various not-for-profit organizations including homeless shelters and elementary schools and was a member of the Christmas on Campus and Human Rights Week committees. She now volunteers with a local animal shelter. 

James D. Matteson
First Vice President
(847) 586-2629
[email protected]

James began his career at First American Bank as one of our Leadership Trainees in January 2012. After completing our training program, James worked in our Trade Finance Division where he issued standby and commercial letters of credit, and facilitated the processing of documentary collections and foreign receivable/purchase order financing. In January 2015, James transitioned to our Commercial Lending Department, working with our Not-for-Profit and Commercial & Industrial Teams. His responsibilities include credit analysis, underwriting, and managing a portfolio of customers including manufacturers, professional firms and private day schools. Additionally, James has assisted our SBA Program Manager in educating prospects and customers about SBA financing, as well as processing and closing SBA loans and managing the bank's SBA Payroll Protection Program (PPP) portfolio. As of May 2022, James took over the bank’s SBA Program Manger position permanently.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Ivette Llopiz
SBA Specialist
(305) 643-8240
[email protected]

Ivette Llopiz has 21 years of experience in multiple roles in Retail Banking, Business Banking, Commercial Real Estate and Small Business Lending. She has been an SBA lender since 2009 with an expertise in the SBA-504 Program by developing a professional relationship with all Certified Development Companies of South Florida. Ivette graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Management from Florida International University.

Joel De Jesus
SBA Assistant Program Manager
(305) 631-6405
[email protected]

Joel joined First American Bank in 2023 as the SBA Assistant Program Manager. He has been working in the finance industry for over 10 years. He was formerly at Savoy Bank in New York City, where he was the Director of Lending for the SBA Department. His current responsibilities at First American Bank include ensuring SBA compliance, educating customers about SBA financing, as well as assisting in processing and servicing SBA loans. His passions include helping small businesses succeed by finding the right financing options to meet their needs today and exceed their expectations for tomorrow.

Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Computer Science from Nova Southeastern University. While attending NSU, he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and a member of the Florida Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society. He is also a member of the National Association of Government-Guaranteed Lenders (NAAGGL).

Senada Vulic
First Vice President
(847) 586-2385
[email protected]

Senada manages the bank's Treasury Management team. She has over 27 years of experience in the banking industry with thorough knowledge of banking rules and regulations, policy and procedures, and bank operations. Senada started her career in Retail Banking and worked in multiple roles developing new business and managing a financial center. In 2007, she moved to the Treasury Management division, where she was involved in strategic product development, implementation, and sales. Senada provides innovative Treasury Management solutions to the bank’s Commercial Lending, Commercial Real Estate, Business Banking, Municipal, Not-for-Profit, International, and Wealth Management client portfolios. Along with managing the sales team, Senada is an integral participant in the Product Development, Risk and Operations Management teams at the bank. She is committed to professionalism and great customer service.

Senada received her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from DePaul University. She completed the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation and is an active member of the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP).

Thomas J. Alcoser
First Vice President
Business Banking Division
(815) 927-5319
[email protected]

Thomas is responsible for managing our team of business bankers who specialize in providing customized lending and deposit solutions to privately held family-run businesses in Chicagoland. Our typical business client has under $15 million in annual revenues and borrowing needs under $5 million. Thomas has worked with manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and service companies over his 30-year career customizing lending and deposit solutions for the business and ownership.

Thomas is a lifelong resident of Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Brian T. Hagan
Market President
Florida
(305) 777-1027
[email protected]

Brian started his career at First American Bank in 1985 as an analyst. During his tenure, he has designed and implemented the analytical training program for commercial lenders, overseen the development of the Tax Exempt Finance and Interest Rate Hedging divisions, and managed specialty lending areas including Middle Market Commercial and Industrial, Business Banking, Government Guaranteed Lending and Trade Finance. Brian relocated to Miami in 2014 to serve as Market President for the bank’s Florida expansion.

He has served in a number of volunteer positions and on charitable boards in higher education and social services, with an emphasis on healthcare. Most recently, he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of Elmhurst Hospital and on the Board of Trustees of the Edward-Elmhurst Health System, which provides comprehensive healthcare to more than 1.7 million patients through its 50 locations and 7,700 employees.

Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Kevin Shukur
Market President
West Florida
(813) 957-4893
[email protected]

Kevin is the West Florida Market President and heads all facets of C&I and Commercial Real Estate Lending and deposits for the bank. As a member of Senior Loan Committee and Executive Loan Committee, he has direct input in all credit decision making for the bank. Over his 40-year banking career, he has successfully helped hundreds of middle-market businesses with growth capital, Treasury Management and business strategy. Kevin works with a wide range of clients including manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers in addition to high-net-worth individuals to uniquely structure solutions for their needs. In addition, he has financed numerous commercial real estate projects including ground-up construction and permanent financing.

Kevin holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Tampa. He is a graduate of Leadership Tampa, Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Tampa Bay and was named the University of Tampa’s Alumni of the Decade.

He sits on various civic and professional boards and resides in Tampa.

Alan L. Clark
Market President
Wisconsin
(262) 577-2471
[email protected]

Alan L. Clark has more than 30 years of commercial banking experience providing financial services to middle market companies covering a wide range of industries that include: manufacturing, distribution, construction, transportation, food service, hospitality and healthcare. Alan serves as the Market President for Wisconsin which includes multiple teams of experienced commercial banking professionals focused on serving the needs of middle market companies in Southern Wisconsin and the Greater Milwaukee regional markets.

He is a board member of the Salvation Army of Chicago. He is also an active member, and former board member, of Rotary International.

Alan was the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship from Loyola University Chicago and graduated with highest honors in Finance and Accounting.