Kent Liechty

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Kent Liechty has spent over 25 years in the banking industry, all but four of them at First Bank of Berne, where he now serves as president and CEO. A graduate of South Adams High School, Kent holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue in Agriculture Economics, where he graduated with highest distinction. He then earned his MBA from Indiana University. He also holds an advanced degree from the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kent is an advocate of community banks. That’s because working at a community bank enables him to see the direct result of how the bank’s work impacts a local community. He says that being a part of a financial services team who cares about customers continues to be a very rewarding career.

Kent is extremely involved in his community. He serves on the Board of Directors for Swiss Village, Youth for Christ and Berne Community Development Corporation. He is also involved in Junior Achievement and serves as a Sunday school teacher at the First Mennonite Church.

He enjoys working locally because of the people he interacts with every day and the ability to participate in a number of projects that allow our areas to grow and prosper. He says the best thing about his staff at First Bank of Berne is their strong work ethic and desire to take care of our clients.

“I believe First Bank of Berne is best positioned to serve our local community because we have the right employees and the products and service which all work to help make our clients successful.”

Kent Liechty has been with First Bank of Berne since 1997.

Sharon Neuenschwander

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Sharon Neuenschwander has had a long, successful career at First Bank of Berne. She currently serves as the Human Resource Manager. She has served as a Bookkeeper, Teller, Trust Officer and worked in the Loan Department.

More than choosing a career in banking, Sharon chose a career at First Bank of Berne. She first joined the bank because she felt the values of the bank aligned with her personal values. She also looked forward to the opportunity to work for a well-established and respected organization.

Sharon believes the bank makes a difference in the local community by providing employment opportunities, encouraging employee participation in various groups, and establishing relationships.

She has stayed with First Bank of Berne because she enjoys working for an organization that values integrity and relationships. Sharon also enjoys working with the First Bank of Berne team, because the employees are dedicated and hard-working. She says they understand the value of teamwork and the importance of taking care of customers. She also points out that the team makes working at First Bank of Berne fun.

“I believe First Bank of Berne is best positioned to server our local community because there is a high level of employee expertise, an understanding of local markets and a history of exemplary service.”

Jayde Ketring

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Jayde is a graduate of Southern Wells Junior-Senior High School and Purdue University. She earned her degree in Agribusiness Management before starting her career in seed sales. Jayde decided to move into ag banking because it combines three of her favorite things: personal relationships, community involvement, and working with numbers. Her skills and experience lend tremendous value to the farmers and businesses in and around the Wells County area.

Jayde’s community and industry involvement began early. From a very young age, she helped with the family farm and became actively involved with 4H and FFA. She has livestock experience and has participated in collegiate-level internships where she learned the equipment side of farming. Jayde enjoys speaking with farmers and she appreciates the ever-changing landscape of agribusiness.

Jayde’s early background in farming, academic knowledge of the industry, and genuine awareness of her customers’ needs combine to make her a top-notch agribusiness banker. Her work ethic and passion for agriculture are evident as she works hard to earn the trust of each one of her clients.

Deon Shoaf

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An experienced banking professional, Deon Shoaf has been with First Bank of Berne for 17 years and currently serves as the Chief Operations Manager. A graduate of Bellmont High School, Deon went on to Indiana/Purdue University Fort Wayne (now Purdue University of Fort Wayne) where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business-Accounting. Deon also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in 2011.

Deon says that he didn’t choose banking, but banking chose him. He explains that he started working at a community bank during college to better understand the world of business. He quickly realized how important local, community banks are to the communities they serve. That realization led to a position at First Bank of Berne where Deon sees firsthand how the Bank supports the needs of both customers and the community as a whole.

Deon enjoys that his job with First Bank of Berne allows him to focus on strategy, innovation, digital transformation, risk and more. He also enjoys working with a team that aspires to do great things and treats each other with integrity and respect.

In his free time, Deon also focuses on the community. He serves on the Board and several committees within the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County.

“First Bank of Berne is best positioned to serve the local community due to our ability to make trusted and sound decisions. Before making decisions, we listen to local leadership and take into account both the culture of the bank and the needs of the communities we serve.”

Deon has been with the First Bank of Berne since 2003.

Matthew Reinoehl

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With a solid foundation in the banking industry, Matthew began his career by working as a teller in his undergrad years. Upon graduation, he diversified his skills by serving as an internal auditor, staff accountant and controller before taking on his current role as chief financial officer for First Bank of Berne. Matthew is a graduate of DeKalb High School, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Trine University in Angola, Indiana. He also has an advanced degree from the Graduate School of Banking at University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.

Matthew first developed an interest in accounting and business banking while in high school. The first bank he worked for was a large regional operation that specialized in mortgage lending, which he enjoyed until he discovered his love for community-focused banking.

Matthew was aware of First Bank of Berne’s powerful reputation as an experienced community bank, so when he saw the bank had a controller position open, he jumped at the opportunity. He believed his financial background and passion for business banking would be a good fit for First Bank of Berne, and he was especially interested in serving an integral role in helping ag businesses thrive.

A values-centric leader, Matthew is proud to be a part of the First Bank of Berne team, where everyone is committed to doing the right thing for both customers and communities. He believes that because many of the First Bank of Berne employees grew up in farm environments, agribusiness customers gain a distinct advantage in having a financial institution that genuinely understands their needs.

“First Bank of Berne is big on investing in the people and businesses that make our communities great. Here, I am able to take the time to understand each business’ needs, so that our team can develop the right strategies and services for their success. Helping local businesses thrive is very rewarding work.”

Matthew Reinoehl has been with First Bank of Berne since 2017.

Jenilee Bransteter

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Jenilee Bransteter has been in banking for 15 years. She earned a degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics from The Ohio State University before attending the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Banking.

Jenilee was drawn to First Bank of Berne because she was looking for a career that allowed her to serve others. She says First Bank of Berne is a perfect fit. She enjoys the teamwork at First Bank of Berne.

As the business banking manager for Berne, Jenilee interacts daily with area business owners who she describes as the most driven and inventive people in our communities. She appreciates conversations with business owners regarding strategies, opportunities, and successes. She enjoys the opportunity to share her perspectives on financial ratios and key drivers of cash flow while offering services to support them in achieving their goals.

Jenilee lives in Ohio where she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Rockford United Methodist Church. She is also involved with the Berne Rotary Club in Berne.

“I feel First Bank of Berne is best positioned to serve the local community because our customers have more than one banker in their corner. Every employee-owner carries a dedication to improving the financial future of our customers. We work as a team.”

Jenilee joined First Bank of Berne in 2007.