Minneapolis, MN – Union Bank & Trust has selected Sean Cole as its new Chief Executive Officer. He was placed by DDJ Myers, the well-known leadership development firm that offers a broad range of solutions to help clients optimize their greatest assets – their people.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sean as our new CEO,” says Terry Nelson, Board Chair. “Our Board of Directors was impressed by his strong leadership skills, variety of executive-level banking experience, extensive strategic planning knowledge, and execution abilities. With Sean at the helm, we’re looking forward to a strong and fruitful future.”
Over the years, Union Bank & Trust has grown in both size and profitability by offering traditional banking services with a focus on Union organizations locally and nationally and acting as a custodian to safeguard the retirement assets of Union members through its Trust Division. As CEO, Sean will be charged with leading Union Bank & Trust into the future and setting the stage for further growth and expansion.
“I am very excited to join the Union Bank & Trust team,” says Cole. “Local, community-oriented banks make a difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and employees. Since Union Bank & Trust was founded by 24 construction and trade Unions in 1976, its strong track record of making a positive impact has stood out. I look forward to leading the team and celebrating our shared accomplishments with all of Union Bank & Trust’s stakeholders, especially our Union brothers and sisters.”
“DDJ Myers was wonderful to work with and their team made me feel cared for, heard and respected every step of the way,” says Cole. “Throughout the recruiting process, I never felt it was just a transaction. I am very appreciative of their support and confidence.”
Cole brings over 25 years of banking experience to his new role at Union Bank & Trust. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer for Luminate Bank. He also held various senior-level roles at Lake Area Bank and Roundbank.
Cole earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of North Dakota. He has continued his professional development by attending the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin and participating in several bank roundtables and CEO networks. Cole is also a long-time community volunteer, serving on local boards and finance councils to assist local non-profits.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends at the lake in central Minnesota, learning to make new things on the smoker, and traveling to explore new places, culture, and food.
About Union Bank & Trust
Founded by 24 construction and trade Unions in 1976, Union Bank & Trust is one of the only organizations in the country that is owned and controlled by the same members that created it over 40 years ago. We are a state chartered, FDIC insured, union-owned bank and trust. With the same capabilities as the largest financial organizations, our experienced and highly credentialed staff offers the personalized service and feel of a local, community-oriented Bank & Trust organization. Learn more at ubtmn.com.
About DDJ Myers, An ALM First Company
DDJ Myers specializes in leadership success through executive recruitment, strategic organization, and board development for financial institutions. In addition, they offer a broad range of online assessments to help companies optimize their greatest assets – their people. DDJ Myers joined forces with ALM First, a strategic partner that offers depositories an array of financial advisory services, in 2022 to provide expanded educational opportunities and solutions to help clients optimize both people and financial performance. Learn more at www.ddjmyers.com or visit our parent company www.almfirst.com.
