MBT Bank recently named Rick Bonlender to the position of vice president, commercial and agricultural lending for the Rochester branch. In his new role, Bonlender will assume responsibility for working with the branch’s full range of commercial and ag-related lending services, according to a press release.

Bonlender was most recently employed with Deerwood Bank in Albert Lea. In his role as market president and commercial/ag lender, he was responsible for direct lending, credit quality and portfolio management.  Prior to Deerwood, Rick was vice president of business banking for American Bank of St. Paul, and served as vice president of business banking for Wells Fargo in Minneapolis.

“We are extremely excited to have Rick join our MBT team here in Rochester,” Community President of MBT Bank Rochester Tom Heepke said. “With his tremendous experience and knowledge of commercial and agricultural lending, he will be a great asset to the bank and the community.

Bonlender received his Bachelor of Arts degree in metro-urban studies from Augsburg College and completed his master of business administration coursework from Metropolitan State University. He also completed the College of Commercial Credit and received a certificate in commercial banking.

According to a press release, Bonlender is an active volunteer most recently serving on the Business Education Committee for the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and Shell Rock River Watershed District Advisory Committee.

Bonlender also serves as a director of the Augsburg College Alumni Association and currently lives in Faribault.