TOGETHER WE RISE
At MidWestOne, we pursue inclusion, belonging, and respect through our RISE initiative, which stands for Retention, Innovation, Support, and Empowerment. The mission of RISE is embedded in our operating principles, especially “work as one team”. We strive to continuously learn and deepen relationships with our team members, customers, and communities to understand, support, and provide opportunities for us all to work toward and achieve our full potential by creating environments of respect and belonging for all.
Together, we are stronger, and together we can leave the world better than we found it.
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Chip Reeves
MidWestOne Bank CEO
“The MidWestOne Bank Fundamentals are the daily behaviors that define our culture, and they are directly tied to the initiative and beliefs of RISE. “Do the Right Thing” and “Welcome Everyone” illuminate our important journey of Respect, Inclusion and Belonging within both MidWestOne and the communities we serve. I fervently believe in this journey, our RISE Councils, and the initiatives we have taken to date, and will in the future.”
The RISE Mission, Vision & Values
RISE MISSION
RISE stands for Retention, Innovation, Support, and Empowerment. Through RISE we aspire to create and sustain a culture of inclusion and belonging that is reflected in MidWestOne’s operating principles and incorporated into our company’s overall strategic goals and objectives.
RISE VISION
We strive to continuously learn and deepen relationships with our team members, customers, and communities to understand, support, and provide opportunities for us all to work toward and achieve our full potential. We are committed to improving the experiences of our team members and the customers we serve by creating environments of respect and belonging for all.
RISE VALUES
- Align with MidWestOne’s Strategic Plan
- Foster Culture Champions
- Do Good for Others
- Be Authentic
- Confront Discomfort, Reflect, and Educate
Supporting Our People
Affinity Groups
maintaining wellness
MENTORING PROGRAM
Supporting Our Communities
Our Communities
We are proud to support organizations within our communities. Here we believe a prosperous community is one that reaches the interests of all who live there.
MidWestOne does not provide and is not responsible for overall website content available at at third-party sites. MidWestOne privacy policies do not apply to linked websites and privacy disclosures should be consulted on third-party sites for further information.
MidWestOne Foundation
Supports non-profit groups, institutions, schools, and organizations that enhance the cultural well-being of the communities we serve. We predominately support capital and building campaigns that benefit the greater good over time.
RISE Councils
Len Devaisher
President & Chief Operating Officer
Iowa City, IA
"Working as one team is at the heart of who we are as a company. To be the best team we can be, it requires ALL of us, and it requires an environment where the sacred worth and dignity of EVERY individual is recognized and celebrated. Respect, belonging, and mutual learning: these are the hallmarks of the MidWestOne way.”
Stephanie SMith (she/her)
Retail Operations Coordinating Officer
Cedar Rapids, IA
"My goal is to create an environment that’s honest, open, and free from biases. When we focus on equity, inclusion, and belonging, we focus on creating that culture for our company."
Susan Moore (she/her)
Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer
Iowa City, IA
"Becoming a more inclusive organization is essential to business success. The journey may be complex, and progress may be difficult, however the greater risk is not embarking on the journey at all."
Barb Finney (she/her)
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Pella, IA
"It is essential to provide an environment that ensures we respect one another and that each of us has the opportunity to grow and contribute at our greatest potential."
MELISSA PAYNE (she/her)
First Vice President, Client Experience Officer
Iowa City, IA
"We all bring our unique experiences to work, and we are at our best when we can be our authentic selves every day. RISE is so important in creating a workplace where everyone feels like they belong."
TIM HETH (he/him)
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Iowa City, IA
"Our journey to create an equitable, and inclusive work environment is firmly aligned with our operating principles and unique culture. Treating others with fairness and respect is foundational. By working together, we can create a community where we value our differences and unique talents, so everyone is welcomed and valued."
KEVIN CONROY (he/him)
Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking
Denver, CO
"Focusing on inclusion and belonging is critical for success. A workforce working as one team typically fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement of everyone’s voice and ideas. The organizations who have this will have a far greater experience base to draw upon and will therefore be more innovative."
KATIE HALL (she/her)
Personal Banker
White Bear Lake, MN
"Everyone’s voice matters and we need equity, inclusion, and belonging to help us grow personally and professionally."
NAOMI Thornton (she/her)
Universal Banker
Elk River, MN
"I grew up with biases based on my looks and history. I want to make everyone aware what those biases can do to a person, good or bad and how we can all overcome them together and work towards a better environment for everyone."
DAVE Lindstrom (he/him)
Executive Vice President, Retail Banking
Golden Valley, MN
"Equity, inclusion and belonging are important to us at MidWestOne because they foster a positive company culture, improve employee satisfaction, and help attract and retain top talent. When we develop a culture that welcomes everyone being their authentic selves, we create an atmosphere that drives innovation, creativity, and a broader range of perspectives. This leads to a more dynamic and productive environment where everyone feels valued and that their voice is heard."
Matt Pfeffer (he/him)
Learning and Development Officer
Iowa City, IA
"A truly inclusive workplace is one where EVERYONE agrees they are being treated fairly and respectfully, are valued, have a sense of belonging and are psychologically safe. This isn’t about occasional grand gestures, it’s about those everyday smaller comments and actions. The only way for us to succeed is to integrate equity, inclusion and belonging into every aspect of MidWestOne."
Rae Christbaum (She/Her)
Universal Banker
Muscatine, IA
"I personally think that RISE is important because it gets others to share their cultures and stories that are close to them, which in turn makes others in the company get to learn more about things they have never learned."