Monarch Community Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Charles Mulka, to chief lending officer (CLO) and first vice president at the bank.  Formerly, Mulka was a commercial lender with the bank and will continue to work with both the residential and commercial lenders.

Mulka has worked at Monarch for the last year, and has 20 years experience in banking.  His responsibilities in the new position include managing the commercial lending area, and playing an active role in driving organizational growth and the achievement of key strategic initiatives.

Mulka is a graduate of Madonna University, where he obtained a masters degree in business.  In his spare time he enjoys playing and teaching guitar and staying active in karate.

Monarch Community Bank is excited to announce some staffing changes and promotions at the headquarters in Coldwater.  Kirk Bell, has been promoted as mortgage loan officer; Jill Parsons, has been named branch manager; and Bruce Perkins is being welcomed as vice president and mortgage originations manager.

Bell has worked for the bank for three years, in a variety of positions including teller, new accounts, and commercial processing.  He is a graduate of Swanton High School, in Swanton Ohio and lives in Coldwater with his wife, Kate and three children.  Bell provides residential and consumer loans for Branch County and surrounding areas.

Jill Parsons, former branch manager for the Hillsdale Branch, has recently accepted the branch manager position at Monarch’s headquarters in Coldwater.   She is a graduate of Hillsdale High School and lives in Jonesville with her fiancé, Mike.  A reception to welcome Parsons will be held on Thursday, March 17^th at the bank’s headquarters at 375 N. Willowbrook Rd.

As a mortgage originations manager, Perkins will procure new business and promote good will, as well as maintaining a mortgage loan portfolio.  He is a graduate of Mason High School and of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance.  He has worked in banking for 15 years, coming to the bank from Lake Trust Credit Union in Lansing.  Perkins is married to his wife, Krista and has two daughters.  When asked what he is looking forward to in his new position he said, “Growing the department and the current loan volume while helping to increase the bottom line.”

Rick DeVries, President/CEO

The Board of Directors at Monarch Community Bank and Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc is proud to announce the appointment of Richard J. (“Rick”) DeVries, as the new president and CEO of the Bank and the Bancorp.  DeVries has begun working at the Bank, however, his appointment as President and CEO is subject to approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Michigan Office of Insurance and Financial Services, and the Federal Reserve.  He comes to the Bank with extensive banking experience and an enthusiasm for leading a community bank.

DeVries was previously the president and CEO of Pavilion Bancorp Inc./Bank of Lenawee in Adrian, Michigan.  During his five years as president he developed a dynamic sales and credit culture while significantly increasing shareholder value.  He has also been nationally recognized for innovations in product development and cross-selling.

DeVries also has a diverse background in banking, working as the president and CEO of Bank One/Citizens Bank in Ypsilanti and Lansing, commercial lending, venture capital lending, corporate training, commercial loan officer, and commercial lending trainee.  He obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Central Michigan University in the areas of Finance, Marketing, and Economics 

He is a graduate of St. Joseph High School in St. Joseph, Michigan and currently resides in Adrian with his wife, Dyana.  Together they have six children and two grandchildren.  In his spare time he enjoys running marathons, playing golf, and being with family.  DeVries office will be located at 375 N. Willowbrook Rd. in Coldwater.

“I’m excited to be working with the team of employees at Monarch to make this the best community bank in the country,” said DeVries.  His job responsibilities will include overseeing the day to day operations of the bank, managing investor relations, overseeing the adequacy and soundness of the organization’s financial structure, and representing the bank while providing support to customers, shareholders, the public, and the financial community.

Sharon Craun, AVP, Senior Collector

Monarch Community Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Sharon Craun to assistant vice president and senior collector for the bank.  Sharon has worked in banking for 16 years and has been at Monarch for six years.  Previously Sharon worked in the collections department as a collector.  Craun takes the place of Sandi Jackson, who is semi-retiring from Monarch.

Craun is a graduate of Colon High School and of Glen Oaks Community College with her degree in Business.  She also holds certifications in Collection Techniques and Law in Michigan. 

In her new position, Craun will be working with past due customers, reviewing the delinquent loan status for the bank, approving collection activities regarding workouts of loan payments on delinquent accounts, remaining current and ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations and assists with litigation and foreclosure activity.

Craun resides in Colon with her husband, Randy and their four children.  In her spare time she enjoys watching softball, camping, and spending time with family.  She is involved with the Colon Summer Recreation program, Colon Village Council, Colon Zoning Board of Appeals, and Colon’s Village Planning Commission.

Monarch Community Bank has announced the Employee of the 1^st Quarter for the bank.  Courtney Reneau, administrative assistant and Freddie Mac specialist was chosen by her co-workers for the award.  Her nominator noted that “Courtney is always willing to take on new tasks, and consistently pleasant to co-workers and customers.”

 Reneau is currently attending Kellogg Community College.  She has been at the bank for just over 1 year and came to Monarch from Time Services.  Her responsibilities include payroll, Freddie Mac delinquency monitoring, recording, tracking, and evaluating for possible work-out options, minute-taking, and assisting various departments. Reneau is also a member of Altrusa International.

 She resides in Coldwater with her fiancé and 4 year old daughter.  In her spare time she enjoys motocross racing, swimming, bowling, camping, riding four-wheelers and dune buggies, as well as attending her daughters dance classes, watching family motocross race, and attending soccer games.

Monarch Community Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Kirk Bell, new accounts representative at the headquarters on Willowbrook Road in Coldwater.  Bell will be opening new deposit and IRA accounts and assists customers with all aspects of opening and maintaining their accounts.

Jerry Yoder

Monarch Community Bank

has announced the Employee of the 4^th Quarter for the bank.  Jerry Yoder, vice president and REO and special projects manager.  Yoder was chosen by his co-workers for the award.  He has worked at Monarch for 33 years.

Yoder started his career at Monarch Community Bank, formerly Branch County Federal Savings and Loan, as a loan officer.  He has served in many positions over the years and has worked at seven different locations.  Most of his past experience has been in residential and commercial lending.

Yoder graduated from Westview High School in Topeka, Indiana and graduated with his BS degree from Tri-State College in General Business.  When asked what he likes most about his job he said, “the varied challenges and duties in my position.”  Jerry resides Ovid Township with his wife Teresa.

Don Denney, Monarch Community Bank’s President and CEO was pleased to announce Yoder as the recipient at a recent employee meeting and said, “Jerry has certainly earned this award through his dedication and commitment to Monarch over the years.  We’re glad to have him on our team”.