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.