Our staff

Peter Alworth, Chairman (763-488-1202)
As one of our founders, Peter wanted to bring more banking options to the growing community of St. Michael and the surrounding area. As an entrepreneur himself, he knows what growing businesses need from a bank: an open ear to learn about their business and understand their financial needs, access to the capital they need to grow and great day-to-day personal service. And as former president and co-founder of a Minneapolis financial software business, he also wants to bring customers the convenience of innovative banking technologies like Internet banking.

Paul Ederer, President and CEO (763-488-1201)
During more than 20 years as a resident, Paul's been directly involved in helping St. Michael develop into the thriving community it is today. He's been active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club and the Library Board, and is the current chair of the city's Economic Development Authority. Since helping found our bank in 1999, he's also been using his nearly 35 years of local banking experience to help customers from small business owners to young families build their financial strength. Paul keeps up his physical strength for his business and community pursuits by running, golfing and hunting.

Fred Green, Senior Vice President (763-488-1215)
Fred brings 15 years of community and regional banking experience and 11 years in investment banking to Great Northern Bank. Throughout his career, he has been involved with community bank lending and client service to small-to-middle market companies. In his role at Great Northern Bank, he will continue to connect with businesses in the community, developing new relationships for the bank. Fred is active in professional, civic and business organizations in the area, so you’re bound to see him around the community and throughout the Twin Cities area.

Doug Bleess, Vice President, Lending (763-488-1206)
With over 30 years of experience in lending and commercial banking, Doug is a great addition to Great Northern Bank. He has been a part of the St. Michael community since 1976, as a resident and active participant of the St. Michael Lions. Get to know Doug, and you'll find that he's not only a good banker, but a good listener as well.

Lynn Olson, Vice President, Commercial Banking (763-488-1227)
Staying healthy and fit is an important part of Lynn's lifestyle. And in her role as Commercial Banking Officer, Lynn's commitment to fiscal fitness shows. Lynn's primary responsibilities include originating commercial loans and promoting business development in St Michael and surrounding communities. Lynn's background in credit and credit analysis helps Great Northern Bank stay fiscally strong in order to serve the needs of growing businesses in the area. When Lynn is not at the bank, you'll find her enjoying the outdoors, especially on the running trails in and around the Crow River area.

Kathy Marquette, Vice President, Consumer and Real Estate Lending (763-488-1203)
Personal banking expertise and in-depth knowledge of the community make Kathy an excellent resource for her customers. She joined Great Northern Bank when the doors opened, but this is just the last stop in a banking career that now spans three decades. Her familiarity with St. Michael runs even deeper-Kathy has spent her whole life here. She especially enjoys applying her banking skills and community knowledge to help families find the financing they need to meet their financial goals.

Doug Savaloja, Vice President, Mortgage Lending (763-488-1214)
With a well-rounded background in financial services, Doug is a real asset to Great Northern Bank. He brings his knowledge and insight in the mortgage loan arena to the St. Michael area, and is looking forward to finding the best mortgage programs to fit his customers' needs.

Mary Hartner, Rail Riders Club Director and Asst. VP, Personal Banking (763-488-1204)
Whether she's showing a child how money can grow or helping a seasoned customer seamlessly transfer accounts to Great Northern Bank, Mary enjoys making personal banking experiences positive ones. After living in St. Michael for more than 22 years, many new customers know Mary before they walk in our doors. They also know that with her genuine concern for people and her 16 years of banking experience, she'll help them open accounts which will best serve their needs. She also serves as the director of the Rail Riders Club, a financial, social and travel club for individuals aged 50 or better.

Anita Lenneman, Asst. VP, Personal Banking and Co-Director of Rail Car Kids Club (763-488-1205)
Anita's primary responsibility is to help new personal banking customers get off on the right foot at Great Northern Bank. Whether it's suggesting a different type of checking account or developing a plan that meets a long-term savings goal, Anita enjoys finding new ways to make financial services work harder for her customers. And Anita's advice is worth listening to-after all, it's based on over 24 years of personal banking experience! A busy mother of three, Anita is also a lifelong St. Michael resident and an active member of the St. Michael Parish.

Jay Larson, Vice President, Operations Manager (763-488-1226)
Jay feels right at home in St Michael, recently relocating from northern Minnesota. In his role as Operations Manager, Jay is responsible for overseeing operations as well as ensuring a smooth day-to-day operation of the Great Northern Bank. Besides bank operations, Jay brings valuable experience in a variety of financial functions to his current position. Family and community are important to Jay, and you'll see him with his family around St. Michael enjoying the recreation and hometown feel of the community.

Carol Eicher, Personal Banking Officer/Administrative Assistant (763-488-1209)
Carol has many gifts to offer customers at Great Northern Bank. Her greatest gift is her ability to connect with people. Maybe because she has lived in St. Michael her entire life and knows lots of residents, or because she has four children and an ever-expanding number of grandchildren. More than likely, it is Carol's great ability to listen and spend the time it takes to take care of individual needs. At Great Northern, she balances her time between helping customers select the accounts right for them, as well as provide support for a number of projects that make the bank run smoothly. Carol spends her free time cooking and spoiling her grandchildren.

Sharon Schumm, Operations Officer (763-488-1212)
Sharon has over 25 years of banking experience in the St. Michael Area. A good deal of Sharon's experience has been working with the general ledger, reconciling accounts and monitoring the banks compliance and audit issues. Sharon is the mother of three grown children and enjoys spoiling seven grandchildren. She has lived in St. Michael for over 35 year. She is an active member of the St. Michael Church and has been an election judge in the community for several years.