Our staff

Peter Alworth, Chairman and CEO (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 (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.

Lynn Olson, Chief Credit Officer (763-488-1227)
In her role as Chief Credit Officer, Lynn's commitment to fiscal fitness shows. Lynn's primary responsibilities include managing the commercial banking department as well as 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.

Nick Shultz, Vice President and Manager of Commercial Banking (763-488-1212)
A St. Michael resident, Nick is active in many community organizations including the STMA Soccer Club as a board member and coach, and the Shop St. Michael Council. Nick has worked in commercial finance for over 10 years, and is extremely proud to employ his experience in the Northwest Twin Cities market. Outside the bank, when Nick is not spending time with his family, you can try to catch him swimming, biking, or running in preparation for his next triathlon.

Brandi Nelson, Vice President, Commercial Banking (763-488-1237)
Brandi has had a wonderful opportunity to experience many areas of banking throughout her career. From being a teller, personal banker and staffing specialist, her passion of working with customers led her to being a business relationship manager and now a commercial banker. Business owners appreciate her attention to detail as she helps them guide them with their business financing needs. Her educational background in business is also solid; Brandi earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Brandi also finds time to give of her time and energy to charitable and professional organizations, most recently volunteering as part of the local United Way.

Doug Savaloja, Vice President/Mortgage and Consumer Lending, NMLS #431486 (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 (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, Administrative Assistant Officer/HR (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.