Alerus Financial Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Alerus Financial has 6 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, operational efficiency, market expansion, and regional banking management.

Focused on delivering integrated financial solutions, Alerus Financial empowers businesses and consumers through a comprehensive suite of banking, mortgage, retirement, and wealth management services across diverse markets.

Leadership Roles at Alerus Financial

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Katie Lorenson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Carl Carlson
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs) - Alan Villalon
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lawrence McGraw
  • Southeast Wisconsin Market President - Michael Eckl
  • Market President - Matt Bradford
  • Katie Lorenson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Katie Lorenson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alerus Financial, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory of the organization. By aligning the four primary business segments—Banking, Mortgage, Retirement and Benefit Services, and Wealth Management—the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures cohesive delivery of integrated financial solutions to a broad client base. Lorenson manages high-level interactions with the Board of Directors to maintain fiscal health and operational excellence. Through the promotion of a culture centered on personalized service, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives market competitiveness across all regional operations. Katie Lorenson maintains a focus on sustainable expansion, ensuring that the bank holding company remains responsive to evolving economic conditions. By prioritizing client-centric innovation, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's position as a leader in comprehensive financial services, ultimately fostering long-term value for shareholders and clients alike.

    Carl Carlson - Chief Financial Officer

    Carl Carlson, the Chief Financial Officer at Alerus Financial, oversees the financial integrity and capital allocation strategies of the institution. The Chief Financial Officer manages the complex balance sheet requirements inherent in a bank holding company, ensuring liquidity and regulatory compliance across all business segments. By analyzing market trends and internal performance metrics, Carlson optimizes the deployment of capital to support commercial lending, mortgage origination, and wealth management growth. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to refine fiscal policies that bolster the organization's stability. Carl Carlson directs the financial reporting processes, providing transparency to stakeholders while maintaining rigorous internal controls. Through the management of interest-bearing transaction accounts and time deposits, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a robust funding base. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of economic indicators to mitigate risk, thereby supporting the overall financial health and strategic objectives of the company.

    Alan Villalon - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs)

    Alan Villalon, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs) at Alerus Financial, manages investor relations and public market communications for the organization. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs) monitors the financial performance of the company's diverse business segments, ensuring alignment with public market expectations and regulatory standards. By evaluating the profitability of the Retirement and Benefit Services division alongside core banking operations, Villalon provides critical insights for strategic decision-making. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs) oversees the firm's capital structure, balancing the needs of shareholders with the requirements for ongoing business investment. Alan Villalon directs the financial planning and analysis functions, ensuring that the organization maintains a competitive edge in the financial services industry. Through rigorous oversight of financial data, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs) supports the firm's commitment to long-term growth and stability.
    Alan Villalon

    Lawrence McGraw - Chief Operating Officer

    Lawrence McGraw, the Chief Operating Officer at Alerus Financial, architects the operational infrastructure required to deliver sophisticated treasury management and banking services. The Chief Operating Officer streamlines internal processes, including electronic receivables management and remote deposit capture, to enhance efficiency for business clients. By integrating technology across the Banking and Mortgage divisions, McGraw ensures seamless service delivery and operational scalability. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to refine workflows, reducing friction in commercial loan processing and construction lending. Lawrence McGraw drives initiatives that improve the client experience, focusing on the execution of operational excellence across all regional footprints. Through the oversight of internal systems and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's ability to provide personalized financial expertise at scale. This role remains critical in maintaining the operational agility necessary to adapt to changing market demands while upholding the high service standards of the organization.

    Michael Eckl - Southeast Wisconsin Market President

    Michael Eckl, the Southeast Wisconsin Market President at Alerus Financial, drives regional growth and business development initiatives within the specified geographic territory. The Southeast Wisconsin Market President oversees the delivery of commercial lending, business term loans, and treasury management solutions to local enterprises. By cultivating relationships with business owners and community leaders, Eckl expands the firm's market share and strengthens the brand's presence. The Southeast Wisconsin Market President coordinates with the broader organization to ensure that regional clients receive the full spectrum of wealth management and retirement services. Michael Eckl manages the local team, fostering a culture of personalized service that aligns with the company's mission. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, the Southeast Wisconsin Market President ensures that the firm remains a primary financial partner for businesses and individuals in the region. This leadership role involves balancing local market nuances with the overarching strategic goals of the national association.

    Matt Bradford - Market President

    Matt Bradford, the Market President at Alerus Financial, leads regional operations and client acquisition strategies to support the firm's expansion goals. The Market President oversees the origination of residential first mortgage loans and consumer lending products, ensuring that individual borrowing needs are met with precision. By managing local commercial real estate financing and construction lending portfolios, Bradford drives revenue growth and supports regional development projects. The Market President collaborates with the wealth management and retirement services teams to provide holistic financial solutions to the local client base. Matt Bradford directs the daily operations of the market, ensuring that service delivery remains consistent with the organization's high standards. Through the cultivation of deep community ties, the Market President enhances the firm's reputation as a trusted financial partner. This leadership role involves identifying new business opportunities and optimizing the local service model to maintain a competitive advantage in the financial services landscape.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Banking

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Alerus Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Alerus Financial?
    Alerus Financial is led by Katie Lorenson (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Carl Carlson (Chief Financial Officer) and Alan Villalon (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs)).
    Who is part of Alerus Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of Alerus Financial includes leaders such as Katie Lorenson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Carl Carlson (Chief Financial Officer), Alan Villalon (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Alerus Financial have?
    Alerus Financial has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Alerus Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Alerus Financial includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, At Alerus (Nasdaq Alrs), Chief Operating Officer, Southeast Wisconsin Market President.