Alerus Financial Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to delivering integrated financial solutions, Alerus Financial drives long-term value for businesses and consumers through a diverse portfolio of banking, mortgage, retirement, and wealth management services.

Leadership Roles at Alerus Financial

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Katie Lorenson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Carl Carlson
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Alan Villalon
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lawrence McGraw
  • Regional President - Mark Carpenter
  • Market President - Matthew Bradford
  • Katie Lorenson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Katie Lorenson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alerus Financial, directs the overarching strategic vision and corporate governance for the entire organization. Overseeing the integration of banking, mortgage, retirement, and wealth management segments, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all business units to maximize client outcomes. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine long-term growth initiatives and maintain the firm's competitive position within the financial services sector. By fostering a culture of personalized service and financial expertise, Katie Lorenson directly influences the operational success of the company. Lorenson maintains a focus on sustainable expansion and the delivery of sophisticated treasury management solutions to business clients. Through rigorous oversight of the bank holding company structure, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the stability and future trajectory of the institution across all regional markets.

    Carl Carlson - Chief Financial Officer

    Carl Carlson, the Chief Financial Officer at Alerus Financial, manages the capital structure, financial reporting, and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing the balance sheet and liquidity management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains robust capital ratios while supporting diverse lending activities, including commercial real estate and business term loans. This role involves precise analysis of interest-bearing transaction accounts and deposit products to optimize net interest margins. By directing financial planning and forecasting, Carl Carlson provides the necessary data to support strategic decision-making across the four primary business segments. Carlson monitors market volatility and regulatory requirements to mitigate risk while driving profitability. Through the implementation of advanced financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the assets of the company and ensures transparency for stakeholders, ultimately reinforcing the financial foundation required for consistent growth and service delivery.

    Alan Villalon - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Alan Villalon, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Alerus Financial, leads the strategic investment analysis and investor relations functions. Overseeing the evaluation of capital allocation strategies, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the growth of the retirement and benefit services segment alongside core banking operations. This role involves communicating the financial performance and strategic outlook of the firm to external stakeholders and analysts. By analyzing market trends and competitive positioning, Alan Villalon provides critical insights that shape the long-term financial strategy of the organization. Villalon collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that financial objectives align with the broader mission of providing integrated financial solutions. Through the management of investor communications and financial planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the market presence and financial credibility of the company.
    Alan Villalon

    Lawrence McGraw - Chief Operating Officer

    Lawrence McGraw, the Chief Operating Officer at Alerus Financial, architects the internal processes and technological infrastructure that support the delivery of comprehensive financial services. Overseeing the operational efficiency of the banking and mortgage divisions, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines workflows for electronic receivables management and remote deposit capture. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance the client experience through digital transformation and improved service delivery models. By optimizing the operational framework, Lawrence McGraw ensures that the organization scales effectively while maintaining high standards of service quality. McGraw manages the integration of new technologies to support commercial lending and consumer banking operations. Through the continuous refinement of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives productivity and operational excellence, ensuring that the company remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of businesses and consumers across all service regions.

    Mark Carpenter - Regional President

    Mark Carpenter, the Regional President at Alerus Financial, directs the execution of business strategies across designated geographic territories to drive market share and client acquisition. Overseeing the delivery of commercial loans, lines of credit, and wealth management services, the Regional President ensures that local operations reflect the broader commitment to personalized financial expertise. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with business clients and community leaders to identify growth opportunities in commercial real estate and construction lending. By managing regional performance metrics, Mark Carpenter ensures that the company meets its revenue targets while maintaining high service standards. Carpenter coordinates with corporate leadership to implement national initiatives at the local level. Through the oversight of regional banking teams, the Regional President fosters a culture of excellence and ensures that the full spectrum of financial products reaches the target client base effectively.

    Matthew Bradford - Market President

    Matthew Bradford, the Market President at Alerus Financial, manages the day-to-day operations and client engagement strategies within specific local markets. Overseeing the origination of residential first mortgage loans and consumer installment products, the Market President ensures that individual borrowing needs receive tailored attention. This role involves driving the adoption of treasury management solutions among local businesses to streamline operations and increase deposit growth. By fostering deep connections within the local business community, Matthew Bradford identifies opportunities for commercial lending and wealth management expansion. Bradford monitors local economic conditions to adjust service delivery and maintain a competitive edge. Through the direct management of local banking staff, the Market President ensures that the company provides consistent, high-quality financial services. This leadership role is essential for maintaining the firm's reputation as a trusted financial partner and for achieving growth objectives within the assigned market area.

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    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).
    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) 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, Chief Operating Officer, Regional President.