Bell Bank Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bell Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, revenue, culture, and regional banking.

Committed to independent financial excellence, Bell Bank delivers comprehensive banking solutions while fostering a unique culture of service that empowers customers and strengthens communities across the region.

Leadership Roles at Bell Bank

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Solberg
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Rodney Jordahl
  • Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares - Blake Nelson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joan Ament
  • President (West, Fargo) - Todd Zabel
  • President-Northwest Metro - Mitch Joyce
  • President - Woodbury - Chris Klohn
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Jena Cogswell
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer & Director - David Canton
  • Chief of Staff & Chief Culture Officer & Executive VP - Julie Peterson Klein
  • Michael Solberg - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Solberg, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Bell Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for this independently-owned financial institution. By overseeing the full suite of banking services, including personal loans and mortgage products, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures long-term stability and growth. Michael Solberg maintains alignment with the board to execute initiatives that expand market reach across the United States. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of economic trends to optimize the bank's competitive position. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and operational standards, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward sustainable success. By prioritizing customer-centric financial solutions, Solberg secures the bank's reputation as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses alike, ensuring that every strategic decision reflects the core mission of providing exceptional service and financial security.
    Michael Solberg

    Rodney Jordahl - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Rodney Jordahl, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Bell Bank, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and asset management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the bank maintains a robust balance sheet. Rodney Jordahl provides critical insights to the board regarding investment opportunities and risk mitigation. This role involves monitoring the financial performance of various banking products, including savings accounts and personal loans, to maximize profitability. By maintaining strict adherence to regulatory requirements, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer safeguards the institution's financial integrity. Jordahl directs the financial planning processes that support long-term expansion and operational stability. Through meticulous analysis and strategic oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the bank possesses the necessary resources to continue providing high-quality financial services while achieving consistent growth in a complex economic environment.

    Blake Nelson - Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares

    Blake Nelson, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares at Bell Bank, manages the financial operations and capital structure for the holding company. Overseeing the fiscal oversight of State Bankshares, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares ensures that the bank's parent entity maintains strong liquidity and capital adequacy. Blake Nelson coordinates with the executive team to align financial strategies with the bank's long-term objectives. This role involves managing investor relations and ensuring compliance with complex financial regulations. By analyzing market trends and economic data, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares provides the guidance necessary for strategic decision-making. Nelson directs the financial planning and analysis functions that support the bank's overall growth. Through rigorous financial management, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares secures the stability and future success of the institution, ensuring that the bank continues to provide reliable financial services to its diverse client base.
    Blake Nelson

    Joan Ament - Chief Operating Officer

    Joan Ament, the Chief Operating Officer at Bell Bank, manages the internal infrastructure and daily business processes that support the bank's diverse financial offerings. Overseeing the efficiency of checking and savings account operations, the Chief Operating Officer implements scalable systems that enhance service delivery. Joan Ament coordinates with other executive leaders to streamline workflows and improve the overall customer experience. This role requires precise management of operational risks and the integration of new technologies to maintain high performance standards. By optimizing internal resources, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the bank remains agile in a competitive financial landscape. Ament focuses on operational excellence to support the broader organizational goals, ensuring that every department functions with maximum efficiency. Through this dedicated focus on internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer sustains the operational foundation necessary for the bank to provide reliable and accessible financial services to all clients.

    Todd Zabel - President (West, Fargo)

    Todd Zabel, the President (West, Fargo) at Bell Bank, directs the regional banking operations and market development in the western territory. Overseeing the delivery of checking, savings, and loan products, the President (West, Fargo) ensures that the bank meets the specific financial needs of the local community. Todd Zabel manages the regional team to drive growth and maintain high service standards. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with local businesses and individual clients to expand the bank's presence. By monitoring regional economic conditions, the President (West, Fargo) adapts strategies to capture new opportunities and mitigate local risks. Zabel executes initiatives that align with the bank's broader mission while addressing the unique requirements of the western market. Through dedicated regional leadership, the President (West, Fargo) strengthens the bank's reputation as a community-focused financial partner, ensuring that clients receive personalized attention and high-quality banking solutions.

    Mitch Joyce - President-Northwest Metro

    Mitch Joyce, the President-Northwest Metro at Bell Bank, leads the strategic expansion and operational management within the northwest metropolitan region. Overseeing the local branch network and financial service delivery, the President-Northwest Metro ensures that the bank provides competitive mortgage and personal loan products to the area. Mitch Joyce manages regional staff to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. This role involves engaging with the local business community to foster partnerships and drive new account growth. By analyzing regional market dynamics, the President-Northwest Metro implements targeted strategies that enhance the bank's competitive edge. Joyce executes the bank's mission by providing accessible and reliable financial services tailored to the needs of the northwest metro population. Through this focused regional leadership, the President-Northwest Metro secures the bank's growth and reinforces its commitment to serving the community with excellence and integrity.
    Mitch Joyce

    Chris Klohn - President - Woodbury

    Chris Klohn, the President - Woodbury at Bell Bank, directs the banking operations and client service initiatives within the Woodbury market. Overseeing the local branch performance, the President - Woodbury ensures that the bank delivers a full range of financial services, including checking accounts and personal loans, to the local community. Chris Klohn manages the regional team to achieve growth targets and maintain the bank's high standards for customer care. This leadership role involves active participation in local business development to expand the bank's client base. By monitoring local market trends, the President - Woodbury adapts service strategies to meet the evolving needs of the area. Klohn executes the bank's mission by providing personalized financial solutions that support the economic well-being of Woodbury residents. Through dedicated regional management, the President - Woodbury strengthens the bank's local presence and ensures that clients receive the exceptional service that defines the institution.
    Chris Klohn

    Jena Cogswell - Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Jena Cogswell, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Bell Bank, architects the brand strategy and market positioning for the institution. Overseeing all promotional activities and customer acquisition campaigns, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness for personal loans and mortgage products. Jena Cogswell analyzes market data to tailor messaging that resonates with diverse client segments. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to ensure that marketing initiatives align with the bank's growth objectives. By managing the public image and digital presence, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the bank's market share. Cogswell executes comprehensive outreach programs that highlight the unique value proposition of an independently-owned bank. Through strategic communication and brand development, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the bank remains a top-of-mind choice for individuals seeking personalized financial solutions and reliable banking services.

    David Canton - Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer & Director

    David Canton, the Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer & Director at Bell Bank, drives the revenue generation strategies across all banking divisions. Overseeing the sales teams and client relationship management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer & Director ensures that the bank meets its growth targets for mortgages and personal loans. David Canton develops innovative sales models that enhance customer engagement and retention. This leadership role involves working closely with the board to identify new market opportunities and revenue streams. By optimizing the sales funnel and improving conversion rates, the Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer & Director maximizes the bank's financial output. Canton leads initiatives that expand the bank's footprint, ensuring that revenue-generating activities remain aligned with the overall corporate mission. Through strategic sales leadership, the Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer & Director secures the bank's position as a leader in the financial services sector.

    Julie Peterson Klein - Chief of Staff & Chief Culture Officer & Executive VP

    Julie Peterson Klein, the Chief of Staff & Chief Culture Officer & Executive VP at Bell Bank, cultivates the internal environment and organizational values that define the bank's identity. Overseeing human capital initiatives and employee engagement programs, the Chief of Staff & Chief Culture Officer & Executive VP ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the bank's mission of service. Julie Peterson Klein facilitates communication between the executive leadership and the broader organization to maintain operational cohesion. This role involves developing strategies that promote a positive workplace culture, which directly impacts the quality of customer service. By managing internal projects and executive priorities, the Chief of Staff & Chief Culture Officer & Executive VP supports the bank's overall efficiency. Klein drives initiatives that foster professional development and retention. Through this focus on culture and organizational health, the Chief of Staff & Chief Culture Officer & Executive VP ensures that the bank remains a supportive and effective institution for both employees and clients.
    Julie Peterson Klein

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bell Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bell Bank?
    Bell Bank is led by Michael Solberg (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rodney Jordahl (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Blake Nelson (Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares).
    Who is part of Bell Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bell Bank includes leaders such as Michael Solberg (President & Chief Executive Officer), Rodney Jordahl (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Blake Nelson (Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bell Bank have?
    Bell Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bell Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bell Bank includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, State Bankshares, Chief Operating Officer, President (West, Fargo).