Equity Bank Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Equity Bank has 11 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and market development.

Driven by a commitment to comprehensive financial solutions, Equity Bank provides banking services such as checking, savings, home loans, investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans, impacting markets across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Equity Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Richard Sems
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Jason McDowell
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joseph Ngari
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Gerald Krittenbrink
  • Chief Operating Officer - Julie Huber
  • Market President - Craig Kesner
  • Regional President - Cleve Wortham
  • Market President - Corbin Cain
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Hanna Knutson
  • Presidentchief Executive Officer - Deborah Harris
  • Richard Sems - Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Sems, the Chief Executive Officer at Equity Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the institution. Sems guides the executive team in executing the bank's mission to provide comprehensive financial services, including checking, savings, home loans, investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in financial products and ensuring the bank's sustained growth and market relevance. By aligning departmental objectives with corporate goals, Richard Sems drives the bank's expansion and enhances its competitive position within the financial services sector. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all major business units, ensuring cohesive strategy implementation and robust performance across the organization.

    Jason McDowell - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Jason McDowell, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Equity Bank, holds ultimate responsibility for the institution's strategic direction and ownership oversight. McDowell's leadership ensures the bank's continued provision of essential financial services, encompassing checking, savings, home loans, investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans. This executive function involves setting long-term objectives and maintaining the financial health and integrity of the organization. By championing the bank's core values, Jason McDowell cultivates a culture of excellence and client-centric service. The Owner & Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in shaping the bank's market impact and ensuring its enduring success through strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

    Joseph Ngari - Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Ngari, the Chief Financial Officer at Equity Bank, directs the institution's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. Ngari oversees the management of all financial aspects, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies, supporting the bank's offerings of checking, savings, home loans, investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans. This critical role ensures the financial stability and profitability of the bank. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and identifying growth opportunities, Joseph Ngari safeguards the bank's assets and enhances shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is fundamental to the bank's sustainable growth and sound fiscal management.

    Gerald Krittenbrink - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Gerald Krittenbrink, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Equity Bank, plays a pivotal role in managing the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Krittenbrink directs financial operations, including capital management, risk assessment, and investment oversight, supporting the bank's broad spectrum of services from checking and savings to commercial loans. This senior executive position ensures robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory standards. By providing critical financial insights and guidance, Gerald Krittenbrink contributes significantly to the bank's profitability and long-term sustainability. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's leadership is integral to maintaining the bank's strong financial foundation.
    Gerald Krittenbrink

    Julie Huber - Chief Operating Officer

    Julie Huber, the Chief Operating Officer at Equity Bank, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency and service delivery across all banking functions. Huber oversees the seamless execution of services including checking, savings, home loans, investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans, ensuring high standards of client satisfaction and regulatory compliance. This executive position involves optimizing internal processes and resource allocation to support the bank's strategic objectives. By driving operational improvements, Julie Huber enhances the bank's capacity to serve its diverse clientele effectively. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on streamlined operations directly contributes to the bank's overall productivity and market responsiveness.

    Craig Kesner - Market President

    Craig Kesner, the Market President at Equity Bank, drives business development and client relationships within a specific geographic market. Kesner oversees the strategic deployment of banking services, including home loans, business financing, and commercial loans, tailored to the needs of the local economy. This leadership role involves building strong community ties and expanding the bank's presence. By fostering market growth and ensuring client satisfaction, Craig Kesner strengthens Equity Bank's regional impact. The Market President's focus on localized strategies ensures the bank effectively serves its diverse customer base and achieves its expansion goals.

    Cleve Wortham - Regional President

    Cleve Wortham, the Regional President at Equity Bank, leads strategic operations and growth initiatives across designated regions. Wortham directs the expansion and management of banking services, including checking, savings, home loans, and business financing, ensuring alignment with regional economic conditions and client demands. This executive position involves cultivating key partnerships and driving market penetration. By overseeing regional performance and implementing targeted growth strategies, Cleve Wortham enhances the bank's overall market reach and client engagement. The Regional President's leadership is crucial for adapting the bank's offerings to diverse regional needs.

    Corbin Cain - Market President

    Corbin Cain, the Market President at Equity Bank, spearheads market-specific growth strategies and client engagement initiatives. Cain directs the promotion and delivery of comprehensive banking solutions, including investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans, to meet the unique demands of the local market. This executive function focuses on building robust client portfolios and enhancing the bank's community presence. By driving market share and ensuring exceptional client service, Corbin Cain significantly contributes to Equity Bank's regional success. The Market President's dedication to localized outreach strengthens the bank's competitive advantage.

    Hanna Knutson - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Hanna Knutson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Equity Bank, leads the strategic development and implementation of human capital initiatives. Knutson oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and benefits programs, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce to support the bank's comprehensive financial services, including checking, savings, home loans, investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans. This executive function is vital for fostering a positive and productive work environment. By aligning HR strategies with business objectives, Hanna Knutson cultivates a culture that attracts and retains top talent, directly contributing to the bank's operational success and client service excellence.
    Hanna Knutson

    Deborah Harris - Presidentchief Executive Officer

    Deborah Harris, the Presidentchief Executive Officer at Equity Bank, spearheads the executive leadership and strategic initiatives across the organization. Harris directs the bank's comprehensive service offerings, including checking, savings, home loans, investing, online banking, business financing, and commercial loans, ensuring alignment with market demands and client needs. This pivotal role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and driving operational excellence. By overseeing key strategic functions, Deborah Harris ensures the bank's robust performance and expansion within the competitive financial landscape. The Presidentchief Executive Officer's influence extends to shaping the bank's culture and long-term vision, solidifying its position as a trusted financial partner.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Equity Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Equity Bank?
    Equity Bank is led by Richard Sems (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jason McDowell (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Joseph Ngari (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Equity Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Equity Bank includes leaders such as Richard Sems (Chief Executive Officer), Jason McDowell (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Ngari (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Equity Bank have?
    Equity Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Equity Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Equity Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.