First International Bank Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

First International Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, market expansion, community banking, and regional operations.

Committed to providing comprehensive financial solutions, First International Bank maintains a legacy of community-focused service while driving sustainable growth across diverse regional markets through independent banking excellence.

Leadership Roles at First International Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Peter Stenehjem
  • President - Jef Cichos
  • President, Market (East) - Greg Mastrud
  • Branch President - Alex Neisen
  • Grand Forks President - Andrew Byron
  • President, Community (Sioux Falls) - Jason Appel
  • President (West, Fargo) - Troy Ott
  • Minot President - John Drady
  • President - Mark Friedt
  • Regional President, Arizona - Benjamin Danner
  • Peter Stenehjem - Chief Executive Officer

    Peter Stenehjem, the Chief Executive Officer at First International Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for this independent community bank. Overseeing the entire organizational structure, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between long-term financial goals and the core mission of providing accessible lending services. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends across North Dakota and beyond to maintain competitive advantages. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, Peter Stenehjem drives the institution toward sustained growth and stability. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to refine capital allocation strategies, ensuring the bank remains a pillar of financial support for local communities. Through rigorous oversight of risk management and asset growth, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the organization while upholding the standards established since 1910.
    Peter Stenehjem

    Jef Cichos - President

    Jef Cichos, the President at First International Bank, manages the daily operational execution of the bank's diverse financial service offerings. Focusing on internal efficiency, the President optimizes workflows across all departments to ensure seamless customer experiences. This role requires constant collaboration with executive leadership to implement policies that support the bank's status as an equal housing lender. Jef Cichos monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and service expansion. By streamlining administrative functions, the President enhances the overall agility of the institution in a competitive banking landscape. The President maintains a sharp focus on operational integrity, ensuring that every branch adheres to the high standards of service expected by clients. Through this dedicated management, the President strengthens the foundation of the bank, allowing for consistent delivery of high-quality financial products to the community.

    Greg Mastrud - President, Market (East)

    Greg Mastrud, the President, Market (East) at First International Bank, architects the growth strategy for the eastern regional operations. Overseeing business development initiatives, the President, Market (East) identifies key opportunities to expand the bank's footprint and increase market share. This leadership position involves building strong relationships with local businesses and community stakeholders to drive loan volume and deposit growth. Greg Mastrud ensures that the eastern market remains aligned with the broader corporate objectives of the bank. By analyzing regional economic indicators, the President, Market (East) adapts service delivery to meet the specific needs of the local population. The President, Market (East) coordinates with other regional leaders to share best practices and maintain consistent service quality. Through proactive engagement and strategic planning, the President, Market (East) solidifies the bank's presence as a premier financial partner in the eastern territory.

    Alex Neisen - Branch President

    Alex Neisen, the Branch President at First International Bank, manages the localized delivery of banking services and customer relationship management. Overseeing the daily activities of the branch, the Branch President ensures that all financial transactions and lending processes meet the bank's rigorous quality standards. This role involves direct engagement with the local community to foster trust and loyalty, which remains essential for the bank's success. Alex Neisen implements strategies to increase branch profitability while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction. By mentoring staff and promoting a service-oriented culture, the Branch President drives high performance within the local team. The Branch President coordinates with regional leadership to ensure that branch operations support the overall mission of the bank. Through consistent attention to detail and community involvement, the Branch President builds a robust local presence that contributes significantly to the bank's reputation.

    Andrew Byron - Grand Forks President

    Andrew Byron, the Grand Forks President at First International Bank, directs all banking operations within the Grand Forks market. Overseeing the expansion of lending services, the Grand Forks President ensures that the bank provides tailored financial solutions to local residents and businesses. This leadership role involves active participation in regional economic development to support the growth of the community. Andrew Byron monitors local market conditions to adjust service offerings and maintain a competitive edge. By fostering strong connections with clients, the Grand Forks President drives deposit growth and loan portfolio expansion. The Grand Forks President collaborates with the executive team to align local initiatives with the bank's overarching strategic goals. Through dedicated leadership and a focus on community needs, the Grand Forks President establishes the bank as a trusted financial institution in the region, ensuring long-term success and stability.

    Jason Appel - President, Community (Sioux Falls)

    Jason Appel, the President, Community (Sioux Falls) at First International Bank, leads the strategic development of banking services in the Sioux Falls area. Overseeing the implementation of community-focused lending programs, the President, Community (Sioux Falls) ensures that the bank meets the diverse financial needs of the local population. This role involves building partnerships with local organizations to enhance the bank's visibility and impact. Jason Appel analyzes regional market data to identify growth opportunities and optimize service delivery. By maintaining a focus on customer-centric banking, the President, Community (Sioux Falls) drives loyalty and long-term engagement. The President, Community (Sioux Falls) coordinates with other market leaders to ensure consistency in service quality across the bank's footprint. Through strategic planning and active community involvement, the President, Community (Sioux Falls) strengthens the bank's position as a leading financial provider in the Sioux Falls market.
    Jason Appel

    Troy Ott - President (West, Fargo)

    Troy Ott, the President (West, Fargo) at First International Bank, manages the strategic operations and business development for the Fargo and western regional markets. Overseeing the growth of the commercial and retail banking portfolios, the President (West, Fargo) ensures that the bank delivers high-value financial services to a broad client base. This leadership role involves navigating complex market dynamics to drive revenue and maintain operational efficiency. Troy Ott fosters relationships with key business leaders to expand the bank's influence and market reach. By implementing targeted growth strategies, the President (West, Fargo) enhances the bank's competitive standing in the region. The President (West, Fargo) collaborates with the executive team to ensure that regional activities align with the bank's core mission. Through proactive management and strategic vision, the President (West, Fargo) secures the bank's reputation as a reliable and innovative financial partner.
    Troy Ott

    John Drady - Minot President

    John Drady, the Minot President at First International Bank, directs the banking operations and community engagement efforts within the Minot market. Overseeing the delivery of comprehensive financial services, the Minot President ensures that the bank remains a primary resource for local businesses and individuals. This role involves active participation in regional economic initiatives to support the growth of the community. John Drady monitors local market trends to refine service offerings and improve customer satisfaction. By building strong relationships with clients, the Minot President drives loan volume and deposit growth. The Minot President coordinates with other regional leaders to share insights and maintain high standards of service. Through dedicated leadership and a focus on community needs, the Minot President establishes the bank as a trusted financial institution in the region, ensuring long-term success and stability for the organization.

    Mark Friedt - President

    Mark Friedt, the President at First International Bank, oversees the strategic execution of the bank's lending and financial service initiatives. Focusing on the expansion of the bank's service capabilities, the President ensures that all operations align with the goal of providing high-quality community banking. This role involves managing key relationships with stakeholders to drive business development and increase market presence. Mark Friedt monitors performance across various departments to ensure that the bank meets its financial targets and service standards. By implementing innovative strategies, the President enhances the bank's ability to serve its clients effectively. The President collaborates with the executive team to refine the bank's long-term vision and operational approach. Through consistent leadership and a commitment to excellence, the President strengthens the bank's foundation, ensuring that the institution continues to provide reliable financial support to the communities it serves.

    Benjamin Danner - Regional President, Arizona

    Benjamin Danner, the Regional President, Arizona at First International Bank, architects the expansion and operational strategy for the bank's presence in the Arizona market. Overseeing the development of new business opportunities, the Regional President, Arizona ensures that the bank's services meet the unique needs of the local population. This leadership role involves building a strong network of professional relationships to drive growth and increase market share. Benjamin Danner monitors regional economic conditions to adapt service delivery and maintain a competitive advantage. By fostering a culture of service excellence, the Regional President, Arizona enhances the bank's reputation in the region. The Regional President, Arizona coordinates with the executive team to ensure that the Arizona operations align with the bank's overall strategic objectives. Through proactive engagement and strategic planning, the Regional President, Arizona establishes the bank as a premier financial partner in the Arizona market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding First International Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads First International Bank?
    First International Bank is led by Peter Stenehjem (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jef Cichos (President) and Greg Mastrud (President, Market (East)).
    Who is part of First International Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of First International Bank includes leaders such as Peter Stenehjem (Chief Executive Officer), Jef Cichos (President), Greg Mastrud (President, Market (East)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does First International Bank have?
    First International Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in First International Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of First International Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, President, Market (East), Branch President, Grand Forks President.