First International Bank Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

First International Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, commercial lending, and regional market operations.

Committed to community-focused financial services, First International Bank delivers comprehensive banking solutions while maintaining a strong dedication to independent, equal housing lending practices across the region.

Leadership Roles at First International Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Peter Stenehjem
  • President, Branch & Commercial Lending - Rhonda Curtis
  • President - Shaun Jeffs
  • President (West, Fargo) - Troy Ott
  • Market President - Tanner Johnson
  • President - Jef Cichos
  • Branch President - Aaron Levorsen
  • Minot President - John Drady
  • President - Mandan, ND - Dana Petersen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Michael Rylance
  • Peter Stenehjem - Chief Executive Officer

    Peter Stenehjem, the Chief Executive Officer at First International Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives for the organization. Overseeing the entire executive team, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between community banking values and modern financial performance metrics. This leadership role involves managing complex regulatory requirements while expanding the footprint of the institution across North Dakota and beyond. By prioritizing sustainable asset growth and customer-centric service models, Peter Stenehjem directly influences the stability and market reputation of the bank. Stenehjem maintains constant communication with the Board to refine corporate governance and operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and risk management, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the institution, ensuring that the bank remains a cornerstone of the communities served while navigating the evolving landscape of the independent banking sector.
    Peter Stenehjem

    Rhonda Curtis - President, Branch & Commercial Lending

    Rhonda Curtis, the President, Branch & Commercial Lending at First International Bank, directs the expansion of commercial credit portfolios and the operational performance of the branch network. Overseeing the lending teams, the President, Branch & Commercial Lending ensures that credit underwriting standards remain consistent with the bank's risk appetite and community lending goals. This leadership role involves managing relationships with business clients while driving revenue growth through tailored financial products. By streamlining the loan approval process, Rhonda Curtis directly improves the customer experience for commercial borrowers. Curtis coordinates with regional leadership to ensure that branch operations support the broader strategic objectives of the institution. Through the effective management of loan portfolios and branch productivity, the President, Branch & Commercial Lending strengthens the bank's market position, fostering economic development within the communities served by the organization while maintaining high standards of asset quality and financial performance.

    Shaun Jeffs - President

    Shaun Jeffs, the President at First International Bank, directs the execution of corporate strategy and the management of core banking operations. Overseeing the alignment of departmental goals, the President ensures that the institution maintains its status as a premier independent community bank. This leadership role involves fostering internal collaboration to improve service delivery and operational efficiency across all business units. By monitoring key performance indicators, Shaun Jeffs directly impacts the profitability and growth trajectory of the bank. Jeffs works closely with the executive team to refine product offerings and enhance the competitive advantage of the institution in the financial services market. Through the implementation of strategic initiatives, the President drives the organization toward long-term success, ensuring that the bank remains responsive to the needs of its clients while upholding the values of integrity and community service that define the operational philosophy of the entire organization.

    Troy Ott - President (West, Fargo)

    Troy Ott, the President (West, Fargo) at First International Bank, directs the strategic growth and market penetration within the western and Fargo regions. Overseeing local operations, the President (West, Fargo) ensures that the bank's community-focused lending and deposit services meet the specific needs of these dynamic markets. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with local business leaders and community stakeholders to expand the bank's influence. By tailoring financial solutions to the unique economic conditions of the region, Troy Ott directly contributes to the overall revenue growth of the institution. Ott coordinates with corporate leadership to ensure that regional activities align with the broader mission of the bank. Through the effective management of local teams and the pursuit of new business opportunities, the President (West, Fargo) strengthens the presence of the bank, ensuring that the institution remains a trusted financial partner for individuals and businesses throughout the western and Fargo territories.
    Troy Ott

    Tanner Johnson - Market President

    Tanner Johnson, the Market President at First International Bank, directs the development and execution of market-specific growth strategies to increase the bank's local footprint. Overseeing the performance of the assigned market, the Market President ensures that all banking services are delivered with a focus on community engagement and customer satisfaction. This leadership role involves identifying new business opportunities and managing local client relationships to drive deposit and loan growth. By analyzing market trends, Tanner Johnson directly influences the competitive positioning of the bank within the local financial landscape. Johnson collaborates with regional and corporate teams to ensure that local initiatives support the overarching goals of the institution. Through the active management of market-level operations and the cultivation of strong community ties, the Market President enhances the reputation of the bank, ensuring that the institution remains a vital financial resource for the local population and business community.

    Jef Cichos - President

    Jef Cichos, the President at First International Bank, directs the operational excellence and strategic development of key business segments within the organization. Overseeing the implementation of corporate policies, the President ensures that all departments maintain high standards of service and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and improve the overall customer experience. By fostering a culture of accountability and performance, Jef Cichos directly impacts the operational success of the bank. Cichos works with the executive leadership to refine the strategic direction of the institution, ensuring that the bank remains agile in a competitive financial environment. Through the effective oversight of daily operations and the pursuit of long-term growth objectives, the President strengthens the foundation of the bank, ensuring that the institution continues to provide reliable and innovative financial solutions to its diverse client base while maintaining its commitment to community-focused banking.

    Aaron Levorsen - Branch President

    Aaron Levorsen, the Branch President at First International Bank, directs the daily operations and customer service initiatives at the branch level. Overseeing the branch staff, the Branch President ensures that all banking transactions and client interactions reflect the core values of the institution. This leadership role involves managing local loan portfolios and deposit growth while maintaining strict adherence to banking regulations. By providing personalized financial guidance to local clients, Aaron Levorsen directly enhances the loyalty and satisfaction of the customer base. Levorsen coordinates with regional management to ensure that branch activities align with the broader strategic goals of the bank. Through the effective management of branch resources and the cultivation of strong local relationships, the Branch President strengthens the presence of the bank, ensuring that the institution remains a trusted and accessible financial partner for the community, providing essential services that support the economic well-being of the local area.

    John Drady - Minot President

    John Drady, the Minot President at First International Bank, directs the strategic operations and business development efforts within the Minot market. Overseeing the local team, the Minot President ensures that the bank's financial products and services are effectively delivered to meet the needs of the local community. This leadership role involves building and maintaining relationships with key business clients and community leaders to drive growth. By monitoring local economic conditions, John Drady directly influences the bank's market strategy and performance in the area. Drady collaborates with corporate leadership to ensure that local initiatives are consistent with the overall mission of the institution. Through the effective management of local operations and the pursuit of new business opportunities, the Minot President strengthens the bank's position in the market, ensuring that the institution remains a vital financial resource for the Minot community while upholding the high standards of service and integrity expected of the bank.

    Dana Petersen - President - Mandan, ND

    Dana Petersen, the President - Mandan, ND at First International Bank, directs the growth and operational success of the bank's presence in the Mandan region. Overseeing the local branch and business development activities, the President - Mandan, ND ensures that the institution provides high-quality financial services to the local community. This leadership role involves managing client relationships and identifying opportunities for loan and deposit growth within the market. By fostering strong connections with local businesses and residents, Dana Petersen directly contributes to the bank's market share and reputation in the area. Petersen works with regional and corporate teams to ensure that local operations support the broader strategic objectives of the bank. Through the effective management of local resources and the pursuit of community-focused initiatives, the President - Mandan, ND strengthens the bank's position, ensuring that the institution remains a trusted and reliable financial partner for the Mandan community.
    Dana Petersen

    Michael Rylance - Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Michael Rylance, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at First International Bank, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks necessary for modern community banking. Overseeing the integration of advanced financial software, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures that all digital platforms remain secure, scalable, and user-friendly for a diverse client base. This leadership role involves managing the transition toward cloud-based banking solutions while mitigating risks associated with data privacy and system uptime. By optimizing internal workflows through automation, Michael Rylance directly enhances the operational speed of the bank. Rylance collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technological investments with the broader mission of providing accessible financial services. Through the implementation of robust IT governance, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer maintains the integrity of the bank's digital assets, supporting the institution's commitment to reliable and efficient service delivery across all regional markets.

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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 Rhonda Curtis (President, Branch & Commercial Lending) and Shaun Jeffs (President).
    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), Rhonda Curtis (President, Branch & Commercial Lending), Shaun Jeffs (President) 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, Branch & Commercial Lending, President, President (West, Fargo), Market President.