Mercantile Bank Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Mercantile Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to community banking, Mercantile Bank provides comprehensive commercial and retail banking services, fostering financial growth for businesses and individuals across the United States through a robust suite of deposit and loan products.

Leadership Roles at Mercantile Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Challa Ramalingeswara
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Raymond Reitsma
  • Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer - Sammo Adhikary
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Charles Christmas
  • Chief Operating Officer - Scott Setlock
  • Community Bank President - Peter Stalker
  • President (Lansing) - Thomas Hoban
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Nichole Kladder
  • Chief Information Officer - Derrick Kooistra
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Mohammad Hasan
  • Challa Ramalingeswara - Chief Executive Officer

    Challa Ramalingeswara, the Chief Executive Officer at Mercantile Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the institution. Ramalingeswara oversees the development and execution of business plans aimed at expanding market reach and enhancing service offerings in commercial and retail banking. This leadership role involves guiding the bank's financial performance and ensuring alignment with its mission to serve small- to medium-sized businesses and individuals. Ramalingeswara's focus includes driving innovation in deposit products and loan portfolios, such as commercial and industrial loans and real estate financing. The Chief Executive Officer ensures the bank's strategic initiatives support sustainable growth and profitability across all operational segments. Ramalingeswara's guidance is critical for maintaining the bank's competitive position within the financial services sector.

    Raymond Reitsma - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Raymond Reitsma, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Mercantile Bank, spearheads the bank's strategic direction and operational execution. Reitsma manages the comprehensive delivery of commercial and retail banking services, focusing on growth within the United States market. This executive leadership involves overseeing the bank's diverse product lines, including checking, savings, and term certificate accounts, alongside various loan types like commercial, construction, and real estate financing. Reitsma's responsibilities extend to ensuring the bank's financial health and its capacity to offer competitive consumer loans and home equity programs. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives to strengthen client relationships and expand the bank's footprint. Raymond Reitsma's leadership ensures the bank effectively meets the financial needs of its business and individual customers.
    Raymond Reitsma

    Sammo Adhikary - Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer

    Sammo Adhikary, the Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer at Mercantile Bank, provides critical support to the financial operations of the institution. Adhikary assists in managing financial data, reporting, and administrative tasks essential for the bank's fiscal health. This role involves coordinating activities related to deposit products, loan portfolios, and operational expenditures. The Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer ensures efficient workflow and communication within the finance department. Sammo Adhikary's contributions are vital for maintaining accurate financial records and supporting strategic financial planning. Adhikary's diligent support enables the Chief Financial Officer to effectively oversee the bank's financial performance and compliance.

    Charles Christmas - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Charles Christmas, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Mercantile Bank, directs the institution's financial strategy and management. Christmas oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring the bank's fiscal health and profitability. This leadership role involves managing the bank's capital structure, investment strategies, and risk management frameworks. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the financial integrity of Mercantile Bank's operations, including its diverse loan portfolios and deposit-taking activities. Charles Christmas's expertise guides the bank's financial decision-making, supporting sustainable growth and shareholder value. Christmas ensures compliance with all financial regulations and reporting standards.

    Scott Setlock - Chief Operating Officer

    Scott Setlock, the Chief Operating Officer at Mercantile Bank, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency and service delivery across the institution. Setlock oversees the seamless functioning of core banking operations, including the processing of deposit products and the administration of loan portfolios. This executive leadership ensures the effective implementation of policies and procedures that govern commercial, retail, and consumer banking services. The Chief Operating Officer plays a vital role in optimizing processes related to loan origination, account management, and customer support. Scott Setlock's focus includes enhancing operational scalability and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Setlock's oversight is critical for maintaining the integrity and reliability of Mercantile Bank's financial services.
    Scott Setlock

    Peter Stalker - Community Bank President

    Peter Stalker, the Community Bank President at Mercantile Bank, leads the strategic development and operational oversight for specific community banking initiatives. Stalker focuses on strengthening relationships with small- to medium-sized businesses and individuals within designated market areas. This role involves managing local banking operations, ensuring the effective delivery of commercial and retail banking services, including deposit accounts and various loan products. The Community Bank President champions customer-centric approaches to financial services, fostering trust and loyalty. Peter Stalker's leadership is crucial for tailoring banking solutions to meet the unique needs of local communities. Stalker drives growth and service excellence at the community level, reinforcing Mercantile Bank's commitment to its client base.

    Thomas Hoban - President (Lansing)

    Thomas Hoban, the President (Lansing) at Mercantile Bank, directs the strategic operations and market presence for the Lansing region. Hoban oversees the delivery of comprehensive commercial and retail banking services, focusing on expanding the bank's footprint and client base within this key geographic area. This leadership position involves managing local teams and ensuring the effective provision of deposit products, commercial loans, and consumer financing options. The President (Lansing) is responsible for fostering strong community relationships and driving business development initiatives. Thomas Hoban's focus is on adapting Mercantile Bank's offerings to meet the specific economic needs of the Lansing market. Hoban ensures operational excellence and client satisfaction in the region.

    Nichole Kladder - Chief Marketing Officer

    Nichole Kladder, the Chief Marketing Officer at Mercantile Bank, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer acquisition. Kladder directs campaigns for a wide array of financial products, including deposit accounts, commercial loans, and consumer credit offerings. This role involves identifying market opportunities and developing targeted outreach programs for small- to medium-sized businesses and individuals. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees the promotion of insurance products, such as homeowners and life insurance, ensuring integrated messaging across all service lines. Nichole Kladder's efforts focus on driving customer engagement and loyalty through effective communication channels. Kladder's strategic initiatives are crucial for expanding the bank's market share and reinforcing its reputation for reliable financial services.
    Nichole Kladder

    Derrick Kooistra - Chief Information Officer

    Derrick Kooistra, the Chief Information Officer at Mercantile Bank, directs the bank's technology strategy and infrastructure to support its comprehensive banking services. Kooistra oversees the development and maintenance of secure and efficient IT systems, crucial for managing deposit accounts, loan processing, and online banking platforms. This leadership position involves ensuring the technological backbone supports Mercantile Bank's mission to serve businesses and individuals effectively. The Chief Information Officer is responsible for implementing innovative solutions that enhance customer experience and operational performance. Derrick Kooistra's strategic vision guides the bank's digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of new technologies for data management and cybersecurity. Kooistra ensures robust technological capabilities underpin all financial operations.
    Derrick Kooistra

    Mohammad Hasan - Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Mohammad Hasan, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Mercantile Bank, drives technological innovation and oversees the bank's technology infrastructure. Hasan leads the development and implementation of advanced technology solutions that enhance both commercial and retail banking services. This executive role involves managing the bank's IT systems, ensuring their security, reliability, and scalability to support a wide range of financial products, including loans and deposit accounts. The Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer is instrumental in advancing the bank's digital capabilities and improving operational efficiencies. Mohammad Hasan's strategic focus is on leveraging technology to meet evolving customer needs and maintain a competitive edge in the financial services industry. Hasan ensures technology aligns with Mercantile Bank's growth objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mercantile Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Mercantile Bank?
    Mercantile Bank is led by Challa Ramalingeswara (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Raymond Reitsma (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Sammo Adhikary (Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Mercantile Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Mercantile Bank includes leaders such as Challa Ramalingeswara (Chief Executive Officer), Raymond Reitsma (President & Chief Executive Officer), Sammo Adhikary (Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Mercantile Bank have?
    Mercantile Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Mercantile Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Mercantile Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.