Mercantile Bank Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering robust financial solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses, Mercantile Bank prioritizes sustainable growth and community-centric banking services across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Mercantile Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Challa Vara Prasad
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Ray Reitsma
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Charles Christmas
  • Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer - Sammo Adhikary
  • Chief Operating Officer - Scott Setlock
  • Community Bank President - Peter Stalker
  • Community Bank President - Nancy Turtle
  • President (Lansing) - Thomas Hoban
  • Chief Information Officer - Derrick Kooistra
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Nichole Kladder
  • Challa Vara Prasad - Chief Executive Officer

    Challa Vara Prasad, the Chief Executive Officer at Mercantile Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for commercial and retail banking operations. Prasad architects long-term growth initiatives by aligning deposit products and loan portfolios with the evolving needs of small- to medium-sized businesses. By overseeing the integration of industrial lending and residential mortgage services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent market expansion across the United States. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health and regulatory compliance. Challa Vara Prasad drives the organizational culture toward excellence in customer service and operational efficiency. Through the management of diverse financial assets, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the institution within the regional banking landscape. Ultimately, Prasad fosters a stable environment for both individual depositors and corporate clients seeking reliable financial partnerships.

    Ray Reitsma - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ray Reitsma, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Mercantile Bank, manages the daily execution of corporate strategy and institutional performance. Reitsma oversees the delivery of comprehensive banking services, including commercial loans and consumer credit programs, to ensure alignment with the bank's core mission. By coordinating with senior leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the balance between risk management and revenue generation. This role involves driving initiatives that enhance the accessibility of home equity lines and insurance products for a broad client base. Ray Reitsma maintains a focus on operational scalability to support the bank's presence in the United States market. Through rigorous oversight of lending practices and deposit growth, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the institution's financial foundation. Reitsma ensures that all banking activities reflect the commitment to providing high-quality financial support to local communities.
    Ray Reitsma

    Charles Christmas - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Charles Christmas, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Mercantile Bank, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital management strategies. Christmas oversees the bank's balance sheet, ensuring that deposit products and loan portfolios remain balanced and profitable. By managing the institution's fiscal health, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the bank's ability to provide diverse lending options, including residential construction and commercial real estate loans. This role involves collaborating with the Board to assess financial risks and opportunities within the United States banking market. Charles Christmas drives the development of financial models that guide the bank's long-term investment and growth strategies. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the bank maintains a strong liquidity position. Christmas guarantees that all financial reporting adheres to regulatory standards while supporting the bank's mission.

    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, manages the administrative workflows and operational support for the finance department. Adhikary oversees the coordination of financial documentation and internal communications that facilitate the bank's reporting processes. By driving the efficiency of the Chief Financial Officer's office, the Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer ensures that critical financial data remains organized and accessible. This role involves supporting the execution of strategic financial initiatives related to commercial and retail banking services. Sammo Adhikary manages the scheduling and preparation for high-level meetings that impact the bank's fiscal direction. Through the maintenance of administrative excellence, the Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer enables the finance team to focus on capital management and growth. Adhikary ensures that all administrative tasks align with the bank's broader operational goals.

    Scott Setlock - Chief Operating Officer

    Scott Setlock, the Chief Operating Officer at Mercantile Bank, manages the internal processes and administrative functions that sustain the bank's daily operations. Setlock oversees the execution of commercial and industrial loan workflows, ensuring that service delivery remains efficient and compliant. By driving improvements in operational procedures, the Chief Operating Officer supports the bank's ability to provide safe deposit facilities and courier services to a wide range of clients. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline the management of real estate loans and consumer credit products. Scott Setlock ensures that the bank's infrastructure can handle the demands of a growing customer base across the United States. Through the optimization of internal resources, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of service quality. Setlock guarantees that all operational activities contribute to the overall financial health and strategic objectives of the institution.
    Scott Setlock

    Peter Stalker - Community Bank President

    Peter Stalker, the Community Bank President at Mercantile Bank, directs the regional banking operations and client engagement strategies. Stalker oversees the delivery of personalized commercial and retail banking services to local businesses and individuals. By driving community-focused initiatives, the Community Bank President ensures that the bank's loan programs, including home equity lines and consumer loans, meet the specific needs of the local market. This role involves building strong relationships with regional stakeholders to foster long-term growth and loyalty. Peter Stalker manages the local team to ensure high standards of service in deposit accounts and residential mortgage lending. Through the implementation of regional strategies, the Community Bank President supports the bank's overall mission of providing accessible financial solutions across the United States. Stalker guarantees that all community-level operations reflect the bank's commitment to excellence and local economic development.

    Nancy Turtle - Community Bank President

    Nancy Turtle, the Community Bank President at Mercantile Bank, manages the expansion of banking services and client acquisition within the assigned regional territory. Turtle oversees the implementation of commercial and industrial lending programs tailored to the unique requirements of local small- to medium-sized businesses. By driving the growth of deposit products and insurance offerings, the Community Bank President ensures that the bank remains a primary financial partner for the community. This role involves coordinating with regional staff to provide exceptional service in residential real estate and consumer loan products. Nancy Turtle maintains a focus on operational excellence to support the bank's presence in the United States. Through the development of local market strategies, the Community Bank President strengthens the institution's reputation for reliability and customer care. Turtle ensures that all regional activities align with the bank's core values and strategic objectives.

    Thomas Hoban - President (Lansing)

    Thomas Hoban, the President (Lansing) at Mercantile Bank, directs the strategic operations and business development efforts within the Lansing market. Hoban oversees the provision of commercial and retail banking services, ensuring that local businesses and individuals receive tailored financial support. By driving the growth of the bank's loan and deposit portfolios in this region, the President (Lansing) strengthens the institution's market position. This role involves managing local client relationships and identifying opportunities for residential and commercial real estate lending. Thomas Hoban coordinates with the broader bank leadership to ensure that regional initiatives align with the overall corporate strategy. Through the effective management of local resources, the President (Lansing) supports the bank's mission of providing comprehensive financial solutions across the United States. Hoban guarantees that all regional operations maintain the high standards of service and integrity expected of the bank.

    Derrick Kooistra - Chief Information Officer

    Derrick Kooistra, the Chief Information Officer at Mercantile Bank, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern commercial and retail banking. Kooistra oversees the implementation of secure technology platforms that facilitate seamless deposit management and loan processing for clients. By driving the modernization of internal systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data integrity and cybersecurity remain at the forefront of the bank's operations. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate advanced financial tools into the existing service framework. Derrick Kooistra manages the technological roadmap to improve efficiency in residential mortgage and consumer loan workflows. Through the deployment of robust digital solutions, the Chief Information Officer enables the bank to maintain a competitive edge in the United States financial sector. Kooistra guarantees that all information systems support the overarching goal of providing reliable and accessible banking services.
    Derrick Kooistra

    Nichole Kladder - Chief Marketing Officer

    Nichole Kladder, the Chief Marketing Officer at Mercantile Bank, directs the brand strategy and market positioning for all commercial and retail banking products. Kladder oversees the development of targeted campaigns that highlight the bank's diverse offerings, including insurance products and specialized loan programs. By analyzing market trends across the United States, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the bank effectively reaches small- to medium-sized businesses and individual consumers. This role involves coordinating with the sales teams to drive growth in deposit accounts and credit card usage. Nichole Kladder manages the communication of the bank's value proposition to maintain strong client relationships and attract new business. Through strategic outreach and brand management, the Chief Marketing Officer supports the institution's expansion goals. Kladder ensures that all marketing initiatives align with the bank's commitment to community-focused financial services and long-term stability.
    Nichole Kladder

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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 Vara Prasad (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ray Reitsma (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Charles Christmas (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Mercantile Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Mercantile Bank includes leaders such as Challa Vara Prasad (Chief Executive Officer), Ray Reitsma (President & Chief Executive Officer), Charles Christmas (Executive Vice President & 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Principal Officer and Administrative Assistant To Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.