University Bank Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

University Bank has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, risk management, and revenue generation.

Driven by a commitment to community, University Bank focuses on providing essential financial services to local businesses, residents, and non-profits, fostering economic growth through competitive products and lending.

Leadership Roles at University Bank

  • President, Chief Executive Officer & Major Shareholder - Stephen Ranzini
  • Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer - Nicholas Fortson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Gerhard Naude
  • President - Patrick George
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Veronica Sellers
  • Stephen Ranzini - President, Chief Executive Officer & Major Shareholder

    Stephen Ranzini, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Major Shareholder at University Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and financial health of the institution. Ranzini's leadership guides the bank's core mission of serving local businesses, residents, and non-profit organizations within Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. This executive role involves overseeing all major operational and financial decisions, ensuring the bank's continued growth and stability. The focus remains on maintaining strong community ties and delivering competitive financial products. Stephen Ranzini's extensive experience underpins the bank's commitment to local management and ownership, driving forward initiatives in deposit products, real estate lending, and business loans. The shareholder perspective ensures a long-term focus on value creation and community impact, aligning all strategic objectives with the bank's foundational principles.
    Stephen Ranzini

    Nicholas Fortson - Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Fortson, the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer at University Bank, manages the institution's financial operations and strategic direction. Fortson's responsibilities encompass fiscal planning, capital management, and ensuring the bank's financial integrity in serving the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti communities. This dual role requires a deep understanding of both executive leadership and financial stewardship. Overseeing all financial reporting and analysis, Nicholas Fortson ensures compliance with regulatory standards and drives profitability through efficient resource allocation. The executive's focus extends to developing and executing financial strategies that support the bank's community banking model, including competitive deposit products and robust lending programs. Fortson's financial acumen is critical to maintaining the bank's FDIC insurance and its reputation as a locally managed financial partner.
    Nicholas Fortson

    Gerhard Naude - Chief Operating Officer

    Gerhard Naude, the Chief Operating Officer at University Bank, directs the day-to-day operational efficiency and service delivery across the bank's functions. Naude's oversight ensures seamless execution of services for local businesses, residents, and non-profit organizations in Washtenaw County. This role is pivotal in translating strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, enhancing the customer experience. The Chief Operating Officer manages key departments responsible for loan processing, customer service, and back-office functions, ensuring alignment with the bank's community-focused mission. Gerhard Naude's operational leadership supports the competitive offering of deposit products and mortgage lending. By optimizing internal processes, Naude contributes directly to the bank's ability to provide responsive and effective financial solutions, reinforcing its position as a trusted local financial institution.

    Patrick George - President

    Patrick George, the President at University Bank, leads key strategic initiatives and operational oversight within the organization. George's role focuses on enhancing the bank's presence and service offerings to local businesses, residents, and non-profit organizations in Washtenaw County. This leadership position involves driving forward the bank's commitment to community banking principles and local management. The President oversees critical functions that support the bank's competitive deposit products and lending activities, including residential and commercial real estate mortgages and business loans. Patrick George's executive direction ensures that the bank remains responsive to the evolving financial needs of its community. Through strategic planning and operational guidance, George contributes significantly to the bank's sustained growth and its reputation for reliable financial partnership.

    Veronica Sellers - Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Veronica Sellers, the Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at University Bank, spearheads both risk mitigation strategies and revenue generation initiatives. Sellers' dual focus ensures the bank operates securely while actively pursuing growth opportunities within the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti markets. This executive position demands a comprehensive understanding of financial risk management and market dynamics. Overseeing the identification and management of potential risks, Veronica Sellers safeguards the bank's assets and reputation. Simultaneously, the Chief Revenue Officer drives strategies to expand the bank's revenue streams through business loans, residential and commercial real estate lending, and competitive deposit products. Sellers' integrated approach ensures that revenue growth is pursued responsibly, aligning with the bank's community banking ethos and its commitment to local economic development.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding University Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads University Bank?
    University Bank is led by Stephen Ranzini (President, Chief Executive Officer & Major Shareholder), along with executives such as Nicholas Fortson (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer) and Gerhard Naude (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of University Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of University Bank includes leaders such as Stephen Ranzini (President, Chief Executive Officer & Major Shareholder), Nicholas Fortson (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer), Gerhard Naude (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does University Bank have?
    University Bank has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in University Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of University Bank includes roles such as President, Chief Executive Officer & Major Shareholder, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer.