Waterstone Bank Executive and Leadership Team

Douglas Gordon, the Chief Executive Officer at Waterstone Bank, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Gordon's leadership ensures the bank's continued tradition of stability and deep community involvement across its suburban Milwaukee offices. This executive guides the expansion and refinement of financial services, including mortgage and home equity products, alongside comprehensive checking, savings, and investment accounts. Gordon also oversees the development of commercial loans and business banking solutions, aligning all offerings with the bank's mission to serve local communities effectively. The Chief Executive Officer's role involves fostering a culture of integrity and customer-centricity, driving sustainable growth and reinforcing Waterstone Bank's position as a trusted financial partner. Douglas Gordon's strategic direction is paramount in navigating the evolving financial landscape and maintaining strong client relationships throughout the region.

Yang Yigang, the Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer at Waterstone Bank, establishes the foundational principles and long-term strategic direction for the organization. Yigang's role as a Founding Partner imbues the bank's operations with a unique perspective on stability and community engagement, principles central to Waterstone Bank's identity since 1921. This executive is responsible for cultivating the bank's market presence throughout suburban Milwaukee, ensuring a consistent delivery of core financial products. Yang Yigang's oversight extends to the strategic development of mortgage and home equity offerings, alongside a full suite of deposit accounts and retirement planning services. The Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer also drives the expansion of commercial lending and business banking initiatives, reinforcing the bank's commitment to local economic development. Yang Yigang's vision shapes the bank's enduring legacy and its capacity to adapt to future financial needs.

Mark Gerke, the Chief Financial Officer at Waterstone Bank, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Gerke oversees all accounting operations, financial reporting, and capital management, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maximizing profitability. This executive plays a critical part in the bank's long-standing tradition of stability by implementing robust financial controls and risk management strategies across all product lines, from mortgage and home equity loans to commercial lending. Mark Gerke's responsibilities include analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions and optimize the bank's balance sheet. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with other leaders to develop financial models that support community growth initiatives and business banking services. Gerke's expertise is vital in maintaining the trust of customers and stakeholders, underpinning Waterstone Bank's commitment to sound financial stewardship in suburban Milwaukee.

Gina Rafenstein, the Community President-Loan Officer at Waterstone Bank, spearheads lending operations and client relationships within specific suburban Milwaukee communities. Rafenstein focuses on delivering personalized mortgage and home equity products, guiding clients through the financing process with expertise and care. This role involves cultivating strong local ties, embodying the bank's tradition of community involvement and stability. Gina Rafenstein also supports business clients by facilitating commercial loans and business banking solutions tailored to local entrepreneurial needs. The Community President-Loan Officer works closely with the broader leadership team to ensure lending strategies align with the bank's overall mission and financial objectives. Rafenstein's direct engagement with customers reinforces Waterstone Bank's commitment to accessible and reliable financial services, fostering economic vitality within the communities served.

Laura Merchle, the Community President-Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS 583434 at Waterstone Bank, leads mortgage lending initiatives and client advisory services in key suburban Milwaukee areas. Merchle specializes in providing comprehensive mortgage and home equity solutions, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience for homebuyers and homeowners. This executive embodies Waterstone Bank's commitment to community involvement and financial stability through dedicated client support and expert guidance. Laura Merchle's role involves fostering strong relationships with local real estate professionals and community members, driving the bank's presence in the mortgage market. The Community President-Mortgage Loan Officer also contributes to the bank's broader business development efforts, aligning mortgage strategies with overall institutional goals. Merchle's deep understanding of the mortgage landscape is crucial for maintaining Waterstone Bank's reputation for reliable lending.

Lynn Kuester, the Community Bank President at Waterstone Bank, directs the strategic operations and client engagement for designated local markets within suburban Milwaukee. Kuester focuses on strengthening the bank's community ties and upholding its tradition of stability by overseeing the delivery of a wide array of financial products. This includes managing relationships for checking, savings, and certificate of deposit accounts, alongside promoting specialized offerings like IRA accounts and money market funds. Lynn Kuester also plays a key role in supporting local businesses through commercial loan and business banking services, ensuring that Waterstone Bank remains a vital partner in community economic development. The Community Bank President's leadership ensures that client needs are met with personalized service and expert financial advice, reinforcing the bank's commitment to its service areas.

Maria Castro, the Community Bank President at Waterstone Bank, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for key community branches in suburban Milwaukee. Castro is instrumental in reinforcing the bank's legacy of stability and deep community involvement by fostering strong local relationships and ensuring exceptional client service. This executive oversees the promotion and delivery of a comprehensive suite of banking products, including checking, savings, certificates of deposit, and IRA accounts, alongside money market and specialized lending solutions. Maria Castro also champions the bank's commercial loan and business banking initiatives, supporting local entrepreneurs and enterprises. The Community Bank President's focus on localized strategies ensures that Waterstone Bank effectively meets the evolving financial needs of the communities it serves, driving growth and client satisfaction.

Heather Rodriquez, the Community Bank President at Waterstone Bank, drives strategic initiatives and client relationship management across key suburban Milwaukee communities. Rodriquez is dedicated to upholding Waterstone Bank's tradition of stability and community involvement by ensuring the seamless delivery of diverse financial products and services. This executive oversees the development and execution of strategies for checking, savings, certificates of deposit, and IRA accounts, as well as money market and specialized loan products. Heather Rodriquez also actively supports local businesses through the bank's commercial loan and business banking programs, contributing to regional economic vitality. The Community Bank President's leadership ensures that each branch operates with a strong focus on client needs, reinforcing Waterstone Bank's commitment to personalized service and trusted financial guidance.

Jennifer Peric, the Community President at Waterstone Bank, directs the strategic growth and operational excellence within designated suburban Milwaukee communities. Peric is committed to maintaining the bank's long-standing tradition of stability and deep community involvement by fostering robust client relationships and ensuring superior service delivery. This executive oversees the comprehensive range of financial products, including mortgage and home equity solutions, alongside checking, savings, and investment accounts. Jennifer Peric also champions the bank's commercial loan and business banking offerings, supporting local enterprises and economic development initiatives. The Community President's leadership ensures that Waterstone Bank remains a responsive and trusted financial partner, adapting to the unique needs of each community served and driving sustained client engagement.

Jeffrey Dagdigian, the President & Managing Principal at Waterstone Bank, oversees the strategic direction and overall management of the institution's operations. Dagdigian is responsible for guiding the bank's commitment to stability and community involvement, ensuring that its services effectively meet the needs of suburban Milwaukee residents and businesses. This executive directs the expansion and refinement of financial products, including mortgage and home equity offerings, alongside a full spectrum of deposit and investment accounts. Jeffrey Dagdigian also drives the development of commercial lending and business banking solutions, reinforcing Waterstone Bank's role as a key economic partner. The President & Managing Principal's leadership ensures alignment across all departments, fostering a culture of integrity and client-centricity to maintain the bank's trusted position in the financial sector.