Jeff Weiler has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cornerstone Bank in Fargo. He assumes the role as outgoing COO Deneen Axtman transitions to Executive Officer ahead of her planned retirement at the end of the year.

Weiler most recently served as Chief Risk Officer and has been with Cornerstone Bank since September 2022. He has 30 years of experience and has held many leadership roles across banking. He’s currently serving his third year as Chair for the North Dakota Banker’s Association Services Board.

As Weiler moves into his new role, Cornerstone Bank welcomes Christy Steffenhagen as Chief Risk Officer in Bismarck. She brings over 25 years of internal audit and risk management experience, including 13 years of leadership experience with 6 of those years in executive leadership. Steffenhagen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, along with a minor in Speech Communication from North Dakota State University.

Additionally, Jenni Lang has joined Cornerstone Bank as Internal Audit Manager in Bismarck. She steps into this role as previous Internal Audit Manager Janel Lee has recently retired.

Lang brings over 25 years in the financial industry, with many of those years in leadership roles. Throughout her career, she has built deep expertise in compliance and credit review. Lang is a Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer and Certified Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering Professional.

“Christy and Jenni bring extensive experience and strong alignment with our company culture. They are outstanding additions to our team. Meanwhile Jeff Weiler’s leadership, experience, and strategic mindset position him to excel as our Chief Operating Officer,” remarked Cornerstone Bank President/CEO Jeff Thomas. “I am grateful to Deneen and Janel for their years of commitment and contributions to Cornerstone Bank and to our industry. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable careers with them,” Thomas continued.

We value our role as neighbors and contributors. That is one of Cornerstone Bank’s company values, which was on full display recently as they partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) to award $35,000 in grants to four Sioux Falls non-profit organizations. The FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund was introduced in 2023 and offers a matching grant program supporting affordable housing and community development. As an FHLB Des Moines member, Cornerstone Bank is proud to participate and in turn help local organizations.

Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines, shares, “We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way.”

Cornerstone Bank Chairman Gary Petersen stated, “We are proud to have partnered with the FHLB Des Moines to provide grants to these four deserving organizations. Investing in our communities is very important to us, we are excited to see how these funds will impact our community members!”

Cornerstone Bank’s Sioux Falls Market President Terry Cleberg added, “These grants help strengthen vital services, expand opportunities, and ultimately improve quality of life for the individuals and families in our community. We’re honored to play a role in supporting their important work and the lasting impact it will create.”

Grant recipients:

Habitat for Humanity builds and revitalizes homes to secure affordable housing for those in our community that need a helping hand. Rocky Welker, Exec. Director, shared “Affordable housing continues to be one of the biggest issues that South Dakota families are facing. These funds will help make once in a lifetime homeownership opportunities possible for families right here in Sioux Falls, and we are thankful to have an amazing partner like Cornerstone Bank to walk alongside us.” This organization will receive $8,750 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match.

The Banquet serves as a welcoming place where people can gather, receive nourishment, and experience love in action. Today, they serve 16 meals each week at two Sioux Falls locations. This organization will receive $8,750 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match.

Feeding South Dakota serves as the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, with a mission to end hunger in South Dakota. This organization will receive $8,750 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match.

Union Gospel Mission serves as an emergency shelter who’s focus is restoring stability and confidence. Director Eric Weber, shared that the funds will be utilized to provide food to those in need. In 2025 UGM served 176,592 meals to the community. They are open 7 days a week and serve 3 meals a day. This organization will receive $8,750 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match.

What is .bank?
.Bank is a top-level domain (TLD) that is only available to verified banking institutions. A TLD is the last segment of text in a domain name, such as .com or .net. TLDs are important because they indicate the type of a website, such as;

• commercial (.com)
• network (.net)
• government (.gov)
• educational (.edu)
• organization (.org)

Similar to .gov, the .bank TLD has a high level of mandated security and must adhere to security requirements developed by the American Bankers Association, its member banks and its partners in FTLD Registry Services.

Why did we switch?
Switching to a .bank domain demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing our customers’ security. We want to give our customers complete confidence that when they are on our site they can look for the .bank TLD and know their personal information is safe. The .com and .net TDLs have become overcrowded, making it difficult for consumers to identify their bank from other business and fake bank sites. By having this TDL we can help prevent users from being redirected to fake bank websites. It also makes it more difficult for cyber criminals to phish and spoof emails from a .bank domain. This switch was a necessary step for us to be able to provide a safer barrier against cybercrime and better protect our customers’ information and money.

What action is needed?
Please start using www.cornerstone.bank to reach our website and @cornerstone.bank when emailing bank staff. Rest assured that your emails to @cornerstonebanks.net will continue to be delivered, however, it’s best to update your address book to reflect the new domain.

If you are on a site or looking at an email, always check for the .bank domain and remember if its not .bank its NOT our bank!

This month, Prairie Business shined a spotlight on 50 of the region’s best places to work in 2024. In total, Prairie Business received more than 1,700 nominations from employees, whose testaments show that people are excited about their jobs and the businesses that provide them. Cornerstone Bank was named to this list and has been a repeat recipient since 2016!

The way in which organizations treat their employees, clients and business partners goes a long way in describing the culture of a company. When people feel valued and appreciated, when they have a voice and take pride in their work, it’s reflected in their job performance. These are things that make employees want to stay long-term, at Cornerstone Bank these are a few of our values that help foster this positive work environment.

• We value what we do, where we work, and the people we work with. We come to work each day with a sincere desire to help our customers and team. We challenge each other to be better at what we do. We encourage work-life balance, leadership growth, and community involvement.
• We value our role as neighbors and contributors. We are trusted beyond banking because we have lived here for generations. We’re more than experienced people – We do what it takes to help our neighbor thrive.
• We value empowered employees, giving them the authority and confidence to make decisions. We employ the experts. The experienced. And those who appreciate the virtues of learning and growing.
• We value bold ideas that breakthrough traditional bank thinking. We look at opportunities and challenges from different perspectives. Apply our knowledge of the industry to change the industry.

Check out our openings today and see for yourself why we made Prairie Business’s 50 best places to work!

We value what people know, what they do with what they know, and their desire to know more.

Cornerstone’s Credit Systems Administrator Hannah Newhouse and AVP/ Business Banker Jake Lind, recently graduated from the Dakota School of Banking (DSB). In its 50th year, the school trained 72 bank personnel on the University of Jamestown’s campus.

“The Dakota School of Banking provides focus education for bankers looking to enhance their skill set and advance their careers,” said Dorothy Lick, NDBA senior vice president of education. “Each banker receives a well-rounded educational experience, develops banking skills, and creates a valuable network of peers.”

Bankers are enrolled in the school for two years, attending one week each summer. The first-year session provides an overview of the banking industry and the departments that make up a bank. The second-year session builds on the banking knowledge gained in the first year and adds a computerized bank management simulation to reinforce technical and functional management skills. Cornerstone’s Internal Audit Officer Nicole Nogowski, recently completed the first-year session!

When reflecting on their time at DSB, Newhouse and Lind shared, “It was a great experience, from the learning opportunities to building relationships with banking colleagues. We look forward to putting the knowledge We’ve gained to work!”

We value our role as neighbors and contributors.

Cornerstone Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Deneen Axtman, was recently installed as the Chair of the North Dakota Bankers Association (NDBA) Board of Directors. Cornerstone Bank President/CEO Jeff Thomas said, “Deneen will be a strong voice for all the banks in North Dakota.”

Deneen is the fourth representative from the Cornerstone Bank organization to hold this position. Her predecessors include Darold Petersen, Scott Swenson, and Gary Petersen, who all have helped drive the banking industry forward.

Additionally, Jeff Weiler, Cornerstone Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, was recently named Chair of the NDBA Services Board. Thomas noted, “Jeff has been very involved in advocacy for the banking industry and will do an amazing job leading this board.”

Congratulations to Deneen & Jeff! We thank you for your commitment to our communities and the strong leadership you provide.

We value supporting our employees and their families. This year we awarded eight college scholarships to well-deserving high school graduates. These accomplished students are either children of Cornerstone Bank team members or Cornerstone Bank team members themselves.

Austin Reuter
Austin is a senior graduating from Tri-Valley High School. After high school, he plans to attend South Dakota State University where he will major in Pharmacy.

Brooke Hollar
Brooke is a senior graduating from Legacy High School. After high school, she plans to attend Concordia College where she will major in Business.

Chloe Gronos
Chloe is a senior graduating from Watford City High School. After high school, she plans to attend the University of Mary where she will major in History and English.

Ethan Erdman
Ethan is a senior graduating from Dickinson High School. After high school, he plans to attend North Dakota State College of Science where he will major in Applied Science.

Grace Nesdahl
Grace is a senior graduating from Washington High School. After high school, she plans to attend Mount Marty University where she will major in Pre-Physical Therapy.

Hunter Den Boer
Hunter is a senior graduating from Bishop O’Gorman High School. After high school, he plans to attend Dakota State University where he will major in Accounting.

Oscar Holmen
Oscar is a senior graduating from Fargo South High School. After high school, he plans to attend the University of Jamestown where he will major in Business Administration with a minor in Finance and Accounting.

Zackary Johnson
Zackary is a senior graduating from Kindred High School. After high school, he plans to attend North Dakota State University where he will major in Finance.

Congratulations graduates!

Cornerstone Bank partners with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to award $100,000 to organizations through the Member Impact Fund.

We value our role as neighbors and contributors. That is one of Cornerstone Bank’s company values, which was on full display recently as they partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) to award $100,000 in grants to five local organizations. The FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund was introduced in 2023 and offers a matching grant program supporting affordable housing and community development. As an FHLB Des Moines member, Cornerstone Bank is proud to participate and in turn help local organizations.

Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines, shares, “We are thrilled to see grants from our Member Impact Fund having a direct, positive impact on the communities in which our members help advance affordable housing and community development needs in a meaningful way.”

Cornerstone Bank Chairman Gary Petersen stated, “These five organizations are beyond deserving of these grants. We are excited to see how these funds will impact our community members. Investing in our communities is very important to us, and we are proud of the partnership that helped make this possible.”

Grant recipients:

Able Inc. is a non-profit in Dickinson, North Dakota that supports people with disabilities in their home, work, and communities. This organization will receive $20,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match. They plan to use the funds to help offset the costs of their new remodel project at T-Rex Mall.

Beyond Shelter, Inc. is a Fargo, North Dakota based developer of affordable housing that has worked in and around the area since 1999. This organization will receive $40,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match.

Tri-City United Soccer Club is a non-profit located in Fargo, North Dakota and is the state’s largest sports community, supporting all clubs, high schools, colleges and recreational players. This organization will receive $10,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match.

Women Empowering Women is a non-profit located in Dickinson, North Dakota that is committed to encouraging the betterment of women and building stronger communities. Thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match they received $10,000. The organizations President, Ray Ann Kilen, stated, “We plan to use the funds to further our work with Health Equity for women. In a nutshell this means we help women with language or cultural barriers navigate and access healthcare for themselves and their families. This grant is huge for our organization. We understand the importance of this project for new residents in our community, especially those who have relocated from other countries.  We also know we have a lot of people who have relocated from other countries to fill jobs in our area.  This donation really sets us on the path for sustainability of services and brings required match dollars for us to access state and federal funds for the project.

YWCA Cass Clay is non-profit located in Fargo, North Dakota they offer a place for women and children to turn to as they escape violence, homelessness, and crisis. This organization will receive $20,000 thanks to the Member Impact fund and Cornerstone Bank’s match. CEO Erin Prochnow stated, “This funding translates help for survivors to navigate toward health, past barriers, to attain dreams for lives without fear, violence, or trauma”.

After a remarkable career in banking, Evan Ingebrigtson is retiring. Ingebrigtson spent the last seven years of his career as SVP Market President at Cornerstone Bank where he established the Sioux Falls location. Leading with honesty and integrity, Ingebrigtson built an extraordinary team and oversaw the construction of the bank building all the while caring for and building a client base.

“44 years is a long time. I have seen great economic times and near collapse and have been able to be a part of the incredible growth of the Sioux Falls area. Being supported by wonderful family, staff, and clients has made it a great ride,” Ingebrigtson reflected.

Throughout his career, Ingebrigtson held many leadership roles in community organizations including serving as board president for the Sioux Empire Fair and Farm Show, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and Habitat for Humanity, where he led the largest capital campaign in their history. He has been recognized with numerous state and local awards including Agri-Business Citizen of the Year and Habitat Supporter of the Year. Ingebrigtson has been committed to supporting the growth and success of Sioux Falls and the region.

Cornerstone President and CEO Jeff Thomas said, “Evan is a true community banker and has positively impacted the lives of thousands of customers and team members over his career.  We thank Evan for his service to the Cornerstone Bank team, his customers, and the communities he has served. We wish him, his wife Pat, and their family all the best in the future.”

With Ingebrigtson’s retirement, Terry Cleberg has been named SVP Market President in Sioux Falls. He brings 34 years of banking experience. The last 26 years have been spent in Sioux Falls, holding various Business Banking leadership positions while working with businesses of various sizes, builders, developers, investment properties, and multi-family projects.

Thomas noted, “We are very excited to welcome Terry to the Cornerstone Bank team. Terry’s experience and expertise will ensure that we continue to help the people in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities achieve financial success.”

Cleberg added, “I look forward to this new chapter at Cornerstone Bank whose core values and community banking culture closely align with my own.”

Cornerstone Bank Expands in Rugby

Cornerstone Bank has purchased land in Rugby and construction on a new bank building will begin this year. Investing in a new community is a significant milestone for the Cornerstone Bank organization, but not one that’s new to them.

“Our vision is to be the experts people turn to when they are making important decisions about their money. When we are able to welcome an experienced team and offer accessible expertise to a new area, it’s an exciting opportunity,” stated Cornerstone Bank President/CEO Jeff Thomas.

Time for expansion

Cornerstone Bank joined the Rugby community in 2022 with a team of bankers bringing decades of experience. Starting out in a leased space, the bank’s priorities were to welcome the team and start providing accessible financial expertise to the area. The team quickly outgrew their cozy quarters.

“We are ready to expand to a bigger space in a more visible location,” Cornerstone Bank’s Rugby Market President Kyle Nelsen stated. “Most importantly, we are committed to our customers in Rugby and the surrounding communities. Our new building will allow us to grow with our customers well into the future,” he continued.

Cornerstone Bank’s future location in Rugby will be directly east of Home of Economy, adjacent to Highway 2.

Growing since 1936

Cornerstone Bank has roots back to 1936 and continues to grow. One of North Dakota’s ten largest financial institutions, Cornerstone Bank has 11 locations in North and South Dakota and values their role as neighbors and contributors in the communities they serve. Cornerstone Bank provides an expansive product offering while staying true to their mission of providing access to financial experts who give straight answers and the best possible financial options. Click here to learn more.