#United States #Minneapolis #Wealth Management #Associated Bank #Ken LaChance

Associated Bank Strengthens Leadership in Minneapolis

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has launched a significant expansion of its private wealth business in Minneapolis with the strategic appointment of two seasoned professionals. This move aims to bolster its capabilities in serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners across Minnesota. The new appointments signal the bank's commitment to enhancing client relationships and personalized financial services within this vital market.

Key Appointments

Ken LaChance has been appointed as the Senior Private Wealth Advisory Market Leader for Minneapolis, while Gracia Cavanaugh, who holds both a CFP® designation and a Master's degree in financial planning, will take on the role of Senior Wealth Planner for Minnesota. These strategic hires are part of Associated Bank's ongoing initiative to deepen its investment in the Minneapolis market and enhance its private wealth advisory services.

LaChance brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial services, particularly in wealth management and commercial banking. Before joining Associated, he served as the branch complex manager and executive director at Wells Fargo Advisors, where he was responsible for managing multi-office teams and driving business growth while adhering to strict operational and regulatory standards. He is expected to leverage his market knowledge and leadership skills to enhance client retention and satisfaction.

Cavanaugh, on the other hand, has a rich history of serving clients in both the Twin Cities and California, most recently as the region development manager for U.S. Bank. Her expertise lies in coaching wealth teams and developing strategies to ensure consistent and personalized client experiences. Additionally, she has a track record of leading advisory consulting efforts, further enhancing her credentials as a valuable asset to the Associated Bank team.

Impact and Future Plans

LaChance will operate from the IDS Center in Minneapolis and will be accountable for local market efforts across Private Wealth, driving growth, and enhancing collaboration among the wealth directors and partners. His pivotal role includes not only expanding the team's presence in Minnesota but also integrating clients from American National Bank into a unified service structure.

“Minneapolis is an essential market for our private wealth strategy,” stated Jayne Hladio, Executive Vice President and President of Associated Bank Private Wealth. She emphasized the importance of investing in experienced professionals who can foster robust client relationships and provide personalized guidance to clients. The hiring of Ken and Gracia is part of a broader strategy to dial up Associated Bank's competitiveness in the Twin Cities area.

The strategic appointments are well-timed as they coincide with the bank’s decision to appoint Lisa Buetow as the leader for Major Metro Market Private Banking. This team expansion reflects Associated Bank’s long-term commitment to serve affluent individuals and families more comprehensively throughout the Twin Cities.

About Associated Banc-Corp

Founded in Wisconsin, Associated Banc-Corp has total assets of about $50 billion, making it the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. It operates more than 200 banking locations throughout the Midwest, including states like Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska, strengthening its significant presence in key markets.

As an Equal Housing Lender and an equal opportunity provider, Associated Bank continues to strive for excellence in client service and financial advice across its banking divisions. The ongoing expansion of its wealth management services stands testament to this commitment, promising enhanced advisory services tailored to meet the needs of its clients in Minneapolis and beyond.