Meet Our Business Experts

James M. Walrack
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2285
JWalrack@firstambank.com

James is a commercial relationship manager working with a variety of businesses ranging from heavy manufacturing to consulting and brokerage companies. He specializes in ESOP financing and lending to closely held middle-market companies with an emphasis on cash flow lending.

James holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association as well as the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and regularly speaks at conferences outlining the intricacies of employee ownership.

Bart Nikoniuk
Vice President
(847) 586-2207
BNikoniuk@firstambank.com

Bart joined First American Bank in early 2020 as a relationship manager on the commercial and industrial banking team. His prior banking career spans 18 years and two national banks across Chicagoland and Anchorage, Alaska.

Bart specializes in cash-flow lending, real estate financing, SBA financing, business acquisition and partner buyout financing, and custom-tailored treasury management solutions for closely held middle-market companies. While industry agnostic, he works with manufacturers, wholesale distributors, construction firms, freight forwarders, transportation companies, technology companies, importers, and professional services firms. He partners with a proven network of reputable accounting, commercial real estate, legal and other professionals to support his clients’ long-term business and personal goals.

Bart holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Economics and Cultural Affairs from Valparaiso University in Indiana. While at Valpo, he was a member of the Crusaders’ Division I swim team. Bart resides in northwest suburban Chicago with his family.

Daniel J. Rekowski
Assistant Vice President
DRekowski@firstambank.com

Dan began his career with First American Bank's commercial lending team in 2006. His responsibilities have grown from credit analysis to relationship management focusing on the financial needs of commercial clients within the middle market space across the country. Those needs include working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisition, cash flow and ESOP financing.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus. He is also an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association.

Nathan Webb
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2223
NWebb@firstambank.com

Nate is in charge of the C&I and sponsor-backed private equity lending of the commercial bank. He is a shareholder of the bank and a member of the bank’s Executive and Senior Loan Committees. Since joining the bank in 1996, he has worked his way through the department beginning as an analyst, while gaining a vast background on the various lending solutions the bank has to offer. The portfolio is industry agnostic, as the philosophy is to underwrite each individual potential customer. Included in the customer base are manufacturers, distributors, contractors, professional service organizations, and specialty service organizations. While headquartered in the Chicagoland area, we do have the expertise and experience to travel within the continental United States for business. 

Nate holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus.

Ahmet Markicic
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2280
AMarkicic@firstambank.com

Ahmet joined the Commercial Banking Department in 2008 after spending five years in the business banking group at a regional bank. Today he is a shareholder and a member of the Bank’s Senior Loan Committee. Ahmet focuses on providing lending services such as lines of credit, equipment/term loans, buyout loans and real estate financing to middle market family owned businesses. He helps his clients with implementing the most efficient cash management solutions. Clients include manufacturers, distributors and professional service organizations. He has utilized his experience to not only be a strong partner to his clients but also an advisor so that he can help them achieve their long-term goals. Additionally, Ahmet also works on the private equity sponsored backed portfolio of the Bank.

Ahmet is also involved Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Chicago and is an active member of the Technology and Manufacturing Association. Ahmet holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois College of Businesses and resides with his family in Highland Park.

Matt Paasch
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2235
MPaasch@firstambank.com

Matt started his career at First American Bank in 2004 as a commercial banking analyst. Today, he is a shareholder and a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee. During his tenure, Matt has focused on building and managing relationships with privately held and family-owned businesses. He is well versed in conventional, leveraged, and SBA lending with clients across a number of sectors including manufacturing, distribution, construction, and business services.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois.

Mark E. Kroencke
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2242
MKroencke@firstambank.com

Mark is in charge of C&I and the bank’s Not-for-Profit Banking Group. He has responsibility for the group’s $450,000,000 portfolio. He is a shareholder of the bank and a member of the bank’s Executive and Senior Loan Committees. Since joining first American in 2002, he has focused on managing and building relationships with middle market companies and not-for-profits. Mark works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, contractors, distributors, plastic molders, engineering firms, professional service firms, private day schools, charter schools, specialized education, vocational and graduate schools, healthcare and human service organizations. 

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois. He has been involved with various charitable and for-profit boards including the Ray Graham Association and Xamin, Inc. He is also a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

Sarah M. Eikenberry
Vice President
(305) 777-1025
SMEikenberry@firstambank.com

Sarah began her banking career with First American Bank in 2012 as a Leadership Trainee. Sarah worked for two years in our Treasury Management department, and in 2014 she relocated from Chicago to Miami to assist with the bank's Florida expansion and join the South Florida commercial lending team. As a relationship manager her experience working with manufacturers, exporters, and contractors, coupled with her expertise in all SBA programs, allows her to offer a variety of unique lending solutions for growing businesses. Sarah manages the oversight and training of the bank's South Florida C&I loan analysts and is a member of the bank's Senior Loan Committee.

Sarah is an active member of the South Florida Manufacturers Association and chair of its Miami-Dade Steering Committee. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business, with a dual major in Finance and Marketing.

Steve J. Eikenberry
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2231
SEikenberry@firstambank.com

Steve oversees tax-exempt finance and interest rate derivatives for the bank. Prior to joining First American in 2005, he worked for Bank One Capital Markets and predecessor organization American National Bank since 1984. Steve has over 30 years' experience marketing and originating tax-exempt bonds for not-for-profit corporations, municipalities and middle-market manufacturing companies, and he has completed more than 250 transactions totaling over $1 billion. In addition, he has executed derivative hedging transactions including interest rate swaps, caps and collars for over 100 customers with a total notional value exceeding $1.2 billion.

Steve’s clients include a wide variety of not-for-profit organizations including independent schools, private colleges and universities, graduate schools, social service agencies and cultural institutions. He speaks regularly at conferences on topics related to tax-exempt finance and derivatives, and his comments have also been reported in publications including Business Week, The Bond Buyer and The Illinois Manufacturer. He also plays an active role lobbying for legislation expanding and enhancing the use of tax-exempt bonds.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The Colorado College. He is an active member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies and its Legislative Committee, and he is a Board Trustee of the Science and Arts Academy. He is also a Public Member of the Institutional Actions Council for the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accreditors for colleges and universities in the United States.

J. Ross Van Beek
First Vice President
(847) 586-2259
JVanBeek@firstambank.com

Ross joined First American Bank in 2006, and is a relationship manager with responsibility for a $180 million commercial loan portfolio. He is also a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee. He specializes in lending and cash management solutions for closely held middle-market companies and not-for-profit organizations. Ross works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, construction firms, professional firms, charter schools and social service agencies.

Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies and an Advisory Board member for Legal Prep Charter Academy in Chicago.

James D. Matteson
Assistant Vice President
(847) 586-2629
JMatteson@firstambank.com

James began his career at First American Bank as one of our Leadership Trainees in January 2012. After finishing our training program, James worked in our Trade Finance Division where he issued standby and commercial letters of credit, and facilitated the processing of documentary collections and foreign receivable/purchase order financing. In January 2015, James transitioned to our Commercial Lending Department, starting as a commercial loan analyst in our Commercial & Industrial Team and then moving to our Not-For-Profit Team where he has been since July 2016. His responsibilities include credit analysis, underwriting, and managing a portfolio of customers from private day schools to professional firms. James also assists our SBA Portfolio Manager in educating prospects and customers about SBA financing as well as processing and closing SBA loans.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Corey J. Roberts
First Vice President
(847) 586-2652
CRoberts@firstambank.com

Corey joined First American Bank in 2021, and is a relationship manager on the commercial and industrial banking team. Corey focuses on closely held middle-market companies and works with a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, distributing, wholesalers, engineering, call centers, staffing and service businesses. His specialties include balance sheet lending, cash flow analysis, cash management solutions and a strong referral network in Chicagoland.

Corey received his MBA and Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University. While completing his undergraduate degree, Corey was a Division I athlete on the Huskies' swim team. He currently resides in Arlington Heights with his wife and two sons. He is an active den leader and treasurer for Pack 269.

Courtney T. Oakes
Commercial Officer
(847) 586-2630
COakes@firstambank.com

Courtney started her career at First American Bank as one of our Commercial Leadership Trainees in 2017 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterwards. Her responsibilities include analyzing the credit-worthiness of our current and potential customers, preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees as well as managing a small portfolio of customers from non-profits to small-market companies. 

Courtney graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Dayton. While obtaining her degree, Courtney pursued several opportunities in working with not-for-profit organizations including special education and early education schools.

Amanda R. Imbrogno
Commercial Loan Analyst
(847) 586-2183
AImbrogno@firstambank.com

Amanda started her career at First American Bank as a Commercial Leadership Trainee in 2019 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterward. Her responsibilities include analyzing the creditworthiness of our current and potential customers, preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees, and reviewing PPP forgiveness applications.

Amanda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Finance and Economics from the University of Dayton. While completing her degree, Amanda volunteered with various not-for-profit organizations including homeless shelters and elementary schools. She was also a member of the Christmas on Campus and Human Rights Week committees.

John Olsen
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2254
JOlsen@firstambank.com

John manages the bank’s commercial real estate lending group. His responsibilities include oversight for the development, origination and collection of the bank’s commercial real estate lending operations. With his 30 years plus experience, he and his team specialize in construction and term financing for many property types, including residential development, multi-family, industrial, commercial, retail and hospitality properties. Since his arrival in 1996, John has been responsible for crafting the bank’s CRE lending policy and directing all lending efforts in this arena. During his tenure at the bank, John has overseen the origination of over $1 billion in new loans. John has extensive experience with construction/development finance and is also a member of the bank’s Senior and Executive Loan Committees.

John received his MBA, with distinction, from Northwestern’s J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He also received his BA, magna cum laude, from Benedictine University.

Maureen Prochenski
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2298
MProchenski@firstambank.com

Maureen manages a $120 million portfolio within the commercial real estate lending group. Her responsibilities include origination and collection of commercial real estate; focusing on construction and term loan financing for multi-family, industrial, commercial, retail and hospitality property types. She has over 34 years of experience in multiple roles within Retail Banking, Loan Operations, Business Banking and Commercial Real Estate. Maureen joined the bank in 2010 and is a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee.

Adam Garrett
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2209
AGarrett@firstambank.com

Adam is a Senior Vice President in First American Bank’s commercial real estate lending group. Based in the Chicago-Lakeview office, he is responsible for developing relationships with commercial real estate companies and originating loans for acquisitions and refinance of commercial real estate projects, as well as construction financing for multi-family, office, retail and industrial projects located in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Adam received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. He currently resides with his family in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

Pam Turer (WI)
Senior Vice President
(414) 290-9570
PTurer@firstambank.com

Pam is a Senior Vice President in First American Bank’s commercial real estate lending group. Based in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, office, she brings over 20 years of experience to the commercial real estate industry. Pam is recognized as one of the industry’s top resources for competitive, complicated financing deals for development.

In addition, Turer is renowned for her industry leadership and service. Pam serves on the Real Estate Alliance for Charity Board of Directors and is the 2021 Board President for NAIOP Wisconsin. She has also served as a mentor for junior industry professionals.

Pam graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison and serves on the Bukacek Construction Board of Directors. She and her husband, Harris, reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and have adult children.

Mark Henschel (WI)
Senior Vice President
(262) 942-4350
MHenschel@firstambank.com

Mark Henschel is a Senior Vice President in First American Bank’s commercial real estate lending group. Based in the Milwaukee office, he is responsible for developing relationships with commercial real estate companies located in Wisconsin and the Milwaukee metropolitan area.  Mark has over 20 years of commercial real estate lending experience originating loans for acquisitions, refinance and construction of all property types including apartments, office, retail, industrial and land development.

Mark received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  He is an active member in the Wisconsin chapter of NAIOP as part of the Public Policy Committee and also a member of Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin.

Jeanette Blanch (FL)
Senior Vice President
(305) 643-8244
JBlanch@firstambank.com

Jeanette has 22 years of banking experience in both lending and bank operations. She has held a variety of positions within the organization from branch management to residential and commercial/construction lending. She manages the South Florida lending team with a focus on construction, multi-family, industrial and retail.

Jeanette holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Florida.

John M. Lee
First Vice President
(847) 586-2248
JLee@firstambank.com

John began his career with First American Bank’s commercial lending team in 2004. His responsibilities have grown from construction analysis to loan generation focused throughout Chicagoland, Florida and Wisconsin. He works with a variety of businesses ranging from real estate developers to multi-family investors. He specializes in new construction residential development. In addition to loan generation, John’s other responsibilities include overseeing all construction draws and leasing bank owned real estate.

John holds a Bachelor of Science from Sheffield University and an MBA from Buckinghamshire University. He is active with the Chicago Home Builder Association, Southside Builders Association and the Residential Construction Employers Council. He is also a member of Chartered Institute of Building and the Architects and Surveyors Institute.

James M. Walrack
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2285
JWalrack@firstambank.com

James is a commercial relationship manager working with a variety of businesses ranging from heavy manufacturing to consulting and brokerage companies. He specializes in ESOP financing and lending to closely held middle-market companies with an emphasis on cash flow lending.

James holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association as well as the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and regularly speaks at conferences outlining the intricacies of employee ownership.

Bart Nikoniuk
Vice President
(847) 586-2207
BNikoniuk@firstambank.com

Bart joined First American Bank in early 2020 as a relationship manager on the commercial and industrial banking team. His prior banking career spans 18 years and two national banks across Chicagoland and Anchorage, Alaska.

Bart specializes in cash-flow lending, real estate financing, SBA financing, business acquisition and partner buyout financing, and custom-tailored treasury management solutions for closely held middle-market companies. While industry agnostic, he works with manufacturers, wholesale distributors, construction firms, freight forwarders, transportation companies, technology companies, importers, and professional services firms. He partners with a proven network of reputable accounting, commercial real estate, legal and other professionals to support his clients’ long-term business and personal goals.

Bart holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Economics and Cultural Affairs from Valparaiso University in Indiana. While at Valpo, he was a member of the Crusaders’ Division I swim team. Bart resides in northwest suburban Chicago with his family.

Daniel J. Rekowski
Assistant Vice President
DRekowski@firstambank.com

Dan began his career with First American Bank's commercial lending team in 2006. His responsibilities have grown from credit analysis to relationship management focusing on the financial needs of commercial clients within the middle market space across the country. Those needs include working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisition, cash flow and ESOP financing.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus. He is also an active member of the Illinois Chapter ESOP Association.

Sarah A. Herbst
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2219
SHerbst@firstambank.com

Sarah started her banking career at First American Bank in 1986. After spending time in Retail Banking, Trust, Compliance and Commercial Lending, Sarah took some time away to raise her family of four boys. She returned to Commercial Lending in 2011, with a focus in professional services. Her experience across several facets of the Bank makes her qualified to handle not only the financial needs of the companies and practices, but also the personal needs of the owners and their associates.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from The University of Iowa.

Nathan Webb
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2223
NWebb@firstambank.com

Nate is in charge of the C&I and sponsor-backed private equity lending of the commercial bank. He is a shareholder of the bank and a member of the bank’s Executive and Senior Loan Committees. Since joining the bank in 1996, he has worked his way through the department beginning as an analyst, while gaining a vast background on the various lending solutions the bank has to offer. The portfolio is industry agnostic, as the philosophy is to underwrite each individual potential customer. Included in the customer base are manufacturers, distributors, contractors, professional service organizations, and specialty service organizations. While headquartered in the Chicagoland area, we do have the expertise and experience to travel within the continental United States for business. 

Nate holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Northern Illinois University and is an Evans Scholar alumnus.

Ahmet Markicic
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2280
AMarkicic@firstambank.com

Ahmet joined the Commercial Banking Department in 2008 after spending five years in the business banking group at a regional bank. Today he is a shareholder and a member of the Bank’s Senior Loan Committee. Ahmet focuses on providing lending services such as lines of credit, equipment/term loans, buyout loans and real estate financing to middle market family owned businesses. He helps his clients with implementing the most efficient cash management solutions. Clients include manufacturers, distributors and professional service organizations. He has utilized his experience to not only be a strong partner to his clients but also an advisor so that he can help them achieve their long-term goals. Additionally, Ahmet also works on the private equity sponsored backed portfolio of the Bank.

Ahmet is also involved Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Chicago and is an active member of the Technology and Manufacturing Association. Ahmet holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois College of Businesses and resides with his family in Highland Park.

Matt Paasch
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2235
MPaasch@firstambank.com

Matt started his career at First American Bank in 2004 as a commercial banking analyst. Today, he is a shareholder and a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee. During his tenure, Matt has focused on building and managing relationships with privately held and family-owned businesses. He is well versed in conventional, leveraged, and SBA lending with clients across a number of sectors including manufacturing, distribution, construction, and business services.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois.

Mark E. Kroencke
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2242
MKroencke@firstambank.com

Mark is in charge of C&I and the bank’s Not-for-Profit Banking Group. He has responsibility for the group’s $450,000,000 portfolio. He is a shareholder of the bank and a member of the bank’s Executive and Senior Loan Committees. Since joining first American in 2002, he has focused on managing and building relationships with middle market companies and not-for-profits. Mark works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, contractors, distributors, plastic molders, engineering firms, professional service firms, private day schools, charter schools, specialized education, vocational and graduate schools, healthcare and human service organizations. 

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois. He has been involved with various charitable and for-profit boards including the Ray Graham Association and Xamin, Inc. He is also a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

Steve J. Eikenberry
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2231
SEikenberry@firstambank.com

Steve oversees tax-exempt finance and interest rate derivatives for the bank. Prior to joining First American in 2005, he worked for Bank One Capital Markets and predecessor organization American National Bank since 1984. Steve has over 30 years' experience marketing and originating tax-exempt bonds for not-for-profit corporations, municipalities and middle-market manufacturing companies, and he has completed more than 250 transactions totaling over $1 billion. In addition, he has executed derivative hedging transactions including interest rate swaps, caps and collars for over 100 customers with a total notional value exceeding $1.2 billion.

Steve’s clients include a wide variety of not-for-profit organizations including independent schools, private colleges and universities, graduate schools, social service agencies and cultural institutions. He speaks regularly at conferences on topics related to tax-exempt finance and derivatives, and his comments have also been reported in publications including Business Week, The Bond Buyer and The Illinois Manufacturer. He also plays an active role lobbying for legislation expanding and enhancing the use of tax-exempt bonds.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The Colorado College. He is an active member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies and its Legislative Committee, and he is a Board Trustee of the Science and Arts Academy. He is also a Public Member of the Institutional Actions Council for the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accreditors for colleges and universities in the United States.

J. Ross Van Beek
First Vice President
(847) 586-2259
JVanBeek@firstambank.com

Ross joined First American Bank in 2006, and is a relationship manager with responsibility for a $180 million commercial loan portfolio. He is also a member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee. He specializes in lending and cash management solutions for closely held middle-market companies and not-for-profit organizations. Ross works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, distributors, construction firms, professional firms, charter schools and social service agencies.

Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies and an Advisory Board member for Legal Prep Charter Academy in Chicago.

James D. Matteson
Assistant Vice President
(847) 586-2629
JMatteson@firstambank.com

James began his career at First American Bank as one of our Leadership Trainees in January 2012. After finishing our training program, James worked in our Trade Finance Division where he issued standby and commercial letters of credit, and facilitated the processing of documentary collections and foreign receivable/purchase order financing. In January 2015, James transitioned to our Commercial Lending Department, starting as a commercial loan analyst in our Commercial & Industrial Team and then moving to our Not-For-Profit Team where he has been since July 2016. His responsibilities include credit analysis, underwriting, and managing a portfolio of customers from private day schools to professional firms. James also assists our SBA Portfolio Manager in educating prospects and customers about SBA financing as well as processing and closing SBA loans.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Corey J. Roberts
First Vice President
(847) 586-2652
CRoberts@firstambank.com

Corey joined First American Bank in 2021, and is a relationship manager on the commercial and industrial banking team. Corey focuses on closely held middle-market companies and works with a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, distributing, wholesalers, engineering, call centers, staffing and service businesses. His specialties include balance sheet lending, cash flow analysis, cash management solutions and a strong referral network in Chicagoland.

Corey received his MBA and Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University. While completing his undergraduate degree, Corey was a Division I athlete on the Huskies' swim team. He currently resides in Arlington Heights with his wife and two sons. He is an active den leader and treasurer for Pack 269.

Courtney T. Oakes
Commercial Officer
(847) 586-2630
COakes@firstambank.com

Courtney started her career at First American Bank as one of our Commercial Leadership Trainees in 2017 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterwards. Her responsibilities include analyzing the credit-worthiness of our current and potential customers, preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees as well as managing a small portfolio of customers from non-profits to small-market companies. 

Courtney graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Dayton. While obtaining her degree, Courtney pursued several opportunities in working with not-for-profit organizations including special education and early education schools.

Amanda R. Imbrogno
Commercial Loan Analyst
(847) 586-2183
AImbrogno@firstambank.com

Amanda started her career at First American Bank as a Commercial Leadership Trainee in 2019 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterward. Her responsibilities include analyzing the creditworthiness of our current and potential customers, preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees, and reviewing PPP forgiveness applications.

Amanda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Finance and Economics from the University of Dayton. While completing her degree, Amanda volunteered with various not-for-profit organizations including homeless shelters and elementary schools. She was also a member of the Christmas on Campus and Human Rights Week committees.

Mark E. Kroencke
Executive Vice President
(847) 586-2242
MKroencke@firstambank.com

Mark is in charge of C&I and the bank’s Not-for-Profit Banking Group. He has responsibility for the group’s $450,000,000 portfolio. He is a shareholder of the bank and a member of the bank’s Executive and Senior Loan Committees. Since joining first American in 2002, he has focused on managing and building relationships with middle market companies and not-for-profits. Mark works with a wide variety of clients, including manufacturers, contractors, distributors, plastic molders, engineering firms, professional service firms, private day schools, charter schools, specialized education, vocational and graduate schools, healthcare and human service organizations. 

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois. He has been involved with various charitable and for-profit boards including the Ray Graham Association and Xamin, Inc. He is also a member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

Steve J. Eikenberry
Senior Vice President
(847) 586-2231
SEikenberry@firstambank.com

Steve oversees tax-exempt finance and interest rate derivatives for the bank. Prior to joining First American in 2005, he worked for Bank One Capital Markets and predecessor organization American National Bank since 1984. Steve has over 30 years' experience marketing and originating tax-exempt bonds for not-for-profit corporations, municipalities and middle-market manufacturing companies, and he has completed more than 250 transactions totaling over $1 billion. In addition, he has executed derivative hedging transactions including interest rate swaps, caps and collars for over 100 customers with a total notional value exceeding $1.2 billion.

Steve’s clients include a wide variety of not-for-profit organizations including independent schools, private colleges and universities, graduate schools, social service agencies and cultural institutions. He speaks regularly at conferences on topics related to tax-exempt finance and derivatives, and his comments have also been reported in publications including Business Week, The Bond Buyer and The Illinois Manufacturer. He also plays an active role lobbying for legislation expanding and enhancing the use of tax-exempt bonds.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The Colorado College. He is an active member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies and its Legislative Committee, and he is a Board Trustee of the Science and Arts Academy. He is also a Public Member of the Institutional Actions Council for the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accreditors for colleges and universities in the United States.

Courtney T. Oakes
Commercial Officer
(847) 586-2630
COakes@firstambank.com

Courtney started her career at First American Bank as one of our Commercial Leadership Trainees in 2017 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterwards. Her responsibilities include analyzing the credit-worthiness of our current and potential customers, preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees as well as managing a small portfolio of customers from non-profits to small-market companies. 

Courtney graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Dayton. While obtaining her degree, Courtney pursued several opportunities in working with not-for-profit organizations including special education and early education schools.

Amanda R. Imbrogno
Commercial Loan Analyst
(847) 586-2183
AImbrogno@firstambank.com

Amanda started her career at First American Bank as a Commercial Leadership Trainee in 2019 and joined our Not-For-Profit Team shortly afterward. Her responsibilities include analyzing the creditworthiness of our current and potential customers, preparing detailed reports to the bank’s relationship managers and credit committees, and reviewing PPP forgiveness applications.

Amanda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Finance and Economics from the University of Dayton. While completing her degree, Amanda volunteered with various not-for-profit organizations including homeless shelters and elementary schools. She was also a member of the Christmas on Campus and Human Rights Week committees.

Alan Lane-Murcia
SBA Program Manager
(847) 586-2225
ALaneMurcia@firstambank.com

Alan Lane-Murcia manages the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Program for First American Bank. He has been an SBA lender since 2000 and has been involved in every aspect of SBA lending. Alan’s responsibilities include managing the Bank’s SBA loan policies, overseeing the SBA loan portfolio, as well as maintaining the Bank’s status as an SBA Preferred Lender. His expertise is invaluable as he works with lenders to determine if an SBA loan is appropriate.

As a leading lender under the SBA’s Export Loan Programs, Alan and his team have been recognized as the Illinois Export Lender of the Year and the National Export Lender of the Year.

Alan holds an MBA in Economic Development from Eastern University and a Bachelor’s in Economics and International Studies from Wake Forest University. He is a member of NAGGL (National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders) and serves on its Small Bank Committee. Alan is fluent in Spanish.

Ivette Llopiz
SBA Specialist
(305) 643-8240
ILlopiz@firstambank.com

Ivette Llopiz has 21 years of experience in multiple roles in Retail Banking, Business Banking, Commercial Real Estate and Small Business Lending. She has been an SBA lender since 2009 with an expertise in the SBA-504 Program by developing a professional relationship with all Certified Development Companies of South Florida. Ivette graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Management from Florida International University.

Senada Vulic
Vice President
(847) 586-2385
SVulic@firstambank.com

Senada manages the bank's Treasury Management team. She has over 23 years of experience in banking with thorough knowledge of banking rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and bank operations. Senada started her career in Retail Banking and spent 10 years in multiple roles developing new business and managing a branch. She moved to the Treasury Management division in 2007 where she was involved in strategic product development, implementation and sales. Senada provides innovative Treasury Management solutions to the Bank's Commercial Lending, Commercial Real Estate, Business Banking, Municipal, Not-for-Profit, International, and Wealth Management client portfolios. She is committed to professionalism and great customer service.

Senada received her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from DePaul University. She has completed the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation and is an active member of the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP).

Thomas J. Alcoser
First Vice President
Business Banking Division
(815) 927-5319
TAlcoser@firstambank.com

Thomas is responsible for managing our team of business bankers who specialize in providing customized lending and deposit solutions to privately held family-run businesses in Chicagoland. Our typical business client has under $15 million in annual revenues and borrowing needs under $5 million. Thomas has worked with manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and service companies over his 30-year career customizing lending and deposit solutions for the business and ownership.

Thomas is a lifelong resident of Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Brian T. Hagan
Market President
Florida
(305) 777-1027
BHagan@firstambank.com

Brian started his career at First American Bank in 1985 as an analyst. During his tenure, he has designed and implemented the analytical training program for commercial lenders, overseen the development of the Tax Exempt Finance and Interest Rate Hedging divisions, and managed specialty lending areas including Middle Market Commercial and Industrial, Business Banking, Government Guaranteed Lending and Trade Finance. Brian relocated to Miami in 2014 to serve as Market President for the bank’s Florida expansion.

He has served in a number of volunteer positions and on charitable boards in higher education and social services, with an emphasis on healthcare. Most recently, he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of Elmhurst Hospital and on the Board of Trustees of the Edward-Elmhurst Health System, which provides comprehensive healthcare to more than 1.7 million patients through its 50 locations and 7,700 employees.

Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Alan L. Clark
Market President
Wisconsin
(262) 577-2471
AClark@firstambank.com

Alan L. Clark has more than 30 years of commercial banking experience providing financial services to middle market companies covering a wide range of industries that include: manufacturing, distribution, construction, transportation, food service, hospitality and healthcare. Alan serves as the Market President for Wisconsin which includes multiple teams of experienced commercial banking professionals focused on serving the needs of middle market companies in Southern Wisconsin and the Greater Milwaukee regional markets.

He is a board member of the Salvation Army of Chicago. He is also an active member, and former board member, of Rotary International.

Alan was the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship from Loyola University Chicago and graduated with highest honors in Finance and Accounting.