Ms. Wahlquist's accolades include the Empowering Women Award from Finance & Commerce in 2023, and being named a Notable Woman in Banking & Finance by Twin Cities Business Magazine in 2022.
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, October 22, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Katie M. Wahlquist, MA, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Wahlquist has dedicated more than 20 years to the financial services industry, demonstrating a remarkable trajectory of leadership and expertise. Currently serving as president and chief executive officer of Star Bank in Minnesota since 2024, she oversees the bank's strategic direction and organizational leadership. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, engaging in discussions with the management team about potential business impacts, advocating for the community banking industry both locally and nationally, and conducting meetings to review goals and progress. Additionally, she participates in board meetings with the American Red Cross, blending community banking with philanthropic involvement.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Wahlquist was president and chief strategy officer at Star Bank in 2024. From 2019 to 2024, she was the chief administrative officer based in the bank's Eden Prairie location. Her roles with Star Bank also include vice president of marketing and human resources from 2016 to 2019 and vice president of marketing from 2010 to 2016. Previously, she served as an integrated programs manager in the financial services division at Deluxe Corporation and as the marketing and communications manager at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. She began her career as a software marketing specialist at Hewlett Packard (previously named Inacom).
A highlight of Ms. Wahlquist's professional journey has been the impressive growth of Star Bank since she joined the organization. The bank has expanded from a single building to 11 branches across different communities in Minnesota, contributing significantly to local economies by supporting small businesses and helping families achieve their dreams. This growth underscores her dedication to making an impact on individuals' lives through local community banking.
Her contributions to the banking industry are extensive. Ms. Wahlquist has been a speaker representing Star Bank since she joined the organization in 2010 and has presented at various prestigious events, including the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Summit in Washington D.C. She has also served as a presenter for events and webinars sponsored by BankBeat Magazine, The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, CBIZ, and The Private Directors Association. Her dedication extends beyond her professional duties; she has led quarterly blood drives for Star Bank in collaboration with the American Red Cross from 2009 to 2020 and co-chaired the 10th Annual American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Summit in Washington D.C. in 2017. Ms. Wahlquist also served as the national chair for Holiday Mail for Heroes with the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle and American Red Cross HQ in Washington D.C. for several years.
Ms. Wahlquist's accolades include the Empowering Women Award from Finance & Commerce in 2023, being named a Notable Woman in Banking & Finance by Twin Cities Business Magazine in 2022 and receiving the Women in Business Award from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2020. She has also contributed numerous articles to publications such as BankBeat magazine, Bank Director magazine, Finance & Commerce, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
Ms. Wahlquist's educational background includes a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication from Drake University in 1997 and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Bethel University in 2008. She also completed graduate-level coursework at The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado from 2015 to 2017. She attributes her success to strong mentors who have guided her throughout her career, including her late father, a seasoned community banker and entrepreneur.
Her professional affiliations are extensive, including memberships with the Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA), BankIn Minnesota, the American Bankers Association (ABA), the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), TeamWomen, and more. Ms. Wahlquist serves on several boards of directors, including the Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) since 2024, the American Red Cross Minnesota & Dakotas Region since 2022, Star Bank since 2020, MidWest Bancorporation since 2023, and Transforming Resources since 2018. Her commitment to community service is evident through her involvement with local and national non-profits that serve the greater good.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Wahlquist enjoys boating and the outdoors, spending time with her family, attending live music concerts, and following college football and the NFL. Looking ahead, she aims to significantly increase Star Bank's assets while expanding its branch network and strengthening its community presence, all while maintaining its independence as a family-owned company. She remains committed to nurturing future leaders within the organization and continuing her volunteer efforts with various community initiatives.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
# # #