Nicole has 15 years of banking experience. She has worked with Northwest Bank since April of 2012, starting out as a Personal Banker. Gaining her Wealth Management license in 2013, she began adding value to her customers by offering wealth solutions as well. Since then Nicole has served as a manager in the Arnolds Park branch and is currently working as the Bank President for the Arnolds Park and Milford locations. Nicole’s role consists of developing and servicing commercial businesses with their banking needs and to support their business growth in addition to team development and coordinating bank involvement within the community.
Nicole graduated with honors from Buena Vista University in 2005 with a degree in Finance & Banking. She grew up in southwest Minnesota and has lived in Spirit Lake since 2008 with her husband Tom, their son Davis and daughter Charlee. Nicole is very dedicated to the Dickinson County’s Relay for Life organization as well as serving as President of the Spirit Lake Elementary School’s Partners in Education organization. She is very dedicated to her customers and their well-being and looks forward to seeing them succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
Paul has an extensive background in Treasury Management at Northwest Bank. He also has experience in commercial lending and can help your business with equipment loans, lines of credit and commercial real estate loans. He is also a supporter of the community as the president of the board for Clay County Pheasants Forever, serves on the committee of Love Where You Live of Spencer, and is the president of Grace United Methodist Church Foundation Board.
With over 30 years of financial services experience, Ralph DiCesare specializes in construction / development lending at Northwest Bank and previously held the same position with Union Planters / Regions Bank. Ralph is involved with the Des Moines Homebuilders Association, is the Treasurer for St. Marys / Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department, and coaches high school football for Martensdale – St. Marys Community Schools.
Ross is responsible for managing and developing relationships with local businesses in the Des Moines market. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Ross is an active member in the Des Moines community and is involved with Young Variety – The Children’s Charity as VP of Philanthropy, and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and Ankeny Chamber of Commerce.
Sara holds both an undergraduate and master’s degree from Wayne State College. She began her career at the Spencer Family YMCA before transitioning to Northwest Bank’s Human Resources team. In 2017, she moved to the Omaha area, where she served as a Treasury Management Service Representative. With 8+ years of banking experience, Sara now supports business customers in commercial lending, treasury management, and banking services.
A 2023 graduate of Leadership Sarpy, Sara is also active in the community through the Chamber of Commerce. As a Loan Portfolio Manager, her goal is to help businesses grow and thrive with the support of Northwest Bank. She values building strong relationships with clients and believes the connection to your financial institution is invaluable. Sara is committed to being a compassionate, approachable financial partner, always ready to help find answers and solutions.
Travis began his career at Northwest Bank in 2007 and has served in various positions within the company. Travis served as Regional Mortgage Manger, Private Banking, EVP overseeing retail, mortgage, and Wealth Management.
Travis has played a key role in Northwest Bank’s growth and providing direction to employee’s while keeping the company values at the forefront of his leadership.
Throughout his career at Northwest Bank Travis learned the motto “Leave it better than you found it”! This motto has been passed down from ownership and continues to be a value that employees live by. Travis believes this motto has helped provide direction for his career and leading others. “Banking is a people business and when you care about doing what’s best for people, we all win”, Simpson stated.
His leadership experience has set the bank on a path for continued success, making the needs of our customers and community top priority. Travis has supported the community by serving on multiple boards; Eat Greater Des Moines, Flying Spikes Baseball Club, Beacon of Life for 7 years, where he served as President for 3 years. Currently Simpson serves as the Secretary / Treasurer for the Neighborhood Finance Corporation and as an ambassador for the Iowa chapter of Coaches vs Cancer. He is a 1992 graduate of Iowa State University.
