WATERLOO, IOWA – (JANUARY, 2026) – BankIowa announced today the retirement of Wade Itzen, Cedar Valley Market President, following a distinguished 20-year career with the institution. While stepping down from his executive leadership role, Itzen will continue to serve the bank and its stakeholders as a newly appointed member of the BankIowa Board of Directors.

During his two-decade tenure, Itzen played a pivotal role in expanding BankIowa’s footprint across the Cedar Valley. Under his leadership, the market saw significant growth in commercial lending and community partnership initiatives, cementing BankIowa’s reputation as a leader in relationship-based banking.

“Wade has been an integral part of the BankIowa team for twenty years,” said Alison Urbina, CEO of BankIowa. “His commitment to our clients and his ability to build a culture of trust and excellence have been instrumental to our success in the Cedar Valley. While we will miss his daily presence in the office, we are thrilled to retain his expertise and strategic vision on our Board of Directors.”

Reflecting on his career and the transition ahead, Itzen shared:

"Reflecting on the past twenty years at BankIowa, I am filled with immense gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. It has been the honor of my career to witness our collective growth and to work alongside a team that feels more like family than coworkers. While I am stepping away from my daily role as Cedar Valley Market President, I am not stepping away from my commitment to BankIowa or the community we serve. I am deeply honored to join the BankIowa Board of Directors, where I look forward to supporting our continued success from a new vantage point. I am excited to see this next chapter unfold together and thankful for two decades of friendship, trust, and the opportunity to help build something truly special.”

For a succession plan, BankIowa has chosen Luke Lesyshen, current VP of Business Banking, to step into the role of Cedar Valley Market President to ensure continued excellence in service for all Cedar Valley clients.

About BankIowa
Founded in 1921, BankIowa is a leading independent and locally-owned community bank serving Eastern Iowa with 13 locations. With a focus on local decision-making and personalized financial solutions, BankIowa provides a full suite of consumer, commercial, retail, and investment services. For more information, visit www.bankiowa.com.