Bank hires COO

Bank hires COO

Cindy Kole. Courtesy First National Bank of Michigan

A bank in the region has hired an experienced industry professional to lead its daily operations.

Kalamazoo-based First National Bank of Michigan said this month it named Cindy Kole as its chief operating officer and senior vice president.

In the role, Kole will oversee marketing, human resources, treasury management and deposit operations.

“Cindy has the depth of experience in community banking to lead us forward,” said Dan Bitzer, president and CEO, First National Bank of Michigan. “Her experience as a bank executive and her active involvement in the communities we serve will be invaluable to us.

“She’s been ingrained in financial services for nearly her entire career, and her unique insights and experience will provide leadership and focus in a range of strategic functions and initiatives designed to accelerate our commitment to the communities in which we live and work.”

Kole said she’s “honored” to join First National Bank of Michigan, which she said “epitomizes the importance of community banking in West Michigan.”

“I look forward to working with the entire team here,” Kole said.

Kole’s background

Kole has spent more than 30 years in banking, wealth management, public affairs and corporate development during her career with PNC Bank and its predecessors, First National, First of America and National City.

Most recently, she served as director of advancement for the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

Kole also has an extensive background of engagement in the community.

She serves as president of the board of The Gilmore and is a board member of the YMCA. Previously, Kole has served on the board of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Greater Battle Creek and Kalamazoo United Way, Communities in Schools, National Athena, Salvation Army and American Cancer Society.

Kole was a mentor for Southwest Michigan First’s First Fifty program and is active with the American Heart Association.

Last year, she received the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award.