Bank names president

Bank names president

Daniel Bitzer. Courtesy First National Bank of Michigan

A West Michigan bank has a new executive.

The promotion of Daniel E. Bitzer to president and senior lender at First National Bank of Michigan was announced Tuesday.

“Dan’s promotion to president reflects his proven abilities and follows the board-approved management succession plan,” First National CEO Larry Lueth said in a press release.

According to the release, Jefra Groendyk remains president of the Grand Rapids location and John M. Schreuder will continue as chairman. Lueth was previously the bank’s president and Schreuder the bank’s CEO.

Following more than 30 years of West Michigan banking, Bitzer joined Kalamazoo-based First National in December 2011 and helped the bank expand into the Grand Rapids area. In Grand Rapids, Bitzer led the branch to more than $100 million in loans and $57 million in deposits.

In 2014, Bitzer was promoted to vice president and senior lender, taking over responsibility for the entire bank’s loan portfolio.

Bitzer graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics before earning a master’s degree in economics from Western Michigan University. He currently serves on the commissioning committee for the USS Gerald R. Ford. He is also a member of the Economics Club of West Michigan and the Elks Lodge.

“I am proud to accept the new responsibilities as president of First National Bank of Michigan and will continue to help the bank grow its strong balance sheet and support the growth of local businesses in West Michigan,” Bitzer said.