October 2024
Washington, MO – Bank of Washington Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer L. B. Eckelkamp, Jr. has recently announced the addition of four new leadership team members: Jennifer Fischer-Turgeon, Shelly Conley, DeAnna Cassat, and Debra Dunkel.
Fischer-Turgeon joined the Bank of Washington as a Vice President of Commercial Lending this January with 25 years of experience in the banking industry, which included a diversified background in commercial lending, documenting, disbursing, and monitoring of commercial real estate loans. Building customer relationships and helping customers capitalize on opportunities for strengthening and growing their businesses has always been the foundation of her focus. She earned her Bachelor of Finance degree from Missouri State University and is a graduate of St. Francis Borgia High School. She is a member of St. Francis Borgia Parish and spends time volunteering for the American Red Cross.“Bank of Washington has put together an excellent team comprised of knowledgeable individuals who are dedicated to grow with the bank and stay focused on community involvement and family,” stated Fischer-Turgeon. “This commitment is woven into everything they do here, and it’s evident they always put the needs of their customers and community first. I am grateful to be a part of this team and community.”
Conley joined the Bank this June as Vice President of Treasury Services with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, focused mainly on branch banking, sales and service training, business development, and treasury management. Her role with the Bank of Washington will be to assist our clients with streamlining their business payments, keeping their deposits safe and secure, building relationships and making connections to help businesses grow. She is a member of the St. Louis Treasury Management Association, an Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP), and has been involved with the United Way Asset Program, assisted with financial education in many different organizations, including the St. Louis Office of Financial Empowerment, and has also worked with start-up companies refining pitches for grant funding.“I am excited to join the Bank of Washington to get back to community banking,” stated Conley. “I feel that I can help customers grow their businesses and lend that personal touch. We are privately owned, and all of our decisions are made locally. Bank of Washington is a homegrown bank that really prioritizes the community, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Cassat joined the Bank this July as Vice President of Accounting with a diverse and extensive background in accounting. Building on the Bank’s strong accounting foundation, Cassat’s focus will entail ensuring the Bank has proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and directing the Bank’s accounting functions in accordance with the proper advisory and regulatory organizations. She earned her Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Missouri – Columbia and is a graduate of St. Francis Borgia High School. Cassat received the Outstanding Young Professionals award from the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce in 2023. She is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Franklin County Area United Way as well as 2024 campaign co-chair.“I really enjoy being able to work in the community that I love, grew-up in, and in which my family and I currently live,” stated Cassat. “I love Bank of Washington’s generosity and commitment to the communities they serve.”
Dunkel, who joined the Bank this September, brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, having held positions ranging from loan officer to branch manager, regional director, and director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In her new role, Dunkel will lead the Bank's retail team with a focus on elevating the customer experience and optimizing operational efficiency. She will spearhead branch management strategic planning and foster the growth and development of team members, ensuring that the Bank's mission and vision are embedded in every customer interaction and decision made.“Community involvement and outreach is a passion of mine,” stated Dunkel. “I’ve volunteered with non-profit organizations that focus on economic mobility, reducing food insecurity, and supporting underserved community members such as Fishes and Loaves, Second Harvest Food Bank, Autism Society, and Right Moves for Youth. I am honored to join the Bank of Washington team and contribute to making a tangible difference in the lives of our community members.”
The Bank of Washington was established in 1877 and is rooted in serving the community. Their mission is to do good – by prioritizing employees, customers, community, and relationships. They are tied to the communities they serve, providing personalized, relationship-based banking services. Their focus is to keep their local communities vibrant and growing and the investments that the Bank of Washington makes in the local community and surrounding area ranks them as one of the largest commercial lenders in the St. Louis area. The Bank of Washington is consistently voted the No. 1 bank and mortgage lender in the Washington Missourian Readers’ Choice Awards and consistently selected by the St. Louis Small Business Monthly readers as one of the Best Banks in St. Louis and Best in Customer Service in St. Louis.