July 15, 2024 —
Availa Bank Welcomes New Market President in Pocahontas
Sheila Akridge, current VP Loan Officer, will take over Steve Baade's role.
Pocahontas, Iowa (July 15, 2024) – Availa Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Sheila Akridge, current VP Loan Officer (NMLS #1734656), to Pocahontas Market President.
Akridge has been with Availa Bank since the spring of 2023. She attended Iowa Lakes and Buena Vista University and received her degree in business management and administration. She has previous experience as an Assistant Vice President at another financial institution and has spent her time at Availa Bank in the lending world, handling consumer, agriculture, commercial, and real estate loans.
Akridge admires the work Baade has done for the community over the years and his dedication to serving others. “Steve is a respected leader in the community and has developed great relationships with customers,” she says.
Akridge is very familiar with the Pocahontas area, having grown up on a farm nearby. She currently serves on the Pocahontas Community Foundation Board and the Pocahontas Community Healthcare Foundation Board. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and traveling.
Jeff Scharfenkamp, President and CEO of Availa Bank, is looking forward to Sheila’s work in her new role. “A big congratulations to Sheila. As a longtime member of the community, I am excited for Sheila about the opportunity in front of her. She is well known and eager to serve the Pocahontas community,” he says.
General
Availa Bank’s roots date back to 1870 when it was originally chartered. Availa is the first three syllables of the word available, a word that defines the bank’s mission — to empower our team to inspire and enable our clients and the communities we serve to achieve financial success. Availa Bank locations are in the following communities: Ames, Ankeny, Carroll, Coon Rapids, Council Bluffs, Fort Dodge, Holstein, Jewell, Nevada, Omaha (LPO Only), Pocahontas, Sioux City and Webster City. For more information about Availa Bank, visit www.Availa.Bank. Member FDIC.