December 21, 2023 —
Bob Butcher, Holstein Market President, Set to Retire
After over 50 years in banking, Butcher is retiring as Market President of Availa Bank
Holstein, Iowa (December 21, 2023) – Availa Bank is proud to congratulate Bob Butcher on his retirement after 13 years of service with Availa Bank and 50 years in the banking industry.
Butcher grew up on a century-old farm near Holstein, beginning his lending career as an intern with Farm Credit Services in 1973. He received his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University, but after enjoying his time at Farm Credit Services, decided to continue in banking. Over the years, Butcher has had a variety of roles, including Ag Loan Officer and Market President. He joined Availa Bank in 2011 and has been Market President ever since.
Butcher will be succeeded by Tom Todd, current Vice President Loan Officer at the Holstein branch. “Bob’s presence in the Holstein community is clear to see. His commitment to serving all customers with fairness and respect is something I admire and strive to continue with the help of our great staff. With the combined leadership and banking experience of myself, Trey Else, Vice President, and Jeana Todd, Vice President, we will continue to be a leader in excellence for the Holstein market,” Todd says.
Butcher is confident that his successor will take good care of the Holstein branch. “Growing up on the farm, my love for agriculture and agricultural people was very strong. Spending 50 years in banking was not on my radar screen, but once I started, it became my passion. The markets have changed over the years, but the quality of people in our trade territory has remained very high. I am very confident that our current team will do a great job. It has been a tremendous privilege to be involved with so many great people,” Butcher says.
Butcher still lives and works on the family farm and is active in local 4H programs. Over the years, he’s been involved with a number of agricultural organizations as well, including the Iowa Cattleman’s Association and Iowa Corn Processors. Outside of agriculture, Butcher is a strong supporter of Iowa State University Athletics.
Jeff Scharfenkamp, CEO and President of Availa Bank, is thankful for Butcher’s commitment to the Holstein community and Availa Bank. “Availa Bank thanks Bob for his years of service to the bank and community. He has been an outstanding leader and his 50 years of service to the banking industry have been a great example of what it truly means to be a community leader. We wish him well,” 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.