You probably know many of Sterling Federal’s Officers and Directors. If so, you’ll appreciate how much we rely on their insights and direction.
Dean A. Ahlers, Director, President & CEO
Dean A. Ahlers has served as President and CEO and member of the Board of Directors for Sterling Federal Bank in Sterling, Illinois since 2013. Previously, he served as the bank’s Vice President of Operations from 2007-2013. Prior to joining Sterling Federal Bank, Mr. Ahlers had a successful career in the financial services industry for over 17 years, earning several certifications of distinction including the CFP (Certified Financial Planner), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), and CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) designations. Mr. Ahlers graduated with honors from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from Iowa State University. In addition, Mr. Ahlers has been involved in many community service organizations serving in various capacities. He served as Chairperson and currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Sinnissippi Centers, Inc., a nonprofit community based behavioral healthcare center that has provided quality care to residents in NW Illinois since 1966. He is also past president of the Board of Directors for Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center, a nonprofit that offers support, wellness, educational, and referral services for people with cancer, their loved ones, as well as survivors. He coached youth football, soccer, baseball, and basketball for over 10 years. Other notable community service involvement includes the development of the Sterling Federal Bank Employee Charity Challenge which awards over $40,000 each year in monetary gifts to local non-profit organizations, past president of Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary, and ongoing mentor for the WACC CEO program, a local entrepreneurial educational program for high school juniors and seniors.
Steven R. Brewer, Director, Vice President, CFO & Treasurer
Elected to the Board in 2015. Mr. Brewer serves as Vice President, CFO, Treasurer and Secretary of Sterling Federal Bank, having been with the bank since 2010. Prior to joining the bank, Steve served 15 years in the banking industry, most recently as Senior Vice President and Controller of AMCORE Bank. Prior to that he worked for 17 years in agribusiness with DeKalb Genetics Corporation, where he was Chief Tax Officer. Steve holds the professional designations of Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. He is an Elder and Treasurer of First Baptist Church in Sycamore.
Reed A. Hutchcraft, Vice President, Chief Lending Officer
Mr. Hutchcraft is Vice President-Chief Lending Officer of Sterling Federal Bank. He has more than 35 years of lending experience, having received his Bachelor’s Degree in Ag Business from Western Illinois University and a diploma from the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Reed has been very active in the communities where he has resided, serving on the City Council, School Board, Kiwanis, and holding the President’s position with the Rotary and Chamber of Commerce.
Bo Mays, Vice President & COO, Assistant Secretary, Director
Bo Mays is the Vice President – Chief Operating Officer & Assistant Secretary. Mr. Mays joined the bank in 2015. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Illinois State University and graduated with honors from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also holds a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the University of Wisconsin School of Business. Bo has banking experience in both large and small institutions. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Whiteside County.
Laura Oquendo, Vice President & Chief Retail Officer
Laura joined Sterling Federal Bank in 2006. In her most recent role, Laura was the Director of Branch Development for all Sterling Federal Bank’s locations. Laura resides in Rock Falls, Il with her husband and 2 sons.
Laura completed her bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, and is currently undergoing the completion of her MBA through the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois. Laura serves on the board for The Salvation Army in Sterling, IL.
Raymond P. Sharp, Chairman of the Board
Elected to the Board in 2002. CIO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Illinois State University and graduated with honors with an MBA from the prestigious Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago. Fellow in American College of Healthcare Executives, member of College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, and member of Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Board Member and former President of United Way of Whiteside County, and active with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sterling Noon Rotary, YMCA, and Newman Central Catholic High School.
David L. Schreiner, Vice Chairman of the Board
Dr. Schreiner was elected to the Board in 2004. He serves as President and CEO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital. Dr. Schreiner has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s in health services administration from The University of St. Francis, and a Masters and Doctorate from Benedictine University. In 2007, he was named the Dixon Citizen of the Year and is the author of the bestselling book “Be The Best Part of Their Day: Supercharging Engagement Through Values-Driven Leadership,” published by Forbes in 2024.
Robert L. Rosengren, Director
Elected to the Board in 2013. President of Rosengren Farms, Inc. and Green Rose Farms, Inc., having received his Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois. A life-long Rock Falls resident, he is active in many community charitable organizations. He is a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau, member of St. Andrew Church Finance Committee and active with Newman Central Catholic High School.
Brian L. Grummert, Director
Brian Grummert was elected to the Board in 2014. President of Grummert’s Hardware, Inc., He currently serves on the Board of Sterling Today. Former president and board member of Sterling Main Street, and former President and board member of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. He is active with St. Mary’s School in Sterling, coaches youth sports and is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Finance Committee
Lori Cortez, Director
Lori Cortez serves as the Vice President of Advancement at Sauk Valley Community College. Lori has served the Sauk Valley community through multiple organizations including the Twin Cities Rotary (past president), Whiteside County Senior Center (past president), YWCA of the Sauk Valley, Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation, and the Rock Falls Industrial Development Committee. In 2023, Lori was awarded the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champion.
Joel M. Downie, Director
Elected to the Board in 2017. Owner of Downie & Associates CPA’s in Rock Falls. Member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A life-long resident of Sterling-Rock Falls. Serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee for the Rockford Diocese. Serves as a Director on the board for Oak Knoll Cemetery. Is a member of the Finance Committee and the Board of Education at Newman Central Catholic High School, also a member of the Finance Committee at St. Mary’s Church in Sterling. He also participates in other activities at Newman Central Catholic High School and St. Mary’s Church in Sterling.
