News & Events

First State Bank President to Retire, New Leadership Announced

Mar 25, 2022

Leadership changes have been announced at First State Bank, headquartered in Macomb County, Michigan. These changes include the retirement of long-time President and CEO, Eugene (Gene) Lovell, and the appointment of his successor, Mark Jansen. Additionally, the Bank has named Kelly Walters as its Executive Vice President.

Gene Lovell’s career at the locally owned and operated First State Bank began in 1991 as an internal Auditor. His leadership guided the bank through many challenging times, most notably managing the historic bank through the economic crisis from 2007 – 2012. While many local banks did not weather the downturn, First State Bank remained steadfast and achieved steady growth during the following decade.

Under his leadership, the Bank has steadily expanded market presence with an entrance into Oakland County and increased overall asset size. Reflecting on his time at the helm, Gene said, “I have felt a great sense of pride representing an organization genuinely committed to enriching the communities we serve. First State Bank, from its inception, has been committed to working with local businesses so they might thrive in our communities. In addition, we have helped so many families turn houses into homes. This bank has been, and remains, a bedrock of our communities.”

Following his retirement on April 30, Lovell will remain committed to First State Bank, serving on the Bank’s Board of Directors. In addition, he will continue to serve in key roles as a Board member and Treasurer at CARE of Southeast Michigan and Board member for Macomb Community College Foundation.

Operationally, the Bank’s Board has introduced an updated management structure under the direction of newly appointed President and CEO, Mark Jansen, CPA. In his current role as Chief Operation Officer, Jansen demonstrated a value to remaining committed to serving the community. He serves on the Macomb County Chamber Board, Michigan Banker’s Association’s Grassroots Committee, Council Member at Shepard’s Gate, contributor to the Wave Project’s initiatives, and is a Graduate of Leadership Macomb. He is committed to maintaining a strong management team. Jansen’s contributions have led to favorable bank ratings, stability, and organizational growth which includes the Bank nearing $1 billion in assets. He is motivated to continue with the community banking model that has been at the heart of First State Bank’s leadership and has served the surrounding area well.

Jansen admires Gene’s role as a community leader and plans to expand upon it. “I am committed to innovation that aids our deserving employees in supporting their customers’ needs while keeping with our traditional community banking model that has greatly benefited and shaped the neighborhoods we serve. I hope to move forward with our legacy of being a family-oriented and rewarding place for our colleagues to work. It is paramount that we maintain and reinforce the values and culture that has led to First State Bank being nationally recognized as a great place to work."

Jansen will be supported in his new role by Executive Vice President, Kelly Walters. In her current capacity as Chief Risk Officer, Walters maintains a steadfast approach to mitigating risk while creating opportunities for growth and policies that support the needs of businesses and customers. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done with local businesses and individuals to keep them in their homes and operational during difficult times such as last decade’s downturn, and more recently, through the instability from COVID-19,” stated Walters.

Her approach has made it possible for the bank to work with borrowers, even in difficult circumstances while allowing the bank to maintain conservative measures and eventually grow in those same areas in-market presence. Walters shares that her goal in supporting the bank is reflected in her desire to maintain a solid foundation. “The financial landscape is in transition; the Bank must change to remain able to assist its customers and support the community effectively and efficiently. While others look to new ways of banking and new services for our customers, I hope to keep the foundation solid – ready for learning curves, hurdles, or other obstacles that new paths might put in front of us.” Walters brings the same spirit of community service to the bank with a lengthy list of service that includes serving on Advancing Macomb’s Executive Committee, MBS Perry School of Banking’s Board of Trustees, MBA Bank Counsel Committee, Marian High School Alumni Board, Oakland County Bar Association – Real Estate Committee, Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Committee, as well as serving as a commentator and catechist at her childhood parish, St. Hugo’s. She was recently named one of Crain’s Notable Women in Banking.