NMU alumnus Russell Kassin has been named the 10th president in the 135-year history of Iron Mountain-based First National Bank & Trust. He graduated in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in financial management.
His career at First National Bank & Trust began a decade ago and included promotions to senior vice president/chief lending officer in 2018, and to executive vice president/chief lending officer last year. In February, he was appointed to the banks board of directors.
“I am very pleased to accept the position of president of First National Bank & Trust, the bank where I opened my first checking account many years ago,” said Kassin in a release. “It is an honor to be selected by the board of directors to lead this bank into the future. I chose First National Bank as my employer because of how deeply rooted they are in the success of our community. That has not changed, and I am excited to take the helm of this very well-oiled machine, continuing to improve as we move through the next 100 years.”
In addition to his NMU degree, Kassin is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. He has also earned Series 7 and Series 66 health and life insurance licenses and the designation of Certified Financial Planner.
Prior to joining First National Bank & Trust in 2012, he held positions at Lincoln Financial and Wells Fargo.
Kassin plays an active role in the community. He is an executive board member of the Dickinson Area Economic Development, chair of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance and member of the Iron Mountain Academic Booster Club and Iron Mountain Sports Booster Club. He is a past president and member of Kiwanis. Kassin also serves on the boards for Care Free Dental, Bay College West Advisory Board, and the St. Mary & St. Joseph Finance Council.
“Our goal during this period is to make this transition to the next generation of leadership as seamless and transparent as possible for all of our stakeholders,” said his predecessor David Kashian, who will continue to serve as chair and CEO throughout the transitional period until 2023. “Russell is an outstanding choice as my successor, and the board of directors and I are confident in his ability to lead this outstanding and highly successful organization for many decades to come.”