April 13, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

Central Bank officially has transitioned to its next generation of family leadership as Nick Brown marks his first month as CEO.

After 36 years in executive leadership, brothers Tim and John Brown have become members of the bank’s executive board, joined by longtime executive Jeff Lapke.

Nick Brown, who is Tim’s son, will continue to be based in Sioux Falls, where he has served as regional bank president since 2022.

“My family loves Sioux Falls, the kids love Sioux Falls, and it’s been a great community for us,” he said.

His brother, Kevin Brown, will serve as commercial banking president based in Sioux City. Brett Smith will serve as community banking president based in Des Moines. Within each major market, a senior loan officer will oversee local operations. In Sioux Falls, the role is held by Joe Gannon.

“We’re in really good communities,” Nick Brown said. “The business climate is strong. Our communities aren’t recession-proof, but they never feel the really low dips the U.S. or global economy faces, and we have people in those communities who are great stewards of the community. I’m very optimistic about the markets we’re in, and I think a lot of people around the U.S. would love to be in that position.”

The Browns purchased Iowa-based Central Bank in 1990. The senior generation will remain actively involved in strategic guidance and long-term planning for the bank.

“We’ve been going through a family transition for a couple years, and my dad continues to serve as mentor, guide and coach,” Brown said. “It’s been really good to bounce ideas off him, and it’s fortunate for the bank we were able to transition on our own timeline. Seeing it come together has been a lot of fun.”

Originally chartered in 1877, Central Bank had one location and $30 million in assets when the Browns purchased it more than 35 years ago. It has grown to 22 locations, more than 300 team members and $2.2 billion in assets.

The bank will continue to build on its focus, which includes:

• Local decisions made by leaders who understand their communities.
• Strong partnerships with small businesses and agricultural customers.
• Active engagement with nonprofit and civic organizations.

A newly built full-service branch opened today in Brookings.

Located at 600 Main Ave., the new building replaces the bank’s previous branch at the same location and offers a modern space designed for customers to meet with local bankers, manage their finances and build relationships with a team that understands the area.

“We’re learning what customers appreciate from a design standpoint and will be incorporating some of that feedback as we look to additional branches in the future,” Brown said. “The team in Brookings has really come together with some exciting ideas, so that’s been fun to see.”

Next up will be the growing  east side of Sioux Falls, where the bank has purchased land for its next branch, located on the southwest corner of 26th Street and Veterans Parkway.

“As Sioux Falls grows east, the rooftops do, too, so it seems like a natural next spot for us is on the east side,” Brown said. “It feels like a perfect location for us to build out in the next couple years.”

As he transitions into the CEO role, Brown also is enthusiastic about his leadership team, which includes:

• Commercial banking president Kevin Brown.
• Community banking president Brett Smith.
• Chief risk officer Ryan Van Duyn.
• Chief information and operations officer Jon Sandoval.
• Chief lending officer Jeff Goetz.
• Finance officer Kyle Dlouhy.
• Human resources officer Jessie Kies.
• Marketing and communications officer Lexie Feterl.

“I think we’ve done a nice job finding people to lead us forward, which is one reason Tim and John felt comfortable stepping back,” Brown said. “We’re never afraid to add A-level talent, but this team is really strong and makes me excited for the future.”