Bank First National, the holding company for Bank First, completed its merger with Waupaca Bancorporation, the holding company for First National Bank. With the system conversion in place, the Wisconsin branches of First National in Waupaca, Weyauwega, Clintonville, Iola, Seymour, and Chetek officially opened as Bank First branches.

“We are very excited to welcome the customers, shareholders, and employees of First National Bank,” said Mike Molepske, president and CEO of Bank First National. “The merging of these two institutions results in a much stronger organization, and together, we will continue to be deeply connected and involved in the communities we serve.”

“We are extremely pleased to be joining our friends at Bank First, a long-standing organization focused on community banking,” added Jim Rothenbach, Waupaca Market CEO and former president and CEO of First National Bank. “With the merger complete, our customers will now have access to a wider range of products and services, an expanded branch network, and a larger team of bankers dedicated to providing superior financial solutions that are value driven.”

In conjunction with the merger, Bank First also added two new board members to its team – Peter J. Van Sistine and Robert J. Wagner. Van Sistine, executive vice president of FIS, a provider of financial technology solutions, will contribute his expertise in the financial technology sector. Wagner, former board member of First National Bank, will utilize his experience to provide insight into the Waupaca market.

Bank First National is a nationally-chartered community bank that operates 18 branches in Wisconsin.