Celebrating Career Growth at Heartland Bank

GENEVA, Neb. — At Heartland Bank, we believe in celebrating the dedication and achievements of our team. We’re excited to announce the promotions of several associates as they take on new roles within our organization.

Meet Our Promoted Associates

Aaryn Schweitzer, Vice President/Controller

Finance Department member Aaryn Schweitzer is being promoted to Controller. Aaryn started her career with Heartland Bank in October 2017. It’s possible to find Aaryn working at either the Shickley or Geneva branch. Aaryn and her husband live in Shickley and have three children. With her kids keeping her busy the majority of her time at home, she still finds time to enjoy sewing and quilting. As a family, they enjoy getting outdoors, gardening, canning and traveling.

Shari Collison, Vice President/Senior HR Generalist

Shari Collison, Senior HR Generalist, has been promoted to Vice President. Shari joined Heartland Bank in Human Resources in 2020. She has 13 years of experience in HR and 29 years of overall banking experience. Shari and husband Crale live near Campbell. They have three grown children, as well as two grandchildren, with a third arriving in April. In her spare time, Shari enjoys being with family, spending time outdoors, relaxing at the lake, or being out on an adventure in her side‑by‑side. She is also a volunteer with the Campbell Area Foundation.   

Mike Gaston, Vice President/Branch President

Fairbury Branch President Mike Gaston has been promoted to Vice President. Mike has worked for Heartland Bank for 10 years. He moved from the Kearney location to work in Fairbury, where he was born and raised. Mike and wife Kelsey have two children. Mike attended the University of Nebraska – Kearney and his hobbies include gardening, camping, fantasy football and family vacations.

Jesse Arens, Assistant Vice President/Relationship Manager

Riverdale Relationship Manager Jesse Arens is being promoted to Assistant Vice President. Jesse has been with the Riverdale team since 2019. Jesse and his wife Kelli, a teacher at Kearney High School, have three children in middle school and high school. Jesse and Kelli spend most of their time following the kids to their activities.

Jodi Elsberry, Universal Banker

Jodi Elsberry has been promoted to Universal Banker in the Hastings Branch. Jodi has 23 years of banking experience and started with Heartland Bank in 2010. Jodi and husband Kevin are looking forward to their son’s wedding this year. They also welcomed their first grandchild last summer with their daughter and son-in-law. Outside of work, Jodi enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling.

Marlene Buchli, Senior Customer Service Associate

Marlene Buchli has been promoted to Senior Customer Service Associate in Fairbury. In 1979, while attending Southeast Community College, Marlene started her career with First National Bank of Fairbury. She lives on a farm with her husband Gregg. They have two sons and six grandchildren. Outside of work, Marlene enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and collecting antique toy sewing machines.

Theresa Buchli, Senior Customer Service Associate

Fairbury associate Theresa Buchli has been promoted to Senior Customer Service Associate. Theresa started at First National Bank of Fairbury in June 1993. She and husband Dan have two grown daughters. Theresa enjoys vacationing with her husband, shopping, antiquing, reading, listening to music, and going out with family and friends.

Lane Riffey, Senior Customer Service Associate

Lane Riffey has been promoted to Senior Customer Service Associate. Lane, who works in the Kearney Branch, graduated from Wayne State College with a degree in business administration/finance. Outside of work, Lane enjoys spending time with wife Haley and their dog Kodak. Lane says, “If I am not at home, I am probably at the bowling alley.”

About Heartland Bank

Heartland Bank is a family-owned bank located in 15 different communities across the heart of Nebraska. Heartland Bank's vision is to improve the lives of customers, associates, and communities. Voted American Banker 2024 Best Banks to Work For. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at MyHeartland.Bank.