There's always fun and exciting things happening at
First Citizens State Bank!
For quick access, click the following links to learn more
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Shred Days + Customer Appreciation Day!
New Staff Position Announcements
Power of Community Week
Previous Staff Position Announcements
Habitat for Humanity Project
Financial Literacy Tips
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2026 Shred Days are here!
Pick the date and location that is most convenient for you and stop by for complimentary onsite disposal of confidential documents from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Papers should be free of plastic or metal objects and in containers that can be easily lifted.
We'll have employees available to assist.
This event is free and open to the community!
PLUS!
- Each office will be holding a raffle fundraiser with a basket full of fun items up for grabs. All proceeds will benefit a deserving local organization in each community: The Palmyra Community Food Pantry, The Bethel House, and the East Troy Family Community Resource Center Holiday Help program. Stop inside to purchase tickets.
- Community Appreciation Day will be held Friday, Sept 18 in conjunction with the Whitewater Shred Day. Complimentary lunch will be served from 11am - 1pm along with giveaways and fun games & activities! Bring the family!
- We'll also be recognizing the East Troy Office's 25th Anniversary during the East Troy Shred Day on Sept 25th! Stop in to celebrate and enjoy some cake!
August 2026
Christine Barwick joins First Citizens State Bank
Whitewater, WI – Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Christine Barwick has joined First Citizens State Bank as a Loan Compliance Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Christine brings over 16 years of banking experience with her background spanning leadership roles in loan modification and default servicing, compliance education and strategic project management. Prior to banking her experience includes property/casualty underwriting and leadership roles in agent licensing preparation, call center management and new leader development. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Madison, with a concentration in business and education.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are excited to welcome Christine to First Citizens State Bank. Her extensive banking experience is a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to the positive impact she will have.”
Outside of banking Christine enjoys volunteering in Scouting & Meals on Wheels and exploring local hiking trails and lakes.
Christine commented, “I am thrilled to join a community bank that genuinely cares about its neighbors and local businesses. I look forward to working with the talented team at First Citizens State Bank to build on the strong compliance culture in support of our commitment to our customers and organizational goals.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. The bank takes pride in building lasting partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy, and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
June 2026
Promotions Announced
Piper Smith - Financial Advisor Sales Assistant
Sandra Javier Lopez - Universal Banker
Mark Olm joins The Board of Directors of First Citizens State Bank
Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Mark Olm of Olm & Associates has joined First Citizens State Bank’s Board of Directors.
With more than four decades of legal experience and community involvement in the Whitewater community, Mark has built a distinguished career serving individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the region. Since moving to Whitewater with his family in 1988, he has remained actively engaged in the community through his work with numerous charitable organizations.
As a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Political Science in 1976 before receiving his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. in 1979. He practiced law in Lake Geneva for nine years before establishing Olm & Associates in Whitewater, where he spent 37 years providing legal counsel in the areas of real estate, banking matters, small business representation, and estate planning. In addition to his legal practice, he served as a part-time instructor at Marquette University Law School for five years. He retired from private practice on December 31, 2024.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are excited to welcome Mark to First Citizens State Bank’s Board of Directors. Marks extensive legal experience, deep ties to the Whitewater community and years of service on the Bank’s Trust Committee have provided valuable insight and perspective. We look forward to the contributions he will make as a member of our Board.”
Mark commented, “With First Citizens’ long history of being a community-oriented Bank with exceptional leadership, I am both humbled and excited to be asked to serve on the Board of Directors. During these times when it is difficult to be able to call and talk to a human, it is particularly gratifying to work with an organization that values personal relationships with its customers.”
Darcy Rallo Promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer
Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Darcy Rallo has been promoted to the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Darcy has built a strong background in human resources, retail banking leadership, employee development, and operational management within community banking. Prior to joining First Citizens State Bank, she held leadership and human resources roles with First National Bank and Trust Company, supporting workforce development, employee management, training programs, and HR operations. Darcy has served as Director of Human Resources at First Citizens State Bank for the past three years, where she provides strategic leadership in HR operations, employee engagement, and organizational development. She earned her SHRM certification in 2020, is certified in Situational Leadership, and recently completed the Graduate School of Banking Human Resource Management School, further advancing her expertise in human resources leadership and community banking.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “Since joining First Citizens State Bank, Darcy has continued to elevate our Human Resources area through trust‑building, greater accessibility for our employees, and a consistent commitment to fostering a professional and supportive work environment. She has been actively engaged in Bank functions and has assumed additional leadership responsibilities along the way.”
Darcy commented, “I’m honored to step into the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at First Citizens State Bank. My journey here has been shaped by incredible colleagues, meaningful challenges and a shared commitment to doing what’s right for our people and communities.”
Additional Promotions Announced
Niesha Jones - Teller Supervisor at West Office
Jessica O'Leary - Loan Servicing Supervisor
Haley Sonnemann - Relationship Banker
Congratulations to all and thank you for all you do!
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Power of Community Week: April 20-24
To Celebrate Power of Community Week, staff members participated in 17 events and activities
and donated nearly 100 hours of time to support our communities!
We can't wait until nex year!
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February 2026
Senior Management Transition
First Citizens State Bank, the oldest community bank based in Walworth County, announced the promotion of Nate Parrish to serve as Chief Executive Officer in addition to his current role as President. As part of this leadership transition, James Caldwell, former Chief Executive Officer, will continue to serve as the bank’s Chairman of the Board.
Parrish joined First Citizens State Bank in 2011 as Executive Vice President and was promoted to President in 2017. He has served on the Board of Directors throughout his tenure.
Caldwell started at First Citizens State Bank early in his career in 1974 and was named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1979. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the duration of his career with the bank.
Commenting on the promotion, Caldwell said, “Nate’s commitment to our staff, our communities, and the banking industry are evident every day throughout his actions. He has demonstrated great leadership and steadfast dedication to fostering trust, growth, and long-term relationships that have long been the foundation of community banking.”
Parrish is actively involved in the community as a member of the Whitewater Rotary Club, serves on the Rainbow Community Care Foundation Board, the Wisconsin Bankers Association Board, and the First United Methodist Church’s Finance Committee and is also involved in multiple community economic development projects. He has participated on the Whitewater University Tech Park Board, the Downtown Whitewater Board, the Whitewater High School Booster Club and with numerous youth sports groups.
“It is a privilege to take on this role and continue working alongside such a dedicated team.” Parrish stated. “First Citizens State Bank’s success has always been rooted in strong relationships, sound leadership, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our customers and communities. I am excited to help lead the bank into its next chapter.”
New Assistant Vice Presidents
Nate Parrish, President and CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce the promotions of Shelly Bucholtz and Kelsey Reilly to Assistant Vice President. Both Bucholtz and Reilly are based at the Bank’s Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Bucholtz has been with First Citizens State Bank for nearly 33 years and oversees all aspects of Loan Processing and Servicing. During her tenure, she has advanced through several key roles within Loan Operations, most recently serving as Loan Operations Officer. Bucholtz holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from UW‑Whitewater and has completed extensive professional training through the Wisconsin Bankers Association. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for Fipco.
Reilly joined First Citizens State Bank in 2018 and has steadily advanced into leadership roles. She currently serves as the Bank’s Compliance Officer and Assistant Security Officer, ensuring strong internal controls and regulatory compliance. Reilly earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from UW‑Whitewater and is a Whitewater High School graduate. She serves as the Treasurer for the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club and is a member of the Whitewater Landmarks Commission.
Commenting on the promotions, Parrish said, “Shelly and Kelsey each bring exceptional knowledge, integrity, and dedication to their roles. Their leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to our customers and our bank make them highly deserving of this advancement. We are proud to recognize their contributions and look forward to the continued impact they will have on our organization.”
Additional Promotions Announced
Niesha Jones - Teller III | Lead Teller at the Main office
Jessica O'Leary - Loan Compliance
Jose Villega - IT Program Administrator | IT Support Specialist
Congratulations to all and thank you for all you do!
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We are extremely excited to partner with the City of Whitewater and Habitat for Humanity to bring new affordable housing to our community!
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Thanks for playing BINGO!
April was Financial Literacy Month and we had fun playing Blackout BINGO,
an interactive and fun way to level up your financial knowledge!
Throughout the month of April we celebrated Financial Literacy Month and Bingo'd our way to better financial habits. As part of our commitment to empowering communities with essential money management skills, we brought the best of both worlds: a chance to win exciting prizes AND learn valuable financial tips along the way!
Congratulations to our 4 winners! They completed their cards by filling in the tips they found on social media, radio, our website and chatting with our staff. They each received a Kwik Trip gift card along with learning how to budget smarter, save better, and build their financial future.
Here are the tips...
Tip #1: Create a monthly budget to track your income and expenses.
Tip #2: Keep your debt-to-income ration below 36% to maintain financial health.
Tip #3: Start building an emergency savings fund for unexpected expenses.
Tip #4: Pay yourself first by saving a portion of your income before spending.
Tip #5: Check your credit score regularly.
Tip #6: Understand the difference between needs and wants.
Tip #7: Avoid high-interest debt like payday loans.
Tip #8: Set financial goals and track your progress towards them.
Tip #9: Research before making big purchases, like a car or home.
Tip #10: Use cash-back or rewards credit cards to earn bonuses for spending.
Tip #11: Invest in your future with retirement savings like a 401(k).
Tip #12: Know how to read your bank statement ad identify any hidden fees.
Tip #13: Look for ways to cut unnecessary subscriptions or memberships.
Tip #14: Shop around for insurance and compare rates before committing.
Tip #15: Understand the difference between good debt (like student loans) and bad debt.
Tip #16: Avoid impulse buying by making shopping lists.
Tip #17: Review your credit card statement each month to avoid surprises.
Tip #18: Start investing early to take advantage of compound interest.
Tip #19: Be cautious of "get rich quick" schemes; there's no substitute for knowledge and patience.
Tip #20: Set up automatic savings to ensure you are consistently putting money aside.
Tip #21: Pay bills on time to avoid late fees and damage to your credit score.
Tip #22: Save for major expenses like vacations or home repairs in advance.
Tip #23: Use different passwords for different account logins.
Tip #24: Teach children to save by using a clear jar for savings.