Mike Molepske is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank First Corporation, the institution that completed the acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. on 2 January 2026. Under his leadership, Bank First is integrating Centre 1’s First National Bank and Trust locations into a combined organization with approximately 38 branches and around 6 billion dollars in assets across Wisconsin and the Stateline area of Illinois.
Strategic regional scale and reach
The completed acquisition creates a larger regional franchise with about 6 billion dollars in assets and 38 branch locations, materially increasing Bank First’s capacity to serve individuals, businesses, and communities. This scale jump strengthens competitiveness while keeping a focus on local markets in Wisconsin and the Stateline area of Illinois.
Preserving community banking while growing
First National Bank and Trust will continue operating as a division of Bank First until a planned system conversion in May 2026, allowing a phased, low‑disruption integration. Customers retain their familiar local teams during the transition, which is notable for maintaining community‑bank relationship service even in a sizable merger.
Operational and technological transformation
The deal includes a move to a unified Bank First brand and digital banking platform, which demands complex coordination across technology, operations, and compliance. Executing this while promising a “smooth transition” reflects strong professional management of integration risk in a highly regulated sector.
