Independence Bank announces a retirement and a promotion

Press release

After 22-plus years with Independence Bank, Denise Ladenburg, vice president of compliance, retired as of December 2022.

Ladenburg began in 1999 as a consumer loan officer and later was an ag/commercial lender. In 2004, she become a compliance officer and transitioned into performing financial audit and leading the compliance/audit department.

Ladenburg said her favorite part of working at Independence is being part of a great big family and serving the bank's customers well.

Ladenburg has two grown sons. Michael and his wife, Cassie, have taken over the family farm north of Havre. Ladenburg enjoys spending time with them and her two

grandsons, Jace and Cooper. Her the other son, Scott, works in the construction field in Belgrade and has a daughter, Kynnedi.

Ladenburg's husband, Matt, retired from the Montana Department of Transportation in December 2020, and she said they look forward to traveling together in their retirement years.

Ladenburg will remain on the Independence Bank Board of Directors and her expertise will be invaluable and very welcome.

The staff at Independence Bank wishes her well in her retirement and thanks her for all her years of service.

Independence Bank is also excited to announce that Meagan Larsen has been promoted to the position of vice president of compliance.

Larsen has been working in the compliance department at Independence Bank since 2014. She was promoted to assistant vice president of compliance in 2019 and holds an ICBA certificated compliance officer designation.

"Meagan has been a mainstay for us in Compliance and is prepared to take on this position during a time of growth for Independence Bank," CEO and President of Independence Bank Bill Keller said. "We depend on Meagan to guide us as we move into new markets and her expertise will be essential to our success in the coming years."

Larsen is a graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in business management and marketing. Prior to joining the Independence Bank staff in September of 2014, she worked in real estate, accounting and client services with the State of Montana. She is a graduate of Havre High School.

Larson said she spends her free time with family and friends and loves camping, hiking, running and gardening.