Ozarks Profile

Vice president of commercial loans, certified regulatory compliance manager and security officer at Citizens National Bank of Springfield, 3212 S. Glenstone. Citizens National Bank of Springfield is a locally owned bank with two locations in Springfield and a third location nearing the construction phase. Since opening in 1989, Citizens National Bank of Springfield has grown from $2.2 million in total assets to $117,229,913 now. The bank has built a reputation through its ability to provide timely, professional and friendly service to members of Springfield and the surrounding community. With all types of deposit accounts, as well as consumer loans, Small Business Administration loans, home equity lines of credit, real estate loans, construction loans and agricultural loans, it is a full-service community bank that offers "banking as it should be," Wetzel said. Wetzel is a member of the Institute of Certified Bankers in the area of regulatory compliance.

Age: 41.

No. of years in Springfield/area: Lifelong resident.

Education: Bachelor of science degree in psychology with a minor in business from Southwest Missouri State University.

Early career: Upon graduation from SMSU in 1982, Wetzel began a banking career with Boatmen's National Bank of Springfield, employed as a commercial teller, then took the position of consumer loan collection manager and, ultimately, consumer lender. In 1989, Wetzel left the Boatmen's organization to join a newly chartered bank the Citizens National Bank of Springfield. Wetzel was hired to originate the consumer loan department. "Very few bankers are given the opportunity to help start a bank. I remember the first loan originated and the first deposit customer. I have witnessed our growth and success from that first day, and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I would not trade it for anything," Wetzel said. Other duties have been delegated over the years as the bank grew, such as compliance and security officer. In February 1998, Wetzel moved to the commercial lending side of the bank.

Management philosophy: "Identify and communicate your goal, then build consensus with competent, capable people empowered to meet the goal and go to work."

Spare-time pursuits: Wetzel said he has a great respect for the outdoors and spends as much time as possible pursuing outdoor adventures. Examples are wilderness or recreational canoeing, and white water kayaking. The Wetzels are planning to canoe the Horton River in the Northwest Territory with two other couples, with the trip ending at the Arctic Ocean. Wetzel spends "many enjoyable hours" fly fishing and shooting skeet and trap.

Family data: His parents, Bill and Mildred, have lived in Springfield since the early 1950s. Sister Lani also resides in Springfield, with husband Stan Triplett and their son, Taylor. Wetzel has been married for 12 years to Karen, owner of The Summit Medical Billing Service and office manager for Bruce Rotton, DO. The couple have a 2-year-old daughter, Morgan Kate.

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