Donna Thomas to Retire from Cresco Bank & Trust After 45 Years of Service
Cresco, Iowa – December 18, 2025 – Cresco Bank & Trust announces the upcoming retirement of Cresco Market President, Donna Thomas, effective January 30, 2026. After a remarkable 45-year career characterized by unwavering dedication to customer service and community development, Thomas will step down from her role.
Thomas began her career as a Proof Operator in the bookkeeping department at Cresco National Bank in 1981. Making stops in different departments along the way, Thomas became President of then Boatmen’s Bank in 1995, later Fortress Bank and finally Cresco Bank & Trust.
During her tenure, Thomas played a pivotal role in leading through change – serving employees and customers through multiple bank ownership changes, building and moving into a new facility (the current location on Highway 9) and helping numerous clients and businesses grow their operations as a bank partner.
Beyond her professional duties, Thomas has been a fixture in the Cresco community, serving on numerous boards, most recently Howard County Economic Development, the Cresco Industrial Development Corporation and the Regional Health Services Foundation Board. This commitment to service extended the bank’s mission beyond financial transactions, fostering genuine relationships that have spanned generations of customers.
Reflecting on nearly half a century of service, Thomas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve her neighbors.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside such talented colleagues and to serve this wonderful community," said Thomas. "Over the last 45 years, I have seen families grow, businesses flourish, and our town evolve. While I look forward to spending more time with my family and traveling, I will deeply miss the daily interactions with our customers who have become my friends."
The leadership at Decorah Bank & Trust acknowledges the significant impact Thomas has had on the institution's culture and success.
"Donna embodies the very spirit of community banking," said Ben Grimstad, CEO of Decorah Bank & Trust. "Her wisdom, patience and genuine care for people have set a standard for all of us. While we will miss her daily presence in the bank, the values she has instilled in our team will continue to guide us for years to come. Donna will also continue to serve on our Board of Directors. We wish Donna nothing but the best in this well-deserved retirement."
The bank will host a public retirement reception to honor Thomas’s career on January 15, 2026, in the Cresco Bank & Trust lobby from 4-6pm. All are invited to attend to share their well wishes and congratulations.