Our Qualifications
Marquette IMG Office:
Bennett J. Zyburt—Investment Group Manager Ben graduated from Northern Michigan University's School of Business and completed the ABA's National Trust School at Northwestern University. He has been a trust professional in Marquette, MI, since 1985 and has been our trust department manager since 1995. He brings with him over 35 years of experience in the field.
Thomas G. Humphrey – CTFA, Trust & Investment Officer Tom graduated magna cum laude from the School of Business at Northern Michigan University. Prior to entering the trust industry in 1990, he worked as a licensed investment representative. He holds a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation and is a graduate of the National Trust School at Northwestern University, which is run by the American Bankers Association.
Richard W. E. Ledy – Trust & Investment Officer Rich has an accounting degree from the School of Business at Northern Michigan University. He worked in a commercial bank for several years before switching to the Trust field in 1995. Rich graduated with honors from the Cannon Trust School at the University of Notre Dame.
Cole B. Zyburt – Trust & Investment Officer Cole graduated with cum laude honors from Northern Michigan University's School of Business in 2017. Prior to graduating, he completed an internship with the Investment Management Group. After gaining three years of experience in Trust and Investments with another local bank, he rejoined the Investment Management Group in December 2020 full-time.
Patricia M. Blemberg – Trust Operations Associate Patty holds a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Communications from Northern Michigan University and has nearly 30 years of combined experience in banking and trust.
Crystal A. Cramer – Trust Operations Associate Crystal has 23 years of experience in banking and trust operations. After attending Northern Michigan University, she worked at First of America and National City Bank.
Diane K. Nardi—Trust Operations Associate Diane has 30 years of experience in customer service, including 10 years in banking. She joined the Marquette IMG office in February 2022.
Mark A. Kolesar—Investment Consultant Mark is an experienced professional who has been working in the investment industry for 35 years. He advises First Bank clients on asset allocation, portfolio construction, securities research, and selection. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Investments at UBS. Mark has a double major in Finance and Economics from Northern Michigan University and has also completed the Fundamentals of Money Management Program at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
Escanaba IMG Office:
Les T. Cseter—Trust & Investment Officer Les has over 35 years of experience in the banking industry. He obtained his finance degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and graduated from ABA's School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin and Cannon Trust School at the University of Notre Dame.
Robert J. Valentine—Institutional Investment Officer Bob has 35 years of experience managing pension plans and municipal surplus funds. He holds an MBA and a BS in finance from the University of Notre Dame and Northern Michigan University, respectively.
John Erdody – Portfolio Manager John has over 25 years of experience in the investment industry. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in finance from Central Michigan University and holds the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Jenine I. Maloney – CTFA, Trust & Investment Officer Jenine has 20 years of experience in financial services. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business from Central Michigan University and the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation after graduating from the Cannon Trust School.
Racheal V. Paslawski–Trust Operations Associate Racheal attended Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University. She has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, with 17 years working for First Bank.
Jane Lanaville – Trust Operations Associate Jane joined the Investment Management Group in March 2018. She brings nine years of customer service and bookkeeping experience to the department.