Our Commercial Banking Team

As Vice President, Ben assists in business development and relationship management at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. Ben is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he earned his B.A. in Finance. Since joining Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust in 2008, Ben has quickly become a valuable asset to both the bank and its clients. His grasp of banking and financial solutions, along with his commitment to providing exceptional personal service, make him a valued and trusted banker.

Ben believes in giving back to our community. He is a dedicated volunteer, offering his time and talents to Junior Achievement and as a tee ball coach. He was previously involved with the Risk Management Association (RMA) as a board director and was President of the Eastern Iowa RMA Chapter.

Brad Holub serves as Assistant Vice President in the commercial department at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. A graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, Brad offers over 18 years of banking experience in the greater Cedar Rapids area. His grasp of banking and financial solutions, along with his commitment to providing professional, personal service, make him a valued and trusted banker to his clients and to the bank.

Brad is actively involved in the Cedar Rapids community. Brad serves on the Eastern Iowa Board for the Variety Club of Iowa, the United Way Accountability Review Team, and is a member of the Metro North Rotary (past President). He also dedicates his time as a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement, a lunch buddy through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a coach and board member in the Cedar Rapids Blue Devil softball organization.

Dale Wirtjes comes to Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust with over 30 years of commercial real estate experience. In his role as Commercial Real Estate Officer, he oversees the management of individual loans and borrower relationships for the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio.

Dale earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting, with additional emphasis in Finance and Real Estate Investment, from the University of Iowa. Prior to joining Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, he served as a Senior Real Estate Analyst with Aegon Asset Management.

A resident of Cedar Rapids for over 35 years, Dale has been heavily involved in the Kennedy High School Foundation for the Performing Arts, as well as their show choir program, plus several citizen committees for the City of Hiawatha, IA.

Dana Nichols, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of QCR Holdings, Inc., is one of the four founders of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. He is a graduate of Iowa State University and a 30+ year veteran of the banking industry. Dana is a 25 year resident of Cedar Rapids and has worked for much of that time assisting mid-market companies. His industry experience has included manufacturing, warehouse/distribution, service companies, and trucking. Dana’s attention to detail and commitment to his clients are virtues that make him a highly regarded professional.

Dana currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Cedar Rapids Kernels Foundation and is a member and past President of Cedar Rapids West Rotary.

As First Vice President of Commercial Banking, Dave is responsible for building and managing client relationships with commercial and industrial companies located throughout Eastern Iowa. With nearly 20 years of commercial banking experience, he understands and values the different challenges and needs of his client base and strives to provide exceptional personal service. With that said, he has established strong long-term client relationships and is a highly valued and trusted asset for his clients and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. Dave received his BA from The University of Iowa and MBA from St. Ambrose University.

Dave is actively involved in the community. He is currently volunteers his time as a Junior Achievement classroom instructor, Board Member for Matthew 25, Cedar Rapids Sunrise Rotarian and OneWalk Corporate Committee Member for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). He is a 2006 graduate of Leadership for Five Seasons and a 2007 Corridor Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree.

Gary Becker is Senior Vice President and Commercial Real Estate Manager for Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. A graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, Gary earned his CPA certificate in 1983 and has been in banking for over 30 years; first as a bank controller and for the last 27 years in the commercial real estate lending area. Gary’s education and training as a CPA, along with his many years of experience in real estate finance, make him one of the finest experts in his field. Although focused on real estate financing, he is also well-versed in commercial and industrial lending to manufacturers, distributors and contractors, and a local expert on tax credit bridge financing. So whether you’re a builder looking to finance the construction of single family homes or the construction of a multi-million dollar commercial or industrial project, Gary has the expertise to provide professional advice and financing solutions.

Gary currently serves on the Board for the Affordable Housing Network. Gary is also the Chairman of the Audit Committee for the Cedar Rapids Community School District and served on their Facilities Master Planning Committee.

James Klein is President of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. He obtained a finance degree and MBA from the University of Iowa and brings 25 years of banking experience to the greater Cedar Rapids area. As a lifelong learner, he has also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado, Iowa School of Banking, Iowa Banker’s Commercial Lending School, the American Bankers Association (ABA) Commercial Lending School, and the Leadership Institute. As President, James is focused on leading the Company's growth, culture and innovation to drive results and provide value to employees, clients, shareholders and community.

James is a lifelong Cedar Rapids resident and is very active within the community. He currently serves as a Board Director for United Way of East Central Iowa (Chair), Theatre Cedar Rapids, Kids First Law Center, Daybreak Rotary, and Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street. He is also a member of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Community Development Council and the Capacity Committee of Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. James teaches Financial Accounting at Mount Mercy University and also teaches at the Iowa School of Banking, Iowa Banker’s Consumer Credit School, and Iowa Commercial Banking School. He also volunteers for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and Knights of Columbus. He is a graduate of the 2005 Leadership for Five Seasons program and a 2004 honoree of the CBJ 40 Under 40. James was nationally-recognized by Northwestern Financial Review as a 2013 Rising Star in Banking.

Jamie serves as Vice President of Commercial Banking at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. With over 25 years of commercial banking experience, most recently with Guaranty Bank & Trust, Jamie offers his clients a wealth of knowledge and business acumen to help their company succeed. Jamie earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Iowa.

Throughout his career, Jamie has actively served the Cedar Rapids community. He currently serves as Board Vice President for His Hands Free Medical Clinic, Vice Chair of Stonebridge Church Elder Board, and Advisory Board Member for Kirkwood’s Financial Services. Jamie is also a member of Rotary West, Serve the City organization and Risk Management Association (RMA). Jamie has also served as past president of the Linn County Bankers Association (1998) and past chairman of the Priority One – Priority Business Committee (2002-2003). He is also a past recipient of the Iowa Financial Services Advocate of the Year award (1997).

John serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. He is responsible for developing banking strategies and services for commercial clients. John assists the commercial banking team to structure solutions that help clients reach their goals. He rejoined Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust in 2019 after serving as Chief Financial Office for Hawkeye Hotels. Prior to Hawkeye Hotels, John was at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust for nine years, where he quickly moved up the ranks to manage a large portion of the Bank's middle market commercial portfolio. John graduated from Central College with a bachelor's degree in finance.

Josh Burgett serves as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking for Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. He is a 2005 graduate from The University of Iowa where he achieved a double major of Finance and Marketing. His grasp of banking and financial solutions, along with his commitment to providing professional, personal service, make him a valued and trusted banker to his clients and to the bank.

Josh is actively involved in the Cedar Rapids community. Josh serves as a board member of the Young Parents Network, a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement, and is a member of Metro North Rotary. Josh is also a member of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Landers (NAGGL), a program designed to expand his SBA knowledge and provide exceptional service to his clients.

Josh serves as Senior Vice President and Commercial Real Estate Manager at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. He obtained an economics degree from Penn State University and MBA from the University of Iowa. Josh brings over 22 years of finance and commercial banking experience to the greater Cedar Rapids area. Josh's grasp of banking and financial solutions, along with his meticulous attention to client service, make him a valued and trusted banker to his clients and the bank.

Throughout his career, Josh has been actively involved in the Cedar Rapids community. He currently serves as a board director for Horizons: A Family Service Alliance (Vice Chair), advisory committee member of Neighborhood Finance Corporation, and past president of All Iowa Agricultural Association.

Larry Helling is Chief Executive Officer for Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. Larry is a graduate of Iowa State University and has more than 35 years of commercial banking experience. His corporate development has included several roles of ever-increasing scope and responsibility within the perpetually changing financial market. Through his leadership and commitment, he has earned the respect of his peers, associates, and clients. In his role as CEO of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Larry is personally committed to ensuring that the best interests of the clients, employees, shareholders, and the community are always considered and kept in proper balance.

Larry is actively involved in the Cedar Rapids community. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Entrepreneurial Development Center (past President) and serves on the Large Investor Council of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance (past Chair). He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the United Way of East Central Iowa. In addition, Larry is an active member of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids (past president), and serves on the Board of Trustees at Brucemore National Historic site.

Melissa serves as Assistant Vice President of International Banking. She offers 30 years of International Trade experience, which she has acquired through various positions held in the banking, manufacturing, and insurance industries. A graduate of Kirkwood Community College and Mount Mercy College (now Mount Mercy University), Melissa provides excellent service to her clients, with needs ranging from foreign currency, drafts and wires, to domestic and international letters of credit. She also brings experience with in-house training on various topics including UCP revisions, payment methods, and documentation preparation.

Melissa serves as member of the Eastern Iowa Chapter of International Traders of Iowa and volunteers for Junior Achievement.

Ruth is Vice President of Commercial Banking for Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. With over 30 years of commercial banking experience, Ruth’s grasp of banking and financial solutions, combined with her commitment to delivering superior client service, makes her a valued and trusted banker to her clients.

Ruth is active in serving the community. She currently serves as board vice chair for Meth-Wick Community, board member for Risk Management Association - Eastern Iowa Chapter (past president), and board member for Metro North Rotary.

Sue Lowder serves as Vice President and Commercial Real Estate Officer. A graduate of Mount Mercy College (now Mount Mercy University), Sue brings 20 years of banking experience with a strong emphasis on commercial real estate. Additionally, Sue has significant construction lending experience and a detailed knowledge of the local commercial real estate market.

Sue is actively engaged in the Cedar Rapids community. She was appointed to serve on the City of Cedar Rapids Board of Adjustment, where she is able to use her construction and real estate market knowledge to serve our city stakeholders. Sue has served as the chair of both the United Way of East Central Iowa’s Young Leaders Society and the Women’s Leadership Society. She has also served on the Board of Leadership for Five Seasons for six years and as the Treasurer of Jane Boyd Community House for three years. In addition, Sue has been recognized as a Corridor Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree, and most recently as a 2016 Waypoint Woman of Achievement.

As Vice President and Credit Department Manager, Theresa is responsible for building and managing the credit department team and directing the underwriting, administrative, and reporting functions to help give our clients the best loan experience possible. Previously the Community President for NXT Bank, Theresa has 28 years of banking experience and is able to apply her expertise in various scenarios, making her a valuable asset to clients and to the bank. Theresa is a graduate from The University of Iowa, where she earned both her BBA and MBA in Business Administration.

Theresa is actively involved in the community. She serves as a board member for the Cedar Rapids Home Builder’s Association, and as Treasurer for both the Prairie Music Association and Shueyville United Methodist Church. Theresa volunteers for United Way, the College Community School District, for Junior Achievement as a Classroom volunteer, and for the Make-A-Wish Cedar Rapids Golf Benefit, which she has also helped to coordinate.

In his role as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking for Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Tyler assists in business development and relationship management. Tyler is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he earned his B.A. in Finance and Management. Since joining Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust in 2013, Tyler has quickly become a valuable asset to both the bank and its clients. Most recently, he served as Credit Department Manager for CRBT.

Tyler is active in the community. He currently serves as a board member for the Boys & Girls Club of Cedar Rapids; a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement; and a lunch buddy for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Trish Ellison serves as Executive Vice President and Credit Credit Officer of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. Trish graduated from Mount Mercy University and earned a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration. With over 25 years of banking experience, Trish's knowledge, attitude and dedication make her one of the finest experts in her field.

Trish is actively involved in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for Abbe Inc. and Abbe Mental Health Center. She was also named as a 2014 Outstanding Woman in Banking honoree by Northwestern Financial Review, a 2016 Waypoint Woman of Achievement, and was recognized in the 2018 Ovation Tribute to Iowa Women and Girls.