Bernie Gaytko

Bernie is the President, CEO and Director of Keen Bank with 30 years of experience in the banking industry. He oversees all responsibilities of operations, including lending and deposits, human resources, safety, pricing, facilities, purchasing and marketing. Bernie provides a direct line to all customers and provides timely decisions that come with being a family-owned community bank. He pursued a career in banking because he loves numbers and people. He enjoys seeing people succeed and being a part of their success.

Bernie is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Marketing, as well as the University of Wisconsin, Madison Graduate School of Banking and the College of St. Thomas, Master Program in Management. He is an ardent advocate of community banking and is actively involved in the state trade association, BankIn Minnesota, where he was the past-Chairman. He currently holds the position of a Federal Delegate at the National level with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), where he is also a member of the Digital Asset Committee and past member of the Safety and Soundness Committee and Agricultural Committee. He also currently serves on the Waseca Mayo Community Board. Over the years, Bernie has volunteered his time and served in a number of capacities with organizations including Waseca Rotary Club, Greater Mankato Area United Way, Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee, BEST of Waseca County, Waseca Area Foundation, Waseca Development Corporation, Jobs Plus, Waseca Area Hospice, Waseca Chamber Ambassadors, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Farmamerica. He is the Jaycee Distinguished Service Award recipient in 1998, the recipient of the Blandin Community Leadership Scholarship in 1997 and received the Outstanding Advisory Committee Member Award with Business Professionals of American in 2006.

In his spare time, Bernie enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, biking, skiing, hiking, golfing, riding his motorcycle, singing and traveling with friends.