Associated Banc-Corp Announces Jay Sodey's Promotion to Madison Market President

Dave Stein has been a pivotal figure in Associated Bank's growth and development in the Madison area. In his farewell statement, Stein expressed his pride in the bank's accomplishments during his tenure, stating, "It's been an incredible honor to lead Associated's retail bank. Jay has been a long-term partner throughout this journey—his leadership of our branch network and strategic initiatives have been instrumental to our success."

With 22 years of banking experience, Sodey joined Associated Bank in 2005 and has since played a crucial role in overseeing retail banking operations in the Greater Madison market. As he steps into his new role, Sodey will continue to report to John Halechko, Director of Branch Banking.

In his new capacity as market president, Sodey will lead a team of approximately 370 colleagues across 32 locations in the Madison area. His responsibilities will include spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing sales growth, marketing strategies, community engagement, and cultural development within the bank.

Sodey emphasized the importance of building meaningful connections within the community, stating, "Our dedication to meaningful connections and tailored solutions continues to distinguish us in the Madison market. I look forward to advancing strategies that empower colleagues and customers to succeed in this vibrant market."

Furthermore, Sodey will collaborate closely with the Madison Engage Local Regional Leadership Team (RLT), which focuses on aligning community needs with the bank's marketing and sales efforts. This initiative seeks to foster growth while addressing the unique needs of the local community.

Jay Sodey holds a degree in business management and finance from Central College in Pella, Iowa, along with a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He resides in Verona, Wisconsin, underscoring his commitment to the local community he now leads.

Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is the largest bank holding company in the state, boasting total assets of $44 billion. The bank operates nearly 200 locations across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri, along with loan production offices in several other states. Associated Banc-Corp is known for its comprehensive range of financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of its diverse customer base.

As Sodey prepares to take the helm in Madison, stakeholders are optimistic about the future direction of Associated Bank under his leadership. The bank’s commitment to community involvement and customer satisfaction remains a cornerstone of its operational ethos, ensuring that both employees and clients continue to thrive.