First Independence Bank of Detroit appointed Dennis Klaeser to its board of directors. This brings the number of FIB board members to nine.
Just before joining the FIB board, Klaeser was retained as an executive advisor to OakNorth, a London-based digital bank that focuses on lending to small and middle-market companies and is looking to expand into the United States.
From 2010 through 2021, Klaeser played a leadership role in growing the $50 million, single branch, Michigan-based TCF Bank into a $50 billion bank that was the 23rd largest in the United States.
“It is with great pleasure and excitement that I announce the appointment of Dennis Klaeser as our newest director on the board of First Independence Bank,” says Kenneth Kelly, CEO of First Independence Bank. “As we continue to execute our vision to be a community-focused institution while broadening financial resources and education to the general public, we are very excited to have Mr. Klaeser on board. He is one of the most talented leaders in financial services and his experience, knowledge, and network will enhance First Independence Bank.”
Klaeser has served in other roles in the banking industry, including as CFO and executive managing director of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. He was also a senior Midwest bank analyst with Raymond James Financial, Inc. In addition, he served as CFO of TCF Financial Corp. (formerly Chemical Financial Corp.) and TCF National Bank.
“I am excited to join the board of First Independence Bank,” says Klaeser. “This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to an organization that is pursuing a mission of helping the community at large with financial literacy and asset growth.”
Klaeser earned an MBA in finance and management policy from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, MA degrees in public policy and social service administration from The University of Chicago. He earned his BA degree from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he now serves on the board of trustees, chairing its finance committee as a member of the board’s executive committee.
