Locations & ATMs
Community Stories
Dec 12, 2025
The Bank of Elk River proudly celebrates Neil Gagnon’s 25-year milestone, a career defined by integrity, relationships, and a commitment to community banking.
Neil began his banking journey in 1999 at TCF Bank before joining The Bank of Elk River in December 2000 as a consumer lender at the Otsego branch. After seven years in consumer lending, Neil transitioned to commercial lending during the financial crisis of 2008, a pivotal moment that shaped his approach to banking. “It was trial by fire,” Neil recalls. “But it taught me resilience and the importance of standing by customers when times are tough.”
Neil’s proudest achievement?
“Building strong relationships with my customers and co-workers. That’s what gives meaning to what we do every day.”
Over the years, Neil has invested in his own growth and the bank’s culture. He completed the Graduate School of Banking and earned an Executive Leadership Certificate in 2021. He also serves as treasurer for the Elk River Rotary and previously served on the Boys & Girls Club board. His leadership extends beyond titles, Neil champions a culture of collaboration and customer-first thinking. “Our ability to adapt and serve customers while respecting one another is what makes this place special,” he notes.
Neil credits much of his success to strong partnerships, especially with his long-time Commercial Administrative Assistant, Debbie Swanson, whose dedication and teamwork have been instrumental in serving customers with excellence.
Neil’s story reflects the evolution of The Bank of Elk River: growth in size and sophistication, yet steadfast in its mission. “The bank has gotten bigger and more professional, but our core values, who we are and why we do what we do, have stayed the same,” Neil says.
“Neil’s strong credit skills and vivacious personality have been an ongoing part of the bank’s success”, said Rob Riedel, Director of Commercial Lending, SVP. “His ability to build lasting relationships and guide customers through complex scenarios has been invaluable.”
As Neil celebrates this milestone, his vision remains bold: “I want to keep driving meaningful relationships and helping businesses thrive. My focus is on shaping solutions that strengthen our community and ensure The Bank of Elk River remains a trusted partner for generations to come.”
Neil began his banking journey in 1999 at TCF Bank before joining The Bank of Elk River in December 2000 as a consumer lender at the Otsego branch. After seven years in consumer lending, Neil transitioned to commercial lending during the financial crisis of 2008, a pivotal moment that shaped his approach to banking. “It was trial by fire,” Neil recalls. “But it taught me resilience and the importance of standing by customers when times are tough.”
Neil’s proudest achievement?
“Building strong relationships with my customers and co-workers. That’s what gives meaning to what we do every day.”
Over the years, Neil has invested in his own growth and the bank’s culture. He completed the Graduate School of Banking and earned an Executive Leadership Certificate in 2021. He also serves as treasurer for the Elk River Rotary and previously served on the Boys & Girls Club board. His leadership extends beyond titles, Neil champions a culture of collaboration and customer-first thinking. “Our ability to adapt and serve customers while respecting one another is what makes this place special,” he notes.
Neil credits much of his success to strong partnerships, especially with his long-time Commercial Administrative Assistant, Debbie Swanson, whose dedication and teamwork have been instrumental in serving customers with excellence.
Neil’s story reflects the evolution of The Bank of Elk River: growth in size and sophistication, yet steadfast in its mission. “The bank has gotten bigger and more professional, but our core values, who we are and why we do what we do, have stayed the same,” Neil says.
“Neil’s strong credit skills and vivacious personality have been an ongoing part of the bank’s success”, said Rob Riedel, Director of Commercial Lending, SVP. “His ability to build lasting relationships and guide customers through complex scenarios has been invaluable.”
As Neil celebrates this milestone, his vision remains bold: “I want to keep driving meaningful relationships and helping businesses thrive. My focus is on shaping solutions that strengthen our community and ensure The Bank of Elk River remains a trusted partner for generations to come.”
