The WBA recently recognized Mark Schowalter, a fourth-generation family member of Port Washington State Bank for his 50th year in banking.

Mark first began to work for his family’s bank in 1970 during his senior year of high school in the city of Port Washington. While at the bank, Mark received his degree in Business Finance from UW-Milwaukee and also completed the graduate school of banking program at UW-Madison.

Along with his father Ron, his brother Steve and nephew James, Mark saw the bank evolve and grow during his career. Mark's duties early on included human resource management and operations, but in his most recent position he oversaw security and The Bank Secrecy Act/AML Program. PWSB successfully navigated increased regulations during Mark's time as a senior manager and director. While he retired as COO in 2019, Mark currently carries two positions for the bank – he is secretary and vice chairman of the bank’s board of directors, as well as secretary and director of Port Bancshares, Inc., the bank’s holding company. 

Personal and near and dear to Mark's heart is the history of the bank and its record of being one of the oldest businesses still in existence in Port Washington. Mark serves on the board of the Port Washington Historical Society. He led his family’s effort to underwrite the first floor of the Port Exploreum which helped pave the way for its operation. 
PWSB has also been a longtime supporter of Big Brothers-Big Sisters (BBBS) thanks to Mark's passion for the organization. He served on the board for many years and was a Big Brother to two young boys before he started a family of his own. 

Yet another organization in which Mark continues his involvement is the Salvation Army.  For many years, he has organized the holiday kettle drive and recruited volunteers. 

Mark was also a board member for the Port Washington Business Improvement District (BID).  Also near to his heart is his parish, St. John XXIII. Mark and his wife Cathy supported the Eagle and Gold Award Scouting projects of their children Jacob and Mikayla at the Parish. Jacob completed a Bell Tower for the church while Mikayla spearheaded construction of a lift for the Port Food Pantry.

“Mark’s volunteer efforts and care for his coworkers across generations have made countless contributions to the PWSB brand. I just couldn’t imagine where we’d be without him,” commented President James Schowalter.

Photo: Mark Schowalter receiving his certificate of recognition from Rose Owsald Poels, President and CEO of the WBA.