Bell Bank named Michael LaSalle senior vice president/bank channel director for its equipment finance team. Officed in Minneapolis, LaSalle will serve as liaison with Bell’s correspondent bankers and the community banks they work with in 14 states.

“Bell Bank enjoys tremendous relationships in our large network of correspondent banks,” commented Eric Zehr, president of Bell Equipment Finance. “We want to help those banks and their customers get the equipment finance services they need. Mike brings leadership and a wealth of experience in this channel, and we are thrilled to have him on our team.”

LaSalle has more than 30 years of experience in equipment finance, including extensive background in community bank leasing platforms, credit analysis and lease structures. He previously served as chief leasing officer for Bankers’ Bank, based in Madison, WI.

“I’m very happy to join Bell Bank, with its extraordinary leadership team and outstanding commitment to customers and employees,” said LaSalle. “I look forward to an exciting period of continued growth for this organization.”

LaSalle is a member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association and the Independent Community Bankers Association.

Charted in 1966 and headquartered in Fargo, ND, Bell Bank is one of the nation’s largest privately held banks. It offers full-service commercial, consumer and private banking as well as mortgage, wealth management and equipment finance services.