Stearns Bank has appointed Heather Plumski as its new president, the company announced Wednesday. Plumski, a 22-year veteran of the bank, succeeds a leadership legacy held by the Skalicky family and will report to CEO Kelly Skalicky.

In her new role, Plumski will oversee daily operations, lead national growth strategies, and drive product development across the bank’s divisions. She most recently served as executive vice president and chief financial and strategy officer.

“For more than two decades, Heather has helped us grow into new markets and transform our digital systems,” Skalicky said. “She is well-suited to lead the next phase of our evolution.”

Plumski began her career in the bank’s credit department and has held a range of leadership positions, including director of StearnsConnect and chief strategy and data officer. She played a key role in launching several products and initiatives, including Stearns Salaam Banking, Nonprofit Banking Solutions, and BankONStearns.

She has also been active on internal committees focused on employee ownership, risk management, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I’m honored to lead Stearns Bank as we help our customers, small businesses, and communities succeed in today’s evolving banking landscape,” Plumski said in a statement.

Plumski’s tenure has coincided with several industry recognitions for the bank, including a Top Ten ranking by S&P Global Market Intelligence in its 2024 list of Top 50 U.S. Community Banks. The company has also been recognized by Fortune Magazine and American Banker for workplace excellence.

Skalicky will continue to serve as CEO and board member, focusing on corporate strategy, top-line growth, and employee ownership.

Plumski holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the College of St. Benedict and lives in Avon, Minn. She also serves on her parish’s finance council and the ICBA Operations Committee.