Lori Reed to Lead Human Resources for Merchants Bank
News
| 07.09.2026
Merchants Bank has named Lori Reed as its new Senior Vice President/Chief Human Resource Officer, according to Greg Evans, President & Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re thrilled to have Lori join our team and bring her extensive HR management expertise to Merchants,” said Evans. “Lori is a well-respected leader and proven difference-maker who will help sustain our intense focus on talent management, employee growth and development, and maintaining our unique company culture that has positioned Merchants as an employer of choice.”
Reed has more than 30 years of experience in human resources, most recently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Winona State University for the past 18 years. She also has over 10 years of HR leadership in the financial industry, working at WNB Financial and State Bank of La Crosse. Reed’s deep skillset includes HR strategic planning, operations, policy and compliance, employee relations management, and workforce planning. She will serve as a member of the Company’s Executive Leadership team.
Reed shared, “I was drawn to Merchants because of the organization’s undeniable commitment to community, along with the opportunity to align its people strategy directly with the company’s broader goals and mission. I am excited to champion a workplace experience where people feel valued, empowered, and equipped to grow.”
Reed attended Winona State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management and Health Administration, and the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, earning a Master’s in Business Administration. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Serving Winona County and is also a contributing member to several HR-related organizations including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Merchants Bank is a full-service community bank with bank locations in southeastern Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin and a leasing division, Merchants Bank Equipment Finance, in Edina. Headquartered in Winona, MN, MFGI has more than $2.8 billion in assets.
“We’re thrilled to have Lori join our team and bring her extensive HR management expertise to Merchants,” said Evans. “Lori is a well-respected leader and proven difference-maker who will help sustain our intense focus on talent management, employee growth and development, and maintaining our unique company culture that has positioned Merchants as an employer of choice.”
Reed has more than 30 years of experience in human resources, most recently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Winona State University for the past 18 years. She also has over 10 years of HR leadership in the financial industry, working at WNB Financial and State Bank of La Crosse. Reed’s deep skillset includes HR strategic planning, operations, policy and compliance, employee relations management, and workforce planning. She will serve as a member of the Company’s Executive Leadership team.
Reed shared, “I was drawn to Merchants because of the organization’s undeniable commitment to community, along with the opportunity to align its people strategy directly with the company’s broader goals and mission. I am excited to champion a workplace experience where people feel valued, empowered, and equipped to grow.”
Reed attended Winona State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management and Health Administration, and the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, earning a Master’s in Business Administration. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Serving Winona County and is also a contributing member to several HR-related organizations including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Merchants Bank is a full-service community bank with bank locations in southeastern Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin and a leasing division, Merchants Bank Equipment Finance, in Edina. Headquartered in Winona, MN, MFGI has more than $2.8 billion in assets.
