Our Team

JON BENSON

VICE PRESIDENT / DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

JON BENSON

VICE PRESIDENT / DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Jon is a Moorhead, MN native. He joined Heartland Trust in 2014. He graduated from Concordia College in 1990 with a double major in business administration and English writing. He has over 32 years of comprehensive personal, business, and financial services experience. His past work experience includes Vice President and Private Banking Relationship Manager with Wells Fargo and Vice President and Executive Director of the Essentia Health Regional Foundation. Jon works primarily with personal trust administration, charitable trusts, IRA rollovers, investments, and estate settlement. He works closely with his clients, assisting them with developing and implementing a comprehensive financial plan that helps ensure personal and family goals are realized. Jon is active in his community serving as the Past President of the Board for Hospice of the Red River Valley, Past Board Chair Connections of Moorhead, Past President Moorhead Rotary, Past President and Treasurer of his church council, student mentor Offutt School of Business, Concordia College, and a volunteer youth coach. He is married, has two children, and loves being involved in their activities, golfing, and other sports.

Sheryl Bernier

Senior Vice President/ Director

Sheryl Bernier

Senior Vice President/ Director

Sheryl worked for American Bank and Trust in the trust department for eight years before joining Steve Halverson in starting Heartland Trust Company in 1990. She has over 40 years in the trust services industry which includes working in the areas of administration of trust, agency, IRA and 401(k) accounts, fiduciary operations, compliance, and HR. Sheryl grew up on a farm outside of Barnesville, MN, raised her four sons in Moorhead and currently lives near Dent, MN on Star Lake with her husband, Spencer.

Carrie Butler

Administrative Associate Supervisor

Carrie Butler

Administrative Associate Supervisor

Born and raised in Fargo, Carrie graduated from Fargo South High School before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Since college, she has built a successful career in the banking, finance, and wealth management industry. After spending the past decade in the Chicago area, Carrie recently returned to her hometown of Fargo. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and watching true crime shows.

Mary Carlson

Senior Administrative Associate – Personal Trusts

Mary Carlson

Senior Administrative Associate – Personal Trusts

Mary joined Heartland Trust Company in April, 2012 bringing over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Mary works primarily with the administration of personal trusts, agencies, IRA, and Foundation accounts. Mary grew up and lives in Fargo, and has two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, being at the lake, and cheering on the Minnesota Wild.

Mary Fridgen

Office Coordinator

Mary Fridgen

Office Coordinator

Mary joined Heartland Trust in September of 2019. She is originally from Wheaton, MN where she grew up on her parents’ farm. She graduated from M/State with an AAS in administrative assisting. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Jace Gilleshammer

IT Coordinator

Jace Gilleshammer

IT Coordinator

Jace joined Heartland In June of 2022. Originally from the North side of Fargo, he moved to Arizona in 2009. Jace returned to Fargo in 2022 with his wife and two daughters for them to start school. He enjoys spending his free time digging in a garden or playing Legos with his girls. Jace and family enjoy going out and trying all the new restaurants in Fargo.

Brian Halverson

President and CEO

Brian Halverson

President and CEO

Brian grew up in Fargo and graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead in 2006 with a degree in Business. After graduation Brian worked for Wells Fargo in Minneapolis and then spent four years as a territory consultant for VOCO Dental Inc.. Brian joined Heartland Trust in August of 2012 and has worked his way through multiple positions in the company. In the Fargo community he is active in the Lake Agassiz Exchange Club, coaches’ hockey in the Fargo Youth Hockey Program, served 9 years on the Plains Art Museum Board of Directors, is a graduate of the Chamber Leadership Program. Nationally, Brian serves on the board and is Treasurer of the Association of Trust Organizations. Brian is married, has three children, and enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time at the family lake cabin in the summers.

Steve Halverson

Chairman of the Board

Steve Halverson

Chairman of the Board

Steve founded HTC in 1990 as an independent trust company, the first of its kind in North Dakota. The company’s focus was to provide traditional trust and investment services to clients in the tri-state area without interference from a “corporate” parent company. Steve holds a BS and MS degree in economics. He worked for Norwest Trust in Minneapolis and Fargo for 18 years in a variety of positions including investments, administration of business retirement plans, personal trust administration, and trust division manager for a region that included eastern ND and western MN. Steve is well known in the community and has played an active role in service groups and boards. He is a former member of the ND Banking Commission and was previously the national president of the Association of Independent Trust Companies. Steve currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Heartland Trust Company.

Gary W. Hanson

Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer

Gary W. Hanson

Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer

Gary is the Executive Vice President and a Director of Heartland Trust Company. He has been an integral part of the growth and success of Heartland Trust over the years. His current responsibilities include business development, client relationships, leading the corporate financial team, and serving on the Executive Committee. He is a native of Crookston, MN and graduated from Moorhead State University in 1972 with a major in accounting. Gary spent 16 years at Norwest (Wells Fargo) in Fargo, and in 1988 was appointed President of First American Trust Company of Minnesota, a Bremer Financial Corporation subsidiary located in Marshall, MN. In December of 1990, he returned to Fargo, and was named a Vice President at Heartland Trust Company, and became a shareholder. Gary has twice been a presenter at national conventions of the Association of Independent Trust Companies. Gary and his wife, Ruth, reside in West Fargo while their daughter and son live in north Fargo and south Fargo respectively. He is active in the community, having served as president of his church congregation, chair of the church foundation, president of the Fargo Lions Club, and numerous positions in his Lions club on state and multi-district levels.

Barb Hilde

Administrative Associate-Personal Trusts

Barb Hilde

Administrative Associate-Personal Trusts

Barb joined Heartland Trust in 2023. She graduated from Mayville State with an AA degree in Legal Secretary. After graduating, she started her banking career in Grafton, ND, where she was born and raised. She moved to Fargo in 1988 and continued her career in the banking and finance industry. Barb enjoys cooking, shopping, watching sports, and spending time with her family and friends. She loves going to Big Cormorant Lake in the summer and doing puzzles in the winter. Her and her husband reside in Moorhead. She has two step-children and three grandchildren that she spoils.

Renee Hobbs

Senior Wealth Management Administrative Associate

Renee Hobbs

Senior Wealth Management Administrative Associate

Renee is a native of Kulm, ND and graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. She joined Heartland Trust Company in 2014, bringing with her over two decades of trust administration experience. Renee previously worked at Bell Bank and Trust and Wells Fargo. She is married, has one daughter, and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Michelle Hoppe

Specialty Asset Officer

Michelle Hoppe

Specialty Asset Officer

Michelle joined Heartland Trust in February 2018 as an Administrative Associate for Personal Trusts. She graduated from MSUM with a Bachelor of Arts in paralegal and has over 13 years of experience working in area law firms. She grew up in Williams, MN (Lake of the Woods) and enjoys spending time with family, coffee dates with friends, and staying healthy and active. Michelle is a member of the Fargo Optimist Club and is actively involved with Prairie Heights Community Church. She and her husband Chris live in Fargo with their two children.

Kim Hovland

Administrative Associate-Personal Trusts

Kim Hovland

Administrative Associate-Personal Trusts

Kim is originally from Grafton, ND and graduated from North Dakota State University. She has a background of strong administrative skills and an even stronger passion for helping others and building relationships. Kim recently moved back to the Fargo area with her daughter and is looking forward to becoming more involved in the Fargo/Moorhead community. In her free time she enjoys attending concerts, traveling, hiking and spending time with friends and family at the lake.

Kayla Kranda

Director of Operations

Kayla Kranda

Director of Operations

Kayla is a native of Tappen, ND. She graduated from Minot State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. Kayla joined Heartland Trust Company in 2014 and has been in the financial services industry since 2004. She has also received the Accredited Trust Operations Professional (ATOP) designation. Kayla and her husband reside in West Fargo with their son and daughter. In her free time, she enjoys baking, spending time with her family, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and attending NDSU Bison football games.

Denise Lies

Senior Retirement Services Operations and Compliance

Denise Lies

Senior Retirement Services Operations and Compliance

Denise is a New Rockford, ND native. She graduated from Moorhead State University in 1992 with a BS in accounting. She joined Heartland Trust Company in January of 1993. Denise started working in the operations area of the company. Now her primary responsibility is retirement plan administration support. She has attended many seminars and training sessions on trust operations and qualified retirement plan administration. Denise lives in West Fargo with her husband and has two sons. She serves as a board member of PACE supporting Grace Lutheran School. She enjoys watching football, going to plays and musicals, and spending time with family and friends.

Ethan Linder

Wealth Management Officer

Ethan Linder

Wealth Management Officer

Ethan joined the Heartland team in 2020. Originally from Esko, Minnesota, Ethan graduated from Concordia College in 2020 with a business management degree. Ethan currently lives in West Fargo and enjoys playing golf, hiking, and watching movies at the local Marcus Theater.

Hannah Lorentz

Trust Officer

Hannah Lorentz

Trust Officer

Hannah grew up in rural Dent, MN and graduated from Perham High School. Following high school, Hannah attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Her professional career includes real estate marketing as well as Title/Escrow Services. Her favorite part of any role is talking to people! Hannah currently lives in the Holes Addition of North Fargo in a charming 1 ½ story house that she enjoys making her own. In her spare time, she has fun spending time at the lake, hanging out with friends, going to live music, tackling Pinterest crafts and recipes, and hunting for treasures at estate sales.

Jill McAndrew

Senior Operations Associate

Jill McAndrew

Senior Operations Associate

A North Dakota native, Jill joined Heartland Trust Company in January 2005 as an Administrative Associate. In April 2019, she transitioned to an Operations Associate, and recently to her current role as Senior Operations Associate. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with and taking care of clients. Jill volunteers at the Arthritis Foundation. She has one daughter and spends her free time riding her motorcycle with her boyfriend in the summer and home improvement projects in the winter.

Rachel Meske, CTFA

Director of Trust

Rachel Meske, CTFA

Director of Trust

Rachel grew up on a farm in northern Minnesota, where she learned the value of hard work and picked up a ‘keep going until it’s done’ mindset that has stuck with her ever since. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the American Bar Association-approved paralegal program at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

She spent several years working in private law firms, gaining experience in estate planning, probate, business law, and real estate. Before joining Heartland Trust, Rachel served as a Vice President and Trust Officer at Bell Bank, where she provided fiduciary and financial services to high-net-worth individuals and families—specializing in post-death trust and estate settlement, as well as trust administration.

Rachel holds the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation from the American Bankers Association. She is a member of the Red River Valley Estate Planning Council and a graduate of the Chamber Leadership FMWF program, where she remains actively involved as a volunteer.

She is especially passionate about supporting local nonprofits, including more than 15 years of service with Special Olympics North Dakota. Outside of work and volunteering, Rachel enjoys reading and audiobooks, camping, long walks, and spending time with her husband, two boys, and their Golden Retriever.

Jan Nelson

Trust Officer

Jan Nelson

Trust Officer

Jan is a native of Hettinger, ND, where she grew up on a 1,200 acre grain and cattle farm. She graduated from Minnesota State University – Moorhead with a BS in accounting and minor in finance. Jan joined Heartland Trust in 2013. She was previously employed by Metropolitan Federal Bank and Concordia College and has experience as a charitable giving & estate planning consultant. Jan is a CPA and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, North Dakota Society of CPAs, Fargo-Moorhead Society of CPAs and Board Member for the Red River Valley Estate Planning Council. She is a volunteer for several local non-profit organizations. Jan and her husband, Glenn, have two adult children.

Ann Olheiser

Trust Officer

Ann Olheiser

Trust Officer

Ann Olheiser brings nearly 30 years’ experience in Trust and Estate involvement. An MSUM graduate, Ann settled in the FM area after college. Ann and her husband Allen have two grown children and an eight year old, Aspen at home. Originally from Detroit Lakes, MN, Ann loves time spent with the family at the lake. Ann and Allen have a cabin on Little Cormorant Lake where they spend most weekends and have three grandchildren - Annabelle, Leo and Beau. Ann also breeds, trains and shows standard poodles and fosters dogs through United Doberman Rescue.

Amy Remmick, CRSP

Corporate Support Coordinator

Amy Remmick, CRSP

Corporate Support Coordinator

Amy is a Merrill, WI native. She is a graduate of the Canon Financial Trust School. She has been in the financial services industry since 1998, with a primary focus on institutional retirement plans since 2001, and joined Heartland Trust Company in July 2021. Amy is an active member of the ICB and volunteers with Junior Achievement and additional organizations throughout the community.

Tim Rensch, QKA®

Retirement Services Relationship Manager

Tim Rensch, QKA®

Retirement Services Relationship Manager

Tim is a native of Garrison, ND. He graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Tim joined Heartland Trust in July of 2022. He has been in the financial services industry since 2008. He works with employer sponsored retirement plans and has a passion for helping individuals reach their retirement savings goals. Tim currently serves in the Fargo Kiwanis Club, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and several local non-profit organizations. He enjoys camping with his wife and dogs, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, and golfing.

Jana Samek, QKA®

Vice President/ Director of Retirement Services

Jana Samek, QKA®

Vice President/ Director of Retirement Services

Jana joined HTC in Jan 2017. She is a native of Minto, ND and graduated from Mayville State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. She has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, focusing primarily in working with employer sponsored retirement plans. Jana is very active in the West Fargo Exchange Club and has served on their Board of Directors. Jana and her husband, Ed, live in West Fargo with their two children. She enjoys attending various sporting activities, going to the lakes, and spending time with family and friends.

Naomi Schempp

Vice President / Director of Human Resources and Finance

Naomi Schempp

Vice President / Director of Human Resources and Finance

Naomi joined Heartland Trust Company in 2020 and brings a wealth of experience in banking, insurance, and operations. A native of Garrison, ND, she has called Fargo home since 2002. She has both an Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degree from Williston State College. She continued her education and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from North Dakota State University. Go Bison! An active member of the community, having a servant leadership heart, Naomi serves the United Way of Cass Clay in multiple volunteer capacities, and at Prairie Heights Community Church. Naomi’s attention to detail and operations mindset is valuable to any volunteer role. In her free time, you will find Naomi loving time at the lake, traveling, watching Bison football, shopping, or investing in friends and family. Naomi has a true passion for giving to others and finds joy in the little things.

Michelle Senger, CRSP CISP

Trust Officer

Michelle Senger, CRSP CISP

Trust Officer

Michelle joined HTC in September 2024. She is a native of Crookston, MN, and graduated from University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. She has over 20 years combined experience in non-profit foundation management and the financial services industry focusing on employer retirement, IRA, agency, trust, estate, and conservatorship accounts.

Michelle is active as the treasurer of her local Rotary Club, Sacred Heart Finance Council, and chairs the Sacred Heart Athletic Club Lenten Fish Frys. Michelle and her husband, Tom, have a combined family of six children and four grandchildren. They reside in East Grand Forks where Michelle enjoys puzzles, lake time, and serving family and others.

Kari Skauge, CBAP®

Director of Compliance

Kari Skauge, CBAP®

Director of Compliance

Kari is a native of Rollag, MN. She joined Heartland Trust Company in 2021 as the Compliance Officer. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of North Dakota. She has been working in the financial industry since 2013, and currently holds a Certified BSA/AML Professional designation. Kari and her husband have three beautiful children and she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Allison Smith

Operations Associate

Allison Smith

Operations Associate

Allie joined Heartland Trust in October of 2025. She is a Fargo native and received her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University. She also taught at the elementary level for 8 years after earning her Master's of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching. She enjoys taking her family to the West Fargo Public Library, walking their English Springer Spaniel and playing at the neighborhood park in her free time.

Dustin Sobolik, CFP®

Vice President/ Director of Investments

Dustin Sobolik, CFP®

Vice President/ Director of Investments

Dustin Sobolik has been with Heartland Trust Company since 2015, and working in financial services since 2013. He works with individual clients and nonprofits focusing on market research, investment management, and financial planning, and he also has earned his Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. He is a key member of Heartland Trust’s Investment Committee and leads discussions related to portfolio construction and stress testing. Prior to coming to Heartland Trust Company, he worked for a boutique Registered Investment Advisor based out of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. In his spare time, he kayaks, hikes, volunteers, and spends time with his friends and family.

Lori Theis

Administrative Associate Compliance

Lori Theis

Administrative Associate Compliance

Lori was born, raised, and currently resides in Moorhead, MN. She has over 29 years of financial services and operational administrative experience. She joined Heartland Trust Company in November 2014 as an Administrative Associate in the Personal Trust department. Since then, she has moved on to become an Associate of the Compliance department. Lori enjoys summertime outdoor activities, reading, and especially spending time with her son, Adam and his family.

Kevin Wangen, CFP®

Wealth Management Officer

Kevin Wangen, CFP®

Wealth Management Officer

Kevin grew up in Harvey, ND. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and has been in the banking, wealth management, and retirement industry since 2007. In November 2013, he joined the team at Heartland Trust Company. Kevin and his wife live in Fargo with their four children. In what little free time he gets, he enjoys golf, skiing, running, biking, furniture refinishing, woodworking, DIY projects, and spending time with his wife and kids with their activities.

Colton Westra

Administrative Associate - Personal Trusts

Colton Westra

Administrative Associate - Personal Trusts

Colton grew up in Moorhead, MN, and graduated from Moorhead High School in 2021. He went on to attend Concordia College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Accounting. In his free time, Colton enjoys spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends, attending live music events and sporting games, and golfing as often as he can.

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Our Team

JON BENSON

Sheryl Bernier

Carrie Butler

Mary Carlson

Mary Fridgen

Jace Gilleshammer

Brian Halverson

Steve Halverson

Gary W. Hanson

Barb Hilde

Renee Hobbs

Michelle Hoppe

Kim Hovland

Kayla Kranda

Denise Lies

Ethan Linder

Hannah Lorentz

Jill McAndrew

Rachel Meske, CTFA

Jan Nelson

Ann Olheiser

Amy Remmick, CRSP

Tim Rensch, QKA®

Jana Samek, QKA®

Naomi Schempp

Michelle Senger, CRSP CISP

Kari Skauge, CBAP®

Allison Smith

Dustin Sobolik, CFP®

Lori Theis

Kevin Wangen, CFP®

Colton Westra

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