Forward Bank

Lea Merkel has joined Forward Bank as a Mortgage Lender at the Marshfield location.

In joining the Mortgage Lending team, Merkel will guide customers through the home buying and refinancing process. She will also work closely with other areas of Forward to uncover opportunities to strengthen the customer relationship and provide additional solutions.

“I have worked closely with different members of the Forward team on community projects throughout the years,” commented Lea Merkel, Mortgage Lender at Forward Bank in Marshfield. “Joining this dedicated team has been a wonderful process. Together we will serve our home buyers in the Marshfield area and continue to build on our 105-year legacy.”

Merkel has earned her bachelor’s in business management from Lakeland University and her master’s in management and leadership from Western Governor’s University. Having worked in various industries, from higher education to healthcare and now banking, she truly realizes it is not what you are doing, but who you are serving.

When not at work or volunteering, Merkel enjoys being outside with her family playing hockey in the winter and swimming all summer. She is proud to be living, working, and raising her son in her hometown of Marshfield.

"Lea is a great addition to our Marshfield team and the group of Mortgage Lenders serving all of our communities," said Holly Zopfi, VP/Mortgage Lending Director at Forward Bank. “She not only brings strong connections within the community but adds a new energy and perspective to the lending process.”