Our Story
United Prairie has its roots in rural Minnesota. The organization started to take shape in 1973 when former President, James G. Sneer, bought Farmers State Bank of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. That original bank charter began in the year 1919. The bank was run with a strong emphasis in superior customer service, financial integrity and community involvement.
Some years later, Mr. Sneer began to acquire other banks in towns around in the region, bringing the strong values and business practices that brought early success. In some cases, failing banks were rescued and resuscitated to once again become strong promoters of their local economies. In 1992, the banks owned by Mr. Sneer were changed to the now-familiar United Prairie Bank.
In 2002, Stuart J. Sneer, the son of James and Susan Sneer, took over the presidency of the company after many years of individual bank management and system management as vice president. Today, the third generation of the Sneer family is involved in roles within the company.
Over the years, United Prairie began to build its resources for its customers as well offering those services across its footprint. Currently, the company has 10 locations in communities across Minnesota. Company headquarters are in Mankato, Minnesota.
Our Leadership Team
Lisa Witte
President/Chief Financial Officer
Scott Miller
Chief Executive Officer
Missy Powers
Chief Employee Experience Officer/Executive Vice President
Mathias Gregor
Chief Credit Officer/Executive Vice President
Our Board
Melanie VanRoekel
Board Chair
Stuart Sneer
Honorary Director
Glen Francis
Board Member
Tim Malecha
Board Member
Sara Mikuta
Board MemberScott Miller
Board Member
Rick Nilson
Board Member
Jay Parker
Board Member
Chris Schull
Board Member
Emily Sieberg
Board Member
Customer Testimonial
I've been going to the United Prairie Bank of New Ulm since 1992. You get to talk to real people, and like on Cheers - everyone knows your name!
Can you convince a computer to fix a problem? And with a smile?
Brad K. - Hector, MN
United Prairie News
Jon Liesener Joins United Prairie Bank
November 10, 2026 – Jon Liesener has joined United Prairie Bank in Spicer as Vice President/Business Banker, where he will focus on business lending. Liesener has worked in the banking industry for years, most recently as Assistant Vice President of Product Leadership. His experience spans retail banking, customer experience, credit analysis, and product leadership.
“I have been fortunate to work in several different areas of banking, and that variety has allowed me to see banking from a number of different perspectives and develop a well-rounded understanding of the many elements that go into helping businesses succeed and accomplish their goals,” said Liesener. “I really enjoy working directly with business owners. I like taking the time to understand their businesses, where they want to go, and how the bank can be a strong partner in helping them get there. For me, business banking is about building relationships, understanding the whole picture, and finding solutions that make sense for each individual business.”
“We’re pleased to have Jon join our team. He has built some great relationships in our area, and we’re proud to have him on board,” said Market President Kerry Johnson.
Marinenko Appointed Cannabis Program Manager at United Prairie Bank
November 9, 2026 – United Prairie Bank announces the appointment of Andrea Marinenko as Cannabis Program Manager.
Over the past year, Andrea stepped forward to provide leadership and continuity for the Cannabis Program while expanding her knowledge of the industry. Andrea will continue to prioritize her primary responsibilities as BSA Officer while serving in this secondary role.
United Prairie’s Cannabis Program reflects the bank’s commitment to serving licensed, cannabis businesses and other cannabis-related businesses in a rapidly developing industry. The program provides deposit and lending services to cannabis-related businesses, including licensed cannabis businesses, businesses that support the cannabis industry, and hemp-related businesses, in Minnesota and surrounding states. Each relationship is supported by thorough due diligence, ongoing monitoring and a strong culture of compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.
“I’m excited to take on the role of Cannabis Program Manager and continue learning about this evolving industry. I’ve earned my Cannabis Risk Specialist Certification from the Association for Cannabis Banking, along with PBC Level I and Level II Certificates in cannabis banking and compliance. I look forward to continuing to build on that knowledge while supporting our cannabis clients,” said Marinenko.
“Andrea has fully embraced the cannabis industry, attended conferences and continued to expand her understanding of cannabis banking. She will bring that same focus on continued learning and strong compliance practices to her role as Cannabis Program Manager,” said Scott Miller, Chief Executive Officer of United Prairie Bank.
Jacobs-Lideen Promoted at United Prairie Bank
November 6, 2026 – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Jane Jacobs-Lideen to Director of Finance.
In her new role, Jane will provide financial leadership and oversight to support United Prairie Bank’s financial performance, drawing on her extensive experience.
Jane recently began her first year of Graduate School of Banking, expanding her industry knowledge and leadership skills while connecting with banking professionals from across the country.
“Graduate School of Banking has provided an exceptional opportunity to gain industry insights and develop leadership skills alongside professionals dedicated to serving their communities,” Jacobs-Lideen said. “I’ve also built valuable connections with banking peers, creating a network for sharing ideas, best practices, and industry perspectives.”
“Jane brings years of banking experience and a deep care for United Prairie as a company,” said Lisa Witte, President of United Prairie Bank. “We’re pleased to celebrate this next chapter with her as she takes on the financial leadership and oversight responsibilities of Director of Finance.”
witte promoted to president of united prairie bank
October 30, 2026 – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Lisa Witte to President of United Prairie Bank.
Lisa has been with United Prairie Bank for over 18 years, starting as a part-time teller during her college years. Over her time with the company, Lisa has dedicated herself to continued growth, both in her own development and for the benefit of the organization, in her role as Chief Financial Officer.
Lisa has been recognized by Independent Banker among their 40 Under 40 Community Bank Leaders and Finance & Commerce’s Top Women in Finance. Her impact has gained attention as she also serves as a Bank Advisory Board member for the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I’m honored to continue to serve in this expanded role with United Prairie Bank. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our amazing team to explore new initiatives and grow in this ever-changing industry,” Witte commented.
"Lisa’s promotion reflects her strong leadership, deep banking knowledge, and dedication to carrying our organization to a bright future," said Scott Miller. Scott will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer as the President duties transition to Lisa. Congratulations to Lisa on her promotion and new chapter in her career!
united prairie named a top workplace
July 13, 2026 – United Prairie has been named one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Minnesota Star Tribune. Produced by the same team that compiles the 35-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health and satisfaction.
Star Tribune CEO and Publisher Steve Grove said, “The companies in the Minnesota Star Tribune Top Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies.”
United Prairie CEO and President Scott Miller said, “Being named a 2026 Top Workplace is a meaningful reflection of the culture we’ve built at United Prairie. Our employees are the heart of our company, and their teamwork and commitment make this an exceptional place to work.”
United Prairie Chief Employee Experience Officer Missy Powers added, “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our employees. United Prairie is proud to foster an environment where our team members feel valued, inspired, and connected to our customers and the communities we serve.”
Gregor promoted to Chief Credit Officer
June 18, 2026 – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Mathias Gregor to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.
Mathias brings more than 20 years of community banking experience in southern Minnesota, with a strong focus in credit. His background includes service as a credit analyst and agricultural banker, as well as leadership roles overseeing analyst teams, lending operations, and credit functions at both the management and executive levels. Outside of work, Mathias and his wife enjoy spending time with their daughters and grandchildren. He also enjoys outdoor activities, including hunting and hiking. Mathis said he is excited to be part of the United Prairie Bank team and looks forward to working together to help customers achieve their goals.
"Mathias’ promotion is a reflection of his strong leadership, deep banking knowledge, and years of credit experience," said Scott Miller, President and CEO of United Prairie Bank. "His expertise and commitment to sound credit practices will continue to be a valuable asset to our clients, our team, and the overall success of our organization."
Makovsky promoted to director of operations
April 9, 2026 – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Dawn Makovsky to the role of Senior Vice President and Director of Operations.
Dawn Makovsky has been with United Prairie Bank for over twenty years, starting as Deposit Operations Manager. Her commitment and leadership have shone through as she led key projects, including launching the Call Center, managing ITM implementation, guiding the conversion and implementation of new products and services, and establishing herself as an expert on our core banking provider and respected leader. In her new position, Dawn will continue to oversee credit, deposit, and banking operations for the bank.
"Dawn’s promotion is a well-deserved recognition of her deep commitment to our clients and organization," said Scott Miller, President and CEO of United Prairie Bank. "Her expertise and passion will greatly contribute to the continued success of our organization."