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 insurance and financial planning resources for its customers as well offering those services across its footprint. Currently, the company has 17 total locations in 14 communities across Minnesota. Company headquarters are in Mankato, Minnesota. Scott D. Bradley is the President and Chief Executive Officer leading the company to seek its vision for now and the future.

Our Leadership Team

United Prairie News

VanRoekel named board Chair for United Prairie

(Mankato, MN) March 3, 2020 – Former Taylor Corporation and Davisco executive, Melanie VanRoekel, took the helm of United Prairie Bank’s board of directors on February 26th when she was elected board chair for the $632 million southern Minnesota financial services provider.

VanRoekel is assuming board leadership from Stuart J. Sneer of Mankato as Sneer transitions into retirement from his day-to-day activities. Sneer has led the bank board, along with its insurance and investment divisions, since 2006 when his father and founder of the company, James G. Sneer, went into retirement. Sneer will remain on the board.

“Melanie has been serving on our board for over a year, so we’re enjoying a smooth transition,” said Scott Bradley, CEO and company president. “We’re excited about having her in an even bigger leadership role. Her experience and leadership have already helped propel our company to its most profitable year ever in 2019.”

“United Prairie is already a well-run, technologically advanced and extremely sound bank,” said VanRoekel. “I am excited to make a positive and meaningful impact for the shareholders, employees and communities we serve.,”

VanRoekel’s involvement in the Mankato business and education community runs deep. A graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, she’s held key positions in two of the most prominent companies in the area, Davisco Foods International, Inc. as Chief Financial Officer, and Taylor Corporation as corporate controller.

She’s also a recognized advocate for helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. VanRoeckel was appointed to the State of Minnesota Special Education Advisory Panel in 2017 and is the current chair. In addition, she is on the Special Education Advisory Council for ISD77 and is past board chair for the Mankato Area Foundation.

Witte promoted to United Prairie CFO

(Mankato, MN) January 29, 2020 – United Prairie is pleased to announce the promotion of Lisa Witte to the role of Chief Financial Officer as of the start of 2020. Witte is responsible for the company’s financial forecasting, reporting, and budgeting, as well as management of the Finance and Accounting teams at United Prairie.

Witte joined the organization in 2008, and has filled a number of roles, most recently as Financial Officer for the company for the past 2 years.

“Lisa has made significant contributions to the financial operations of our company throughout her time as Financial Officer. I’m confident she will continue to provide strong leadership to support our future growth initiatives as she moves into this new role,” shared Chief Executive Officer, Scott Bradley.

Witte is a graduate of Minnesota State University-Mankato with a degree in Accounting and Finance.