The Pioneer Bankers Club recognizes bankers who have been leaders of the industry for 50 years or more. Geistfeld was one of seven 2025 inductees.

Geistfeld began his career with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1975, shortly after graduating from Mankato State University. In1981, Geistfeld was offered a position at Citizens Bank Minnesota, where he began as an Assistant Vice President. Over the course of his career at the bank, he has held various positions, eventually being appointed President/CEO in 1987 at the age of 34.

Throughout his tenure, Citizens acquired one insurance agency and secured four bank branch acquisitions, and one bank branch start up. In addition, he actively participated in the Citizens Bank Minnesota Board and the Minnesota Bank Association Board of Directors, as well as serving on numerous community boards and committees. In 1986, he graduated from The Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin, and was recognized with the 2013 Banker of the Year Award from Northwestern Financial Review. Upon retirement, he continues to stay informed about the banking industry through his long-standing membership in the Minnesota Financial Group, a bank peer group he co-founded in 1986, and his involvement in Bank Management Training and Management Succession Planning with GWiz Consulting.

MBA President/CEO Joe Witt congratulated the recipients.

Former Citizens Bank Minnesota President Lou Geistfeld was recolonized by the Minnesota Bankers Association for 50 years of service to the banking industry.

“Minnesota bankers provide an extraordinary level of commitment to the communities they serve,” Witt said. “The MBA is pleased to recognize these seven bankers for their commitment to making a real difference in their banks and local communities”

The Minnesota Bankers Association is the state’s largest trade association devoted exclusively to the representation of commercial banks. The MBA was founded in 1889 and represents 95% of Minnesota’s banks. The MBA is proud to support our member banks as they work to ensure vibrant communities throughout the state. For more information, please visit MBA’s website at www.minnbankers.com.