MINNEAPOLIS – May 5, 2015 – Paul Schmidt has been hired as executive vice president in the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) division where he is the Midwest market manager, responsible for the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana CRE offices. He reports to Breck Hanson, head of commercial real estate, in Chicago.

Schmidt brings more than 31 years of banking experience to Associated Bank. Most recently, he held the position of executive vice president, division manager, Commercial Real Estate at Wells Fargo where he was responsible for establishing and managing multiple regional lending offices throughout the United States. Schmidt began his career in banking at Wells Fargo in 1984 as management trainee/financial analyst prior to moving into a relationship manager role with Wells in 1988.

A graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, Schmidt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In the community he serves on the boards of Autism Society of Minnesota and HopeKids Minnesota. Professionally, he is active in industry organizations including National Association of Industrial and Office Parks, Minnesota Shopping Center Association, and Minnesota Multi-Family Association. Schmidt’s office is located at 45 South 7^th St.