- Category: Notable Commercial Banking Leaders
- Number of years working in your current industry: 20
- Undergrad degree/university: BBA Finance, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Graduate degree/university: Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008)
Gary Heckendorf, vice president and commercial lender for Forte Bank, is responsible for building, originating and servicing commercial loan relationships for existing and potential clients.
Heckendorf’s individual lending portfolio increased 90% from 2020 to 2021, which helped Forte Bank achieve nearly 20% loan growth over the past two years. He also was instrumental in helping 351 Forte Bank clients secure a total of $25.6 million in PPP funding.
“Gary is a calm voice and people are naturally drawn to that. His customers have a lot of confidence in him and value his insight on business questions,” said Aaron Lensink, senior vice president and business banking manager of Forte Bank. “If there are challenges that come up, he and his clients work to find a solution that makes sense.”
Heckendorf has been actively involved in the Jackson community with roles on the Greater Jackson Area Business Alliance and as a fastpitch softball coach.