Wintrust names new president of Wheaton Bank & Trust

Rosemont-based Wintrust Financial Corp. announced the appointment of Pam Sharar-Stoppel as president for Wheaton Bank & Trust Company.

Based in Wheaton, WBT has five locations in Chicago’s western suburbs: Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Naperville.

Currently executive vice resident and chief credit officer, Sharar-Stoppel joined WBT five years ago and brings more than 30 years of commercial banking and leadership experience to the bank.

Stacey Huels is stepping down from his position as chairman and chief executive officer of WBT to start a new firm, First Focus Capital Partners LLC, and pursue private equity investment opportunities. He will remain active in the bank and agreed to continue to actively serve as a director on the WBT board.

“Stacey started with one location and only $25 million in assets when he took over in 2004,” said Wintrust CEO Ed Wehmer. “Stacey led the growth of the bank to five locations and more than $750 million in assets. He also took it through two acquisitions and the opening of additional locations in Naperville. We thank Stacey for his many contributions and wish him the very best in his new venture. We’re honored that he will continue serving as a director.”

“Pam has successfully led a major expansion of the commercial lending team and customer base, has been an integral part of the Wheaton team, and is highly regarded by her clients and peers,” said Huels. “Pam embraces the community bank model and brings diverse experience and talent to her new role which will serve her well.”

Robert Hutchinson, who has been instrumental in developing the bank’s strong community banking reputation in Wheaton, will work to repeat that success in Glen Ellyn by becoming the president of Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust, and maintaining his leadership over the bank’s Business Banking team and CRA efforts.

Wintrust also announced that Robert Paszczak, vice chairman, is being promoted to Chairman. Bob joined the bank two years ago and has distinguished himself as an accomplished leader as well as a mentor to others. He has enjoyed an impressive banking career and his wealth of experience and relationships are highly valued.