The Sterling State Bank board of directors has named Justin McNeilus as the bank’s new president.

“We are delighted to welcome such a bright, promising and talented individual to this key leadership position,” said board member Linda Bonow.  “Today’s announcement is another step in the process of structuring Sterling State Bank long term strategic focus.”

McNeilus succeeds Thomas Winkels as president. Winkels will continue as chief operating officer and will assume the role of Sterling State Bank chief credit officer. McNeilus will join Sterling State Bank’s board of directors.

McNeilus holds an undergraduate degree in business from Southern University in Collegedale, Tenn., and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking (held in collaboration with the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania). Since joining the bank in 2001, McNeilus has held numerous positions and internal committee assignments, including management roles and committee chairmanships.  He also currently serves as secretary to Sterling State Bank’s board of directors.

McNeilus also sits on several boards including the Minnesota Zoo, the Ronald McDonald Foundation of Rochester and Olmsted Medical Center. He is also past president and chairman of Generation for Christ, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members worldwide focused on Christian evangelism.