First Interstate officials are excited to announce the addition of two talented bankers to its Executive Team. Gary Lorenz has been named First Interstate Bank’s Chief Specialty Banking Officer (CSBO), and Kristina “Kris” Robbins has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Operations Officer (COO).
In this new role, Lorenz will provide leadership and oversight for First Interstate’s Indirect Lending, Payment Services, and Home Loans divisions. A 30-year veteran of the financial services industry, Lorenz has served in a variety of leadership roles and has vast experience in the direct/indirect lending and retail banking space. Until recently, Lorenz served as Cedar Valley Market President for Great Western Bank, which was acquired by First Interstate in February 2022. A graduate of Hawkeye Institute of Technology (Hawkeye Community College) with a degree in accounting, Lorenz will be relocating to Billings, Montana.
“It’s an honor to serve as First Interstate’s Chief Specialty Banking Officer—a new role for the Bank. I am excited to collaborate with our division leaders to elevate First Interstate’s indirect lending, debit/credit cards, and mortgage products and services to the next level for our clients,” said Lorenz.
In her new role, Robbins will provide leadership around client-focused strategies for the deposit and lending operations teams as well as the Client Contact Center.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the First Interstate family, and I am honored to work with such a talented team of banking professionals,” Robbins stated. “I joined First Interstate Bank because I admire how its employees lead with purpose and integrity,” Robbins explained. “I am excited to join the Bank’s Executive Team as we continue to build upon our proud history of operational excellence.”
A seasoned executive, Robbins has over 25 years of financial industry experience and most recently served as First Interstate’s Director of Loan Operations. Prior to joining First Interstate in 2018, Robbins was the Director of Lending Operations, Executive Vice President at Umpqua Bank.
“As our Company continues to grow, my commitment in this new role will remain focused around executing on a superior experience for the employees, clients, and communities we serve,” Robbins said.