Markuson retires from Stockman Bank; Cooley named Market President

With over 33 years of dedicated service to the community and to Stockman Bank, Miles City Market President Stanley Markuson will be retiring on June 30.

Markuson, an Ekalaka native and graduate of MSU, began working for Stockman Bank in 1986. Over the years, he has served on Stockman Bank's Senior Loan Committee and Senior Management Committee. He was also on the Board of Directors for Stockman Financial Corp., the holding company that includes Stockman Bank of Montana, Stockman Wealth Management and Stockman Insurance. Markuson was one of three trustees of the Wm. & Lorene Nefsy Foundation and also served as the treasurer.

He has also been very involved in community activities and organizations such as coaching youth sports, Chamber Ag Council and Rotary. Markuson served on many boards including: the Miles Community College Endowment, Miles City Club, Miles City Town & Country Club, Upper Midwest Ag Credit Council and MSU College of Ag Development Board. Stan now plans to do more of his favorite things by spending time at his ranch, hunting, fishing, golfing, and motorcycling.

Bill Coffee, CEO for Stockman Bank, voiced his appreciation for the many years of service Stan has provided the Miles City office and his involvement in the community. "Stan has worked tirelessly to provide for the banking needs of Miles City and surrounding area customers. He strongly supported the community and we certainly wish Stan the best for many years to come."

Coffee added, "We are very excited with the promotion of Brian Cooley to Miles City Market President and look forward to his continued service and return to the Miles City area."

Brian Cooley was previously Senior Vice President, Senior Ag Loan Officer and assisted all Eastern Montana Stockman Bank locations with Ag credit analysis and lending support, as well as oversaw the Billings market Ag lending staff and the Worden branch. He will now be stepping up to serve as Miles City Market President. His new responsibilities will include overseeing bank operations, management and employee supervision, all lending activities, as well as oversee the branch managers in Hysham and Terry.

Cooley, who was raised on a fifth-generation family ranch in Musselshell County, has more than 35 years of Ag banking experience. He has been with Stockman Bank since 2011 and spends most of his spare time on his family's ranch.

"I have every confidence that Brian will do a great job with our amazing staff and team we have here at Stockman Bank," comments Markuson. "With his extensive background and knowledge of the Ag industry, Brian will be a great asset for our team and the Miles City community for many years to come. Plus, growing up in eastern Montana Brian knows and understands the unique lifestyle and traditions we enjoy."

Stockman Bank was established in 1953 by Miles City rancher and businessman Wm. Nefsy. Still headquartered in Miles City, the company continues to grow with 35 full-service banking locations throughout Montana. Stockman Bank has been committed to their customers for over 65 years and looks forward to continuing the Community Banking visions they were founded upon.