Dean A. Ahlers has served as President, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of Sterling Federal Bank in Sterling, Illinois since 2013. From 2007 to 2013, Mr. Ahlers served as Sterling Federal Bank’s Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining his current institution, Mr. Ahlers already had 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, earning several certifications of distinction including the CFP (Certified Financial Planner), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), and CSA (Certified Senior Advisor). Mr. Ahlers is actively involved in community service organizations, including serving as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Sinnissippi Centers, Inc. (a nonprofit community based behavioral healthcare center) and serving as mentor for the WACC CEO program (a local entrepreneurial educational program for high school juniors and seniors). He was the past President of the Board of Directors for Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center and the past President of Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary. Mr. Ahlers graduated with honors from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from Iowa State University.