Our Story

United Prairie has its roots in rural Minnesota. The organization started to take shape in 1973 when former President, James G. Sneer, bought Farmers State Bank of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. That original bank charter began in the year 1919. The bank was run with a strong emphasis in superior customer service, financial integrity and community involvement.

Some years later, Mr. Sneer began to acquire other banks in towns around in the region, bringing the strong values and business practices that brought early success. In some cases, failing banks were rescued and resuscitated to once again become strong promoters of their local economies. In 1992, the banks owned by Mr. Sneer were changed to the now-familiar United Prairie Bank.

In 2002, Stuart J. Sneer, the son of James and Susan Sneer, took over the presidency of the company after many years of individual bank management and system management as vice president. Today, the third generation of the Sneer family is involved in roles within the company.

Over the years, United Prairie began to build its resources for its customers as well offering those services across its footprint. Currently, the company has 10 locations in communities across Minnesota. Company headquarters are in Mankato, Minnesota. 

Our Leadership Team

Our board

United Prairie News

Davey Joins United Prairie Bank

December 2, 2024 (Mankato, MN) – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Davey as Market President for the Mankato market. Tom brings over 25 years of banking experience to his new role, having started his career with U.S. Bank in 1997. He served as a Commercial Lender in Mankato from 2003 to 2007 before being promoted and relocated to Southeast Iowa, where he became Market President overseeing five branches. During his time in Iowa, Tom expanded his expertise to include Agricultural Lending in addition to Commercial Lending.

"I’m excited to reconnect with people in the community and share how United Prairie Bank can support local businesses in their growth," said Davey. "I look forward to becoming engaged and involved in the community."

“We are thrilled to have Tom join our team as Market President,” said Scott Miller, President and CEO of United Prairie Bank. “His extensive experience in both commercial and agricultural lending, along with his proven leadership, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve the Mankato community.”

Francis and Nilson Join United Prairie Bank

 November 19, 2024 (Mankato, MN) – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the appointments of Glen Francis and Rick Nilson to its board of directors.

With over 50 years of experience in the construction industry, including 40 years in management and ownership roles, Glen brings a wealth of expertise across all aspects of the business—from sales and bidding to job management, financials, and more. In addition to his professional experience, Glen is deeply committed to his community. He has been an active member of the Lions Club for 33 years, served on the Hospital Board, is a member of the Windom Utility Commission, and is involved with Hope 4 Kids International.

With over 40 years of experience in the banking industry, Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will significantly benefit our organization.Starting as an internal auditor for a community bank, Rick joined CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP (CLA), where he served as the lead partner for community banks across Minnesota and North Dakota. He specialized in audit, tax, consulting, and mergers and acquisitions, and played a crucial role in regulatory approvals. Since retiring from CLA, Rick has actively served on various for-profit boards and a foundation board.

"We are thrilled to welcome Glen and Rick," said CEO, Scott Miller. "Their extensive industry knowledge will be a tremendous asset as we pursue our mission."

rick goettlich promoted to chief credit officer

September 25, 2024 (Mankato, MN) – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Rick Goettlich to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

Rick Goettlich joined United Prairie Bank over seven years ago as a Senior Credit Officer. Since then, he has shared his guidance and extensive knowledge of the agriculture industry to help our clients achieve success.

In his new role, Rick will continue to work directly with the Credit and Risk Management teams, while ensuring credit underwriting standards and policies are compliant with regulatory directives. His background in banking law and regulations will ensure that United Prairie remains a strong bank to serve our clients.

"Rick’s promotion is a well-deserved recognition of his deep commitment to our clients and organization," said Scott Miller, President and CEO of United Prairie Bank. "His expertise in Credit and Ag will greatly contribute to the continued success of our organization."

Congratulations to Rick on his promotion and new chapter in his career!

missy powers promoted to chief employee experience officer

May 10, 2024 (Mankato, MN) – United Prairie Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Missy Powers to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Employee Experience Officer.

Missy Powers joined United Prairie Bank over seven years ago as a Human Resources Manager. Since then, her dedication and leadership have been evident as she progressed to the role of HR Director.

In her new role, Missy will continue to drive excellence in employee experience, furthering the bank's commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. Her passion for employee development and engagement will ensure that United Prairie remains a great place to work and grow.

"Missy's promotion is a well-deserved recognition of her deep commitment to our employees and organization," said Scott Miller, President and CEO of United Prairie Bank. "Her expertise and passion will greatly contribute to the continued success of our organization."

Congratulations to Missy on her promotion and new chapter in her career!

shelly doll is new chief operating officer (COO) for united prairie bank

April 29, 2024 (Mankato, MN) – United Prairie Bank is excited to announce Shelly Doll has joined the leadership team in the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Current COO, Maureen Wieser, will be retiring at the beginning of June.

Shelly comes to United Prairie with a breadth of experience in strategic planning, bank operations, payments, operational risk, product and technology management for Capital One, Stearns Financial and most recently, City National Bank. She has led various system conversions, technology integrations and process transformations for these large organizations and is looking forward to connecting with people more in her new position with UP.

“I’ve had some amazing experiences throughout my career, allowing me to be in the thick of technology advancements in the banking industry,” said Doll. “The thing I’m most excited about with joining United Prairie Bank is the culture and being back in our MN communities. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with our team and clients, shaping the future of community banking as we continue to grow and thrive as a leading community bank.”

Shelly is a native of Richmond, Minnesota. In her spare time, Shelly is an avid gardener and reader. She enjoys spending time with her family taking in Minnesota’s natural beauty hiking any of our State Parks, fishing and water activities on our 10,000 lakes or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Minnesota Twins, at Target Field.

Scott Miller Joins United Prairie Bank as New President and CEO

March 15, 2024 (Mankato, MN)—United Prairie Bank’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Miller as President and CEO effective March 13, 2024. Miller will be responsible for the overall direction of the bank including its financial performance, balance sheet management, business development and operations. United Prairie Bank is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota, with 10 locations across southern and central Minnesota.

"This strategic appointment of a leader with Scott’s industry-specific experience represents our commitment to healthy growth as we approach the threshold of $1 billion in assets,” says United Prairie Bank’s Board Chair Melanie VanRoekel. “Surpassing this exciting goal, commits United Prairie Bank to increased banking compliance, risk management and infrastructure requirements. Scott’s expertise and insight will be invaluable as he leads us into our next phase while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.”

Miller’s 40-year career has been focused on building financial institution knowledge. Miller served as a partner for Crowe, LLC—the eighth largest accounting and consulting firm in the US and leading provider of risk management and credit consulting services. His tenure at Crowe included oversight of the Credit Consulting practice with 130 plus clients providing services ranging from loan review to complex model validation as well as collaboration with executives at financial institutions across the US. Prior to Crowe, LLC, Miller spent over a decade with Old Kent Bank & Trust in multiple commercial lending leadership positions including Vice President, Senior Credit Officer and Vice President, Commercial Lending.

United Prairie Bank is not new territory for Miller. He joined the United Prairie’s Board of Directors in 2022. Since then, he has had the opportunity to participate in the bank’s strategic planning, observe operations and become engaged with branch leadership.

“I am honored to be joining the team at United Prairie. Their dedication to building long-term, quality relationships to help our customers reach their financial goals and succeed is unmatched,” said Miller. “United Prairie is at an exciting point in time. I look forward to helping our customers, community and bank grow and thrive.”