Women of Distinction 2024: Johnson Financial Group

Evamarie Schoenborn leads Johnson Financial Group’s wealth division with personalized service that focuses on emotional understanding.

In June, Johnson Financial Group (JFG) named Evamarie Schoenborn its president of wealth. She comes to JFG after over 20 years in wealth management.

In her new role, Schoenborn oversees one of the largest investment firms in the state. She brings her significant experience to the team’s mission to serve its clients – an endeavor that, she believes, requires a deep understanding of the complex, personal and emotional nature of the client-advisor relationship.

“We help people manage their emotions around their relationship with money,” says Schoenborn.

At JFG, Schoenborn collaborates with Jackie Ruppel, senior vice president of private banking; Marlene Castillo, vice president and community lending relationship manager; and Alexis Wolff, vice president and commercial banking relationship manager, among others.

“It’s up to us to influence, inspire and be an example for our younger generation of women.” – Jackie Ruppel

This diverse team of women exemplifies strong leadership and expertise in their re­spective fields alongside many other women, including Johnson Financial Group’s Chairman of the Board, Helen Johnson Leipold.

“Johnson Financial Group’s support for women in this industry is evident by the number of women in leadership positions,” says Ruppel. “It’s up to us to influence, inspire and be an example for our younger generation of women. Not only to get into the financial services industry, but to encourage them to not be afraid to have a voice.”

Q&A

What are some of the benefits of both being a member of, and for your case working for, a locally operated regional bank?

MC: The trust they have in me empowered me to continue to strengthen the Affordable Lending Programs and to help low to moderate-income families achieve the dream of homeownership.

Our team of community lending loan officers is not only dedicated and passionate about their work, but also deeply caring and understanding. At Johnson Financial Group, we are committed to guide them to the finish line, homeownership. 

AW: A bank relationship is a very personal thing whether it’s an individual or business. Johnson Financial Group understands this and provides clients with a local team that will take the time to get to know them and their financial goals. Our focus is Wisconsin and the communities we are a part of.

Our philanthropic contributions and volunteer service supports local organizations. Our branch network spans the state and allows us to connect frequently with our clients. I take a lot of pride in being able to tell my clients that everyone who they interact with at Johnson Financial Group will be local.

ES: Being a part of a family-owned bank with a commitment to the state of Wisconsin, the people of Wisconsin and the businesses of Wisconsin is a very unique privilege. We believe that knowing our clients and the culture here in Wisconsin is what allows us to serve our clients in a much more meaningful way. – Schoenborn

JR: Johnson Financial Group is more than a bank and more than an investment firm, we are a uniquely positioned Wisconsin company that embodies strong core values with a culture built on integrity. Our leadership is accessible, our decision-making is local and efficient, and our clients always have access to our team in person.

How has your leadership style evolved over your career, and who or what has influenced it the most?

ES: Throughout my career I’ve learned as much from challenging leaders as I have from exemplary leaders. Knowing what not to do or how not to behave is as important as knowing what to do and how to behave. We all have emotional bank accounts. As a leader, my mission is to make deposits on the daily and rarely if ever, make withdrawals.

MC: Trust, ethics, and integrity are powerful values. It’s essential to treat others the way you wish to be treated with empathy and respect. Over the years, I’ve been honored to see the children of long-time customers come to me, as their parents advised them, recognizing this as one of the most significant steps in their lives. This experience is deeply rewarding and I feel blessed and grateful.

AW: Early on in my career, a mentor shared with me that you don’t need to manage people to be seen as a leader. I think about this often and look for ways to demonstrate leadership in different settings and learn from those around me.

JR: My father has been the most influential person in my career. He has always believed in me and taught me to never give up on my dreams. He has encouraged me to be myself and not be afraid to share my opinion or view, even if it is different than the rest of the room. Most importantly, he has always encouraged me to challenge myself, even if it makes me uncomfortable and I may fail, at least I can say that I learned along the way.

As seen in Milwaukeemag.com