Ag/Commercial Lending Team

Business & Ag

Your business partners

Focused on building relationships, our experienced team is standing by to work with you. Contact us for sophisticated financing solutions, competitive rates, and prompt, local decisions.

Charles City

Scott Smits
Scott A. Smits Chief Lending Officer 641-257-1232 Cell: 641-426-6914 Email Scott

About Scott

Before working with First Security, Scott worked in Mankato, Minnesota for a community bank as the Chief Credit Officer. Additionally, Scott has worked as Chief Risk Officer, Banking Consultant, and Credit Analyst for organizations in Chicago, Illinois, and on both the East and West Coasts.

Scott is dedicated to his family and his community. He and his wife of 38 years have four daughters living throughout the country. They enjoy traveling to see their children and volunteering for organizations like United Way and Partners Worldwide.

Chris Corcoran
Chris Corcoran Ag Lending Manager Charles City 641-257-1282 Cell: 319-231-4700 Email Chris

About Chris

Chris Corcoran brings over 25 years of expertise in lending and executive leadership to our team. He holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture business and finance from Iowa State University. His banking education includes completing the Iowa Bankers Association’s Commercial Lending School, the Iowa School of Banking, and numerous advanced finance courses through Performance Trust University.

As a firm believer in community involvement, Chris is active in several organizations, including Pheasants Forever, Redeemer Lutheran Church, and he is a coach for youth sports.

Chris enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Jessica, and their three children. The family makes annual trips to the Mississippi River to enjoy outdoor activities.

Cleo Spencer
Cleo G. Spencer Senior Ag Lender Charles City 641-257-1244 Email Cleo

About Cleo

Cleo Spencer joined First Security in 2025 as a Senior Ag Lender, providing both hands-on and professional experience to the Ag Lending team. He was raised in a small ag community in Idaho, and after leaving, Cleo joined the military and served his country. He went on to receive an associate's degree in business administration from the College of Southern Idaho and a bachelor's degree in accounting from Boise State University.

Cleo's career highlights include working as a lender with a focus on row crops and cattle operations, owning his own registered cow-calf operation, and serving as CEO of a company that specialized in growing seed and processing potatoes. Prior to First Security, he owned an aviation company that provided chemical spraying services and sold them as well.

Cleo's whole family is involved in agriculture. His wife, Autumn, has a master's degree in Ag Extension, and their four daughters have always been active in their cow-calf operation. The skills taught by ag are fundamental values for the family: work ethic, respect, and responsibility.

Andria Hillegas
Andria Hillegas Ag/Commercial Lender Charles City 641-257-1257 Cell: 641-426-6953 Email Andria

About Andria

Andria Hillegas started at the bank in 2016 as an Ag/Commercial Loan Processor and Servicing Clerk and full-time college student. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree in business administration from Upper Iowa University and the Iowa Bankers Association’s (IBA) Commercial Lending School. Andria has received several promotions since her start at the bank including Loan Operations Specialist, Credit Analyst, and Loan Administrative Specialist. In 2023, she was promoted to Ag/Commercial Lender.

Andria enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside of work.

Drew Mitchell
Drew Mitchell Ag Lender Charles City 641-257-1223 Cell: 641-426-6293 Email Drew

About Drew

Drew Mitchell joined First Security in 2022 as a Credit Analyst. In 2023, Drew was promoted to Ag Lender. He received a degree in Ag Business from Iowa State University and has completed the Iowa Bankers Association's (IBA) Intro to Commercial Lending School and Ag Credit School.

Drew grew up on a farm near Charles City, IA, and throughout his childhood, he showed cattle through FFA and 4-H. He is dedicated to his community as a member of the Floyd County Fair Board, as a coach for the Charles City High School football team, as a member of Main St. Charles City Business Improvement Committee, and as a member of the Charles City Lion’s Club.

Drew enjoys spending time with his wife, Madison, his family and friends, watching sports, and attending cattle shows.

Dumont

Kati Woodley
Kati Woodley Ag/Commercial Lender Hampton 641-257-1343 Email Kati

About Kati

Kati Woodley brings six years of experience in the agriculture financial industry to First Security. She has held key roles like Office Manager, Credit Analyst, and Loan Officer, with a primary focus on agriculture operating financing. Having grown up in Ackley, IA, just 30 minutes from the Hampton branch where she works, Kati offers a home-field advantage that clients appreciate. She provides trustworthy and knowledgeable advice to meet clients’ financial needs.

Kati is actively involved in her community. She is a member of the Ackley American Legion Auxiliary and Relay for Life. Her son is 7 years old, and Kati enjoys attending his extracurricular activities, from sports to 4-H.

Hampton

Kati Woodley
Kati Woodley Ag/Commercial Lender Hampton 641-257-1343 Email Kati

About Kati

Kati Woodley brings six years of experience in the agriculture financial industry to First Security. She has held key roles like Office Manager, Credit Analyst, and Loan Officer, with a primary focus on agriculture operating financing. Having grown up in Ackley, IA, just 30 minutes from the Hampton branch where she works, Kati offers a home-field advantage that clients appreciate. She provides trustworthy and knowledgeable advice to meet clients’ financial needs.

Kati is actively involved in her community. She is a member of the Ackley American Legion Auxiliary and Relay for Life. Her son is 7 years old, and Kati enjoys attending his extracurricular activities, from sports to 4-H.

Ionia

Andria Hillegas
Andria Hillegas Ag/Commercial Lender Charles City 641-257-1257 Cell: 641-426-6953 Email Andria

About Andria

Andria Hillegas started at the bank in 2016 as an Ag/Commercial Loan Processor and Servicing Clerk and full-time college student. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree in business administration from Upper Iowa University and the Iowa Bankers Association’s (IBA) Commercial Lending School. Andria has received several promotions since her start at the bank including Loan Operations Specialist, Credit Analyst, and Loan Administrative Specialist. In 2023, she was promoted to Ag/Commercial Lender.

Andria enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside of work.

Manly

Jeff Badger
Jeff Badger Vice President Ag/Commercial Lender Manly 641-257-1341 Cell: 319-404-4004 Email Jeff

About Jeff

Jeff provides 25 years of experience to the Ag/Commercial Lending team, and he has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Briar Cliff University. Throughout his career, Jeff has held roles like Business Relationship Manager, Market President, and Ag/Commercial Loan Officer. These positions have given him the expertise to build and maintain strong client relationships, support local farmers and businesses, and contribute to the growth of First Security’s communities.

Jeff actively volunteers with organizations like Rotary, St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus, and the Mason City Chamber of Commerce.

He enjoys outdoor activities and spending time on Clear Lake, where he and his wife, Ann, live. Jeff loves being with his friends and family – especially his new grandchild!

Nora Springs

Steve Fullerton
Steve Fullerton Assistant Vice President Ag/Commercial Lender Nora Springs 641-257-1340 Cell: 641-330-1906 Email Steve

About Steve

Steve Fullerton brings 30 years of farming and ag experience to his role at First Security when he joined the lending team in 2021. Growing up on a farm near Rockford, IA gave him in-depth knowledge of farming. Steve maintains his own farm with his son in addition to working in the agricultural industry.

Riceville

John Bhend
John Bhend Ag Lender Riceville Cell: 507-438-0265 Email John

About John

John Bhend started at First Security Bank in 2023 as an Ag Lender with 20 years of experience in agriculture. He grew up on a cow-calf and swine operation, exhibiting purebred Simmentals, Angus, and show steers. In 1991, he won the Minnesota FFA Star State Farmer award.

John's education includes a degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota and the completion of the Iowa Bankers Association’s (IBA) Ag Lending School. He also served on the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) Ag and Rural Markets Committee.

Having grown up near the IA and MN border, John is no stranger to small, close-knit communities, and he takes pride in giving back to them. John is a 28-year member of the Sons of American Legion in Adams, MN, a retired volunteer fireman, and a member of the Good Time Riders Snowmobile Club, a group that marks trails for other riders and raises funds for other nonprofit organizations. Additionally, John assists North Iowa communities with FFA, 4-H, and other ag programs regional schools may provide, nurturing the next generation of farmers with his passion for agriculture.

Though John stays busy with work and volunteering, he is also a dedicated bee farmer, camper, traveler, golfer, sports fan, husband, and father. John and his wife have been married for 27 years, and their three daughters are now adults with careers of their own.

Rockford

John Paulus
John Paulus Vice President Ag/Commercial Lender Rockford 641-257-1209 Cell: 641-426-6912 Email John

About John

John Paulus joined First Security in 1993 in the Ag Lending department. He received an associate degree from North Iowa Area Community College and a bachelor's degree from Buena Vista University. A major professional achievement for John, besides 30+ years of service, was an appointment to the Iowa Bankers Association’s (IBA) Agriculture Committee in 2004. John has been a vital member of the Ag Lending team at First Security for over three decades.

John can be found in the Rockford community spending time with his family and friends or talking about old cars and trucks. His wife, Stephanie, and he have been married for as long as he’s worked here, and his son, Wyatt, is serving in the Marine Corps.

Ashley Engels
Ashley Engels Ag/Commercial Lender 641-257-1204 Cell: 319-830-0923 Email Ashley

About Ashley

Ashley Engels joined the bank in 2015 as an Ag/Commercial Loan Administrative Specialist. Her educational and professional background includes banking, real estate, and customer service. Ashley came into her position with four years of banking experience, eight years of customer service experience, an associate degree from North Iowa Area Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in real estate. During her nine years with First Security, Ashley has received several promotions. In 2024, she was promoted to Ag/Commercial Lender and completed the Iowa Bankers Association’s Intro to Commercial Lending.

She and her family are active in Rudd Rockford Marble Rock (RRMR) athletics. Ashley enjoys boating, warm weather, spending time with her family, or watching the Dallas Cowboys play football.

Rockwell

John Paulus
John Paulus Vice President Ag/Commercial Lender Rockford 641-257-1209 Cell: 641-426-6912 Email John

About John

John Paulus joined First Security in 1993 in the Ag Lending department. He received an associate degree from North Iowa Area Community College and a bachelor's degree from Buena Vista University. A major professional achievement for John, besides 30+ years of service, was an appointment to the Iowa Bankers Association’s (IBA) Agriculture Committee in 2004. John has been a vital member of the Ag Lending team at First Security for over three decades.

John can be found in the Rockford community spending time with his family and friends or talking about old cars and trucks. His wife, Stephanie, and he have been married for as long as he’s worked here, and his son, Wyatt, is serving in the Marine Corps.

Thornton

Jeff Badger
Jeff Badger Vice President Ag/Commercial Lender Manly 641-257-1341 Cell: 319-404-4004 Email Jeff

About Jeff

Jeff provides 25 years of experience to the Ag/Commercial Lending team, and he has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Briar Cliff University. Throughout his career, Jeff has held roles like Business Relationship Manager, Market President, and Ag/Commercial Loan Officer. These positions have given him the expertise to build and maintain strong client relationships, support local farmers and businesses, and contribute to the growth of First Security’s communities.

Jeff actively volunteers with organizations like Rotary, St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus, and the Mason City Chamber of Commerce.

He enjoys outdoor activities and spending time on Clear Lake, where he and his wife, Ann, live. Jeff loves being with his friends and family – especially his new grandchild!

Some content requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.