First Dakota National Bank Announces Retiring and Incoming Board Members

First Dakota National Bank today announced the upcoming retirement of two esteemed, long-standing members of its Board of Directors—Dan Eisenbraun (2010-2024) and Walt Carlson (2011-2024)—and the welcome of two incoming board members—Click Rain CEO Natalie Eisenberg and National Pork Board CEO Bill Even.

After many years of dedicated guidance and counsel on the First Dakota Board of Directors, Eisenbraun and Carlson ended their tenures in March 2024.

“On behalf of myself and the entire First Dakota family, I want to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to Dan and Walt for their many years of devoted service on our Board,” said Larry Ness, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Their steady leadership and wisdom have been instrumental in guiding First Dakota through unique challenges and celebration-worthy success. They will be greatly missed.”

As First Dakota bids farewell to these two departing Board members, it also has the privilege of welcoming the wealth of experience and fresh perspectives of two new talented Board members in Eisenberg and Even. These two impressive individuals bring unique talents and vision to help shape the future of First Dakota.

Currently the CEO of Click Rain Inc., Eisenberg has spent her career building brands across the region. Since discovering her passion for marketing at the University of South Dakota, she has held many roles in the industry, each with a strong focus on helping people and businesses discover the unique qualities that help them stand out. Natalie also serves as co-chair of the Riverline District Committee and as a board member for Great Bear Recreation Park.

“Natalie brings so many positive qualities to the table, it’s hard to distinguish which area she’ll impact most,” said Ness. “From her sharp insights in branding and marketing to her business-savvy mindset, we expect to benefit significantly from her leadership.”

As Chief Executive Officer for the National Pork Board (based in Des Moines, IA), Even is responsible for leading Pork Checkoff-funded research, promotion, and education projects on behalf of the nation’s 60,000 pork producers. He also served as the Global Industry Relations Lead and Commercial Unit Lead for DuPont Pioneer® from 2010 to 2016 and as the South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture from 2007 to 2010.

“With the ag industry being such a key component of banking here in the Midwest, Bill’s extensive background in agriculture—which is a deeply embedded aspect of both his professional and personal life—will provide us with a strong voice and vision for the future, both in the ag industry and the business community in general,” said Ness.

Eisenberg and Even officially joined the First Dakota Board of Directors on March 20, 2024.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Natalie and Bill joining our Board,” Ness noted. “As First Dakota continues serving South Dakotans for generations to come, these two talented leaders will help take our mission and vision even further. Our entire leadership team looks forward to benefiting from the passion, expertise, and fresh thinking they will bring to First Dakota.”

About First Dakota National Bank: Since becoming the first fully chartered bank in the Dakota Territory in 1872, First Dakota National Bank has strived to anticipate, meet, and exceed customers' expectations while strengthening communities by providing time, talent, and resources. With a legacy of success spanning more than 150 years, First Dakota remains dedicated to serving South Dakotans through its 17 conveniently-located branches.