For 53 years, Mike Schrage has built Centier Bank's servant heart one employee, one customer at a time. He also has carefully planned for the bank's fifth generation to take charge.
That time has come as he turns the reins over to his son-in-law Chris Campbell, who has been the bank's president since 2023.
“I have now had 20 years serving alongside Mike, along with other members of the fifth generation of the Schrage family who are just as committed to staying independent, preserving the world class culture, staying local, and continuing to grow as an Indiana-based bank,” Campbell said in a press release.
Campbell, who is married to Schrage’s daughter Laura, joined Centier in 2006. He shares the family's values and philosophy of “be our guest.”
“The fifth generation’s assumption of leadership is the strongest guarantee of our ‘not for sale' promise, ensuring Centier remains a family-owned and operated bank,” Campbell said.
Other members of the Schrage family also are committed to keeping the bank's independent spirit, including Stephanie Schrage, a board member and Mike Schrage's daughter; and Anthony Contrucci, a board member and president of First Bancshares Inc., and husband of Schrage’s daughter Melissa.
“Chris, Anthony and Stephanie have worked alongside Mike for years and are fully prepared to lead seamlessly,” said Chrisanne Christ, chief people officer at Centier Bank. “Together with our executive leadership team, they will carry forward the momentum of our operations and our long-term vision, ensuring uninterrupted service for our customers and communities.”
Mike Schrage won't completely step away. He plans to focus on expanding branches throughout the state and serving the communities that rely on Centier Bank.
“I’m stepping aside with full confidence that the values we've built over 53 years aren't simply part of Centier’s history, they’re embedded in the DNA of leaders carrying us forward,” Schrage said. “I look forward to having more personal time to travel with my wife, Jill, and to devote even more energy to the community causes I care deeply about, continuing my lifelong commitment to helping others thrive.”
The next generation is eager to build on Schrage's legacy.
“Our generation recognizes and embraces the profound honor and responsibility to build on what those before us have established,” Contrucci said. “We’re committed to a thoughtful transition that preserves Centier’s culture and to continuing the family’s five-generation tradition of trusted leadership and service. We aren't just maintaining a legacy, we are building upon it with a renewed focus on innovation that never sacrifices the personal touch our guests deserve.”
Centier Bank was founded in 1895, and now has $10 billion in assets, with more than 60 offices in 35 communities in 12 Indiana counties. The bank employs more than 1,100 people.
