WIL AI-Driven Engagement Advisory Member |
Tara Berndt
Active Term: 02/2026 - 02/2027
Areas of Expertise
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Chief Credit OfficerReliance BankTara Berndt serves as the Chief Credit Officer at Reliance Bank in Faribault, Minnesota, where she leads the bank’s credit function and oversees its loan portfolio. In this role, she manages multiple teams and plays a key part in shaping the bank’s credit strategy and risk management practices. With more than three decades of experience in community banking, Tara brings deep expertise in credit management, commercial/ag lending, and loan operations.
Prior to stepping into her current leadership position, she held progressive roles at Reliance Bank, demonstrating her strong operational background and commitment to process excellence. Before joining Reliance Bank, Tara held key leadership roles at First National Bank of Northfield, where she established and managed the Loan Operations Department. Earlier in her career, she spent more than 16 years at Community Resource Bank, managing the agricultural lending portfolio and creating and staffing its Loan Operations Department. She began her banking career at Riverside Bank, where she built her foundation in loan processing, credit analysis, and commercial underwriting. Tara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and has completed professional banking diplomas through the American Institute of Banking and Minnesota Bankers Association. Dedicated, experienced, and community‑minded, Tara is known for her leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to strengthening the community banking experience. |
