Nathan Walker’s journey with North Shore Trust and Savings (NSTS) began the week he was born when his grandmother opened his first savings account at the bank.  His career in banking began in 1996 when he started as a part-time teller. Today, as President and CEO, Nathan reflects on a career spanning nearly three decades, marked by dedication, growth, and a deep connection to the communities NSTS serves.

Nathan is a proud graduate of the College of Lake County with an Associates of Science degree and UW-Parkside with a bachelor’s degree in finance and business management. He also holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University. Further demonstrating his commitment to excellence in the financial industry, he is a proud graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

Throughout his career, Nathan has held positions in every department of the bank. While his favorite positions were ones where he was able to connect directly with the customers, his responsibilities as President and CEO have shifted his daily focus to supporting NSTS employees and operations. “As CEO, I don’t get to interact with bank customers on a day-to-day basis as much as I would like anymore. I view the employees as my customers, and I’m proud to assist our wonderful team of dedicated professionals by ensuring they have the skills, tools, and resources needed to support our borrowers and our amazing community of depositors,” Nathan shares.

One of the aspects Nathan values most about his career is the culture of care and camaraderie at NSTS. “I love the bonds that have formed between the employees at North Shore Trust. Many of us have worked together for years, and we’ve truly fostered a culture of caring that extends to how we treat our customers. I’ve watched employees grow up, get married, and become parents or even grandparents. It’s a joy to see those connections flourish. During my tenure as CEO, the bank has doubled the number of employees, yet have been able to maintain our culture of caring and family-like bonds. We have also expanded our loan offerings with the addition of Społecznościowa hipoteka Oak Leaf (OLCM). Through Oak Leaf, we have introduced unique loan options that allow our borrowers to achieve the dream of home ownership or buy/build the home of their dreams.”

Nathan’s commitment to the community runs deep. Growing up in Waukegan, he has always felt a strong tie to the community and felt sense of responsibility to give back. Through the NSTS Charitable Foundation, the bank supports numerous local organizations with monetary donations and employee volunteer hours. On a personal level, Nathan volunteers for the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in Waukegan and serves on the Board of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. 

Outside of work, Nathan finds balance and joy in spending time with his wife, two children, and their family dog. The Walker family loves exploring nature through hikes and outdoor adventures, making the most of their time together.

Nathan Walker’s career reflects a passion for fostering meaningful relationships, empowering teams, and making a lasting impact on the community. His story is a testament to the values that North Shore Trust and Savings embodies—a commitment to service, growth, and the people they serve.