BROOKINGS — Dacotah Bank recently announced changes to its leadership in Brookings, changes that will start Jan. 1.

Olaf Hanson has been promoted to market president for Brookings after the retirement announcement of Steve Carnes. Hanson started with Dacotah Bank in 2017 as a DacotahGrown intern. He completed a second summer intern program in 2018 with Trust & Wealth Management, and upon graduation in December 2018, was hired full-time as a central credit analyst. Hanson transitioned to business banker in 2019 where he has worked since completing a variety of projects including construction, hospitality, multi-family, storage units, letters of credit, lines of credit, and small business start-up loans.

Hanson grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, and moved to Aberdeen in 2014 to play football for the Wolves and study finance at Northern State University. He graduated in 2018 with a bachelor of science in finance, with minors in accounting, economics, and banking and financial services. Along with his undergraduate degree, Hanson recently graduated with high honors from the Graduate School of Banking program from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was also presented with the Certificate of Executive Leadership by the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development. Hanson was a 2020 graduate of Leadership Aberdeen; finalist nominee for Top 4 Under 40 from the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce; and was a diplomat for the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce from January 2019-22.

Hanson has maintained a high level of involvement with the community and state as a resource, leader, and volunteer serving on various committees and boards, such as a board member for NSU Wolves Club (2024-present); board president for Aberdeen Downtown Association (2020-present); board president for Business Improvement District (2020-present); was a speaker for the NSU Innovation Center; and is an active community member in annual networking events and charity events including: Boys & Girls Club annual banquet, Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Northern Night, NSU Bourbons and Brews committee through Wolves Club, Roncalli/NSU/Aspire golf events, and others.

Hanson and his wife, Taylor, met while both attending NSU. They were married in November 2020 and shortly after bought their first home. They have a 2-year old golden retriever, Lady, who loves pheasant hunting and “helping” in the boat while walleye fishing. Olaf and Taylor are excited to welcome their first child this coming March.

You can reach Hanson at 605-692-8600 and by email at Olaf.Hanson@dacotahbank.com.