As Marquette Bank celebrates 80 years of service, we’re highlighting the people who help guide our mission and keep our community values strong. Recently, we sat down with Tom Prothero, a longtime banker and current board member, to reflect on his career, his connection to Marquette, and what makes our bank different in his eyes.
A Broad Experience
Tom has spent nearly four decades in the banking industry, working at both small, family-owned institutions and large regional banks. He began as a summer teller in suburban Chicago and worked his way through credit analysis, lending, and executive leadership roles. His career path took him from small community banks to major institutions like MB Financial, and eventually to consulting for small businesses in Arizona.
When Marquette Bank Chairman Paul McCarthy reached out in 2019, Tom joined the holding company’s board. Today, he serves on the Audit Committee and chairs the Risk Oversight Committee.
“It’s an honor to serve on Marquette’s board,” Tom said. “This is an organization with a stellar reputation and one I’m proud to be affiliated with.”
The Differentiator, According to Tom
Having worked across institutions of all sizes, Tom sees a clear difference in how Marquette approaches banking.
“Marquette is a true pillar of the neighborhoods it serves,” he explained. “So many people I talk to tell me they opened their first savings account here, or got their first mortgage here, and they’re still customers decades later. That’s because Marquette is deeply committed to its community in a way larger banks just aren’t.”
That commitment goes beyond financial transactions. Whether it’s scholarships for local students, volunteer hours from staff, or support for neighborhood nonprofits, Marquette reinvests in the community at every level. “The bank’s DNA is community-first,” Tom said. “That’s what makes us different.”
How Community Values Manifest
Tom noted that Marquette’s board takes an active role in ensuring the bank’s values shape its strategy. Marquette Bank isn't just community-first in how its employees interact with customers — it shines throughout the Board's entire decision making process.
“When we make decisions, we always first ask: how does this impact the community?” he said. “If we’re considering opening or closing a branch, it’s not just a financial calculation. We weigh the reputational risk, the customer relationships, and the role that location plays in the neighborhood.” He further noted that while some larger, national banks put their bottom line first in every decision they make, Marquette is more focused on how its actions may affect its neighbors in a more material way.
This balance, keeping up with modern banking technology while also investing in local branches and personal relationships, is at the heart of Marquette’s success.
80 Years of Positive Impact
For Tom, one of the bank’s proudest achievements has been its long-running educational scholarship program. “The number of students who have been able to pursue higher education because of Marquette is incredible,” he said. “That program, combined with our partnerships with schools and nonprofits, truly improves people’s quality of life.”
The bank has also received consecutive “Outstanding” ratings under the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) for twelve years straight, proving that its financial services and community programs are making a measurable difference.
Staying Competitive While Retaining Core Values
As banking becomes more digital, Tom believes Marquette’s future lies in continuing to strike the right balance: offering the same convenient technology as larger banks while maintaining the neighborhood presence that customers value.
“Some customers want to do everything online, and we can provide that. Others want to sit across the desk from a banker they know and trust. That personal connection is something we’ll never lose,” he said.
The bank’s independence, he added, is critical. “Staying independent allows us to keep our culture intact. As long as we continue to put the customer and community first, Marquette will thrive for decades to come.”
As Marquette marks 80 years, Tom had one final note of gratitude:
“If there’s anything I’d like to say, it’s thank you. Thank you to our customers and our community. We wouldn’t be here without your trust and support.”