Scott Evans to Retire from Homestead Savings Bank 2024 – Search for Successor Underway

Written by John Face
Photos by John Face
February 21, 2024

At some point in the coming year, Scott Evans, Homestead Savings Bank President and CEO, who has served as head of Homestead Savings Bank (HSB) since 2015, will retire. I sat down with Scott days after the announcement that he, Teri Face, and Chris Burdette would retire from Homestead this year.

A Long Distinguished Career

We met in his office, and I asked about his career in banking that would eventually lead him to Albion, Michigan. “I am a graduate of the Robert M. Perry School of Banking at Central Michigan University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.” He said, “I started my banking career in June 1980.”

He worked at the Bank of Lenawee for 27 years. He was able to work in every department of every office at the bank. “One of my mentors, Pat Gill, gave me many opportunities,” he said. In 2007, he would work at County National Bank. He worked there for eight years. There, too, he had another great mentor in Craig Connor.

Then, in 2015, he sought and received the opportunity to join Homestead Savings Bank as President/CEO. “The board of directors allowed me to fulfill my career goal,” he said. “Forever, I will be grateful to all of these organizations. It has been a quick 44 years in the banking industry,” he said as he looked toward retirement.

Evans will not abandon Albion as he will continue to serve the bank and Albion on the Homestead Board of Directors. That will allow him the opportunity to assist the new President if needed.

Is Homestead Going Away?

With his retirement and that of other senior staff, I asked Evans if there are discussions to have Homestead merge or be bought by another bank. He was emphatic that the retirements, especially his, had long been planned. He said, “I have been asked since our press release, is HSB going to merge or be sold. Please let me be clear: the board of directors is committed to being an independent community bank. That is why I plan to stay on the board after my retirement.”

Evans explained that Homestead Savings Bank was established in June 1889. It is the oldest mutual savings bank in Michigan and the 14th oldest bank in Michigan. It is rare that a financial institution will celebrate 135 years in 2024 with the same name and in the same community.

Family Time

I asked Scott about his family, and a smile crept on his face. “My wife Connie and I have five children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren,” he said. Most of his family is in Michigan, but he does have some in Florida and England. “I must thank Connie and my family,” he said, “for giving up so much for my career. I missed so many events, and maybe now I can start to repay them.”

When he and Connie moved to Albion, they decided they must be involved in the community. “I think for the first few years, we went to every event possible. Through that process, we have met so many people and enjoyed all of the community events that we have done. Some of my favorites include Swingin’ at the Shell (we loved handing out cookies at the last concert), Men Who Cook, Run Albion, and Bids N Stuff”, he said.

Fondest Memories

“My coworkers and board of directors, they mean everything to me. We would never have accomplished the things we have done the last eight years”, he said. More specifically, his executive management team. “We all have different styles (which was by design), but the respect and professionalism, even when we did not agree, is amazing.” He thanked Jenny Wilber, Chris Burdette, and Ashley Vinton for all their work and effort. “The bank is in a great position for the future with the current and new leadership,” he said

We are Proud of Our Staff and The Communities They Help

I asked what he was most proud of, and his list was long:

“When I started in 2015, and you stood at the corner of Superior and Ash and looked down (north) Superior St., there were very few businesses,” he said. “Now, if you take the same look, you will find a brewery, bakery, stores, another theatre, hotel, chocolate shop, flower store and many more businesses. With all that, there is more to come, and HSB helped in some of that,” he said.

Individually, he said he has not accomplished that much. He is proud of what our board of directors, management, and staff have been able to do during my tenure. “When I arrived, HSB was experiencing some challenges. Our board members have changed, executive management has been established, and we have a great staff.”

They have a good relationship with federal regulators, and most importantly he said, “in 2023, we had the best financial performance since I have been at HSB.”

In October 2023, we organized our 1st Community Service Day.
In Albion, staff painted curbs, cleaned and painted the Riverside Cemetery sign, and cleaned the landscaping at Harrington Schools. In Leslie, they stained the Veterans gazebo, and in Springport, they partnered with the Village staff to landscape the park between the village office and the bank. Leslie and Springport, Michigan, are where the other two HSB Branches are located.

He said his staff had a blast doing Toast to the Bohm in 2018. They turned the bank into a restaurant and drove (thanks to Hometown Chrysler) people to the theatre for a show with The War & Treaty in a formal event that supported the Bohm.

Saying So Long Scott

Evans plans on being the President until his replacement is found. He is hoping that is sooner than later. When that happens the community will have the opportunity to thank him, but hey, why not now. When you see Scott thank him for his tireless work to make Albion a better place.