About the Bank

Overview

Amalgamated Bank of Chicago was founded in 1922 by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union (now known as Workers United) to serve the financial needs of local businesses and working people. Chicago has seen a lot of change over the last century, and Amalgamated Bank of Chicago has been your trusted banking partner all along.

As Chicago evolves, you can count on us to meet all of your banking needs. For over 100 years, we have fostered deep ties to our customers and our community, serving the banking needs of countless businesses, organizations, institutions, and individuals – many for multiple generations. These relationships are based on profound trust, in-depth understanding, and highly personal and responsive service provided by your experienced bankers.

Core Values

ABOC employees at all levels strive to perform according to six Core Values, which prioritize serving our customers, the community, and each other.

Core Values
Customer focus Delivers excellent service to meet current customer needs and anticipate future needs
Quality Sets high standards for their work, meeting deliverables error-free and on time
Initiative Suggests new opportunities to increase efficiency and/or improve customer experience
Teamwork Is respectful of diverse perspectives, and when needed goes “above and beyond” to deliver results
Integrity “Does the right thing, even when no one is watching”
Social responsibility Practices responsible banking and takes advantage of opportunities to support the community

 

Our History

1922

Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC) is founded by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union to serve the financial needs of working people.

1930s ABOC is proof that a financial institution founded upon a strong socially conscious business philosophy can thrive in its community. The Bank remains stable even during the throes of the Great Depression.
1940s During World War II, ABOC grants credit for companies producing for the war effort and performs other wartime functions, including selling more than $7 million in war bonds, and extending loans to returning veterans seeking to buy homes or businesses.
1950s Bank president William C. Reimbold secures a special position for the Bank in the Federal Reserve System, freeing up capital for the Bank’s clientele.
1960s Mayor Richard J. Daley attends the ribbon-cutting for the Bank’s expansion at 111 S. Dearborn Street to house the personal, auto and household improvement loan departments, as well as a night depository. 
1969

The Bank supports the Chicago Federation of Labor and Industrial Union Council in its boycott of California grapes, promoting fair working rights for American farm workers.

1971 ABOC purchases and moves to One West Monroe in the heart of Chicago’s Loop.
1989 The Illinois Amalgamated Bank Labor Council is established to assist the Bank in developing ideas and exchanging information to improve the Bank's services to the labor community.
1996 ABOC, establishes a customized labor-friendly proxy voting program.
1997 ABOC receives the "Corporation of the Year Award" from the Coalition for United Community Action/O.R.T.C., Inc., for its outstanding support of minority and female entrepreneurs, strong commitment to the labor movement and leadership within the Chicago financial community.
2002 The Indiana Amalgamated Bank Labor Council is formed.
2003 ABOC expands on its pledge to be “labor's bank,” welcoming 12 labor organizations as significant investors.
2004 The Amalgamated Bank Labor Advisory Committee of St. Louis is formed.
2007 The Bank establishes a branch office at 28600 Bella Vista Parkway in Warrenville, Illinois to service a growing union and corporate presence in DuPage County.
2007 The Illinois/Metropolitan Chapter of the Amalgamated Bank Labor Council is established.
2015 The Bank sells its State Street Headquarters and moves to 30 N. LaSalle, the heart of Chicago’s financial district. As part of the move, the Bank unveils a new logo, website and mobile banking app.
2022 Amalgamated Bank of Chicago celebrates the 100th anniversary of opening its first location in Chicago.
2024 The Bank adopts “ABOC” as its brand name and changes its name and logo to “ABOC” to signify its commitment to responding to current banking trends and changes to customer needs.

Our Leadership

Robert M. Wrobel

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Robert M. Wrobel is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago. He also serves as the Chairman and President of Amalgamated Investments Company.

In his role, Mr. Wrobel is the Chairman of the Bank’s Trust, Executive Management, Asset and Liability/Product Pricing, and Investment Committees. He is also an active member of the Bank’s Employee Benefits Committee.

Mr. Wrobel began his career at Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 1972 and was appointed President and COO in 1993, President and CEO in 1999, and Chairman and CEO in 2010.

Active in the Chicagoland community, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors for After School Matters. He is also a board member of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith of the Greater Chicago/Wisconsin Regional Office.

Mr. Wrobel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Northwestern University.

Nick Weaver

President and Chief Operating Officer

In his role, Mr. Weaver helps guide strategic direction and works to ensure impeccable quality, efficient operations, best-in-class customer service, prudent risk management, competitive and relevant product offerings, and strong earnings. Mr. Weaver oversees all areas of the Bank, including retail banking operations, commercial lending, and the institutional and corporate trust businesses. Additionally, Mr. Weaver serves on the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Weaver received a Bachelor of Finance degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration from Dominican University.

Mr. Weaver began his career at Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2017. Prior to that, he worked at MidCity National Bank in Chicago, which became MB Financial and is now Fifth Third.

Mr. Weaver has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank since 2024.

Timothy W. Clifford

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Clifford is responsible for all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and tax issues for the Bank. He serves as a member of the Bank’s Senior Executive Management, Asset & Liability, Investment, Technology, and Employee Benefit Committees.

Mr. Clifford has more than 24 years of financial, operational, and compliance audit experience, with more than 14 years in leadership roles. He joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2022.

Tim received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from North Central College and is a licensed certified public accountant.

 

Bill Kerth

Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer

Mr. Kerth is responsible for oversight of the Bank's Commercial and Retail Loan areas, as well as the provision of banking services to the Bank's commercial, union, and government customers. He serves as Chairman of the Bank's Loan Committee and serves on the Bank's Senior Executive Management, Compliance, Fair Lending, Investment, and Asset & Liability Committees.

Mr. Kerth has held roles in the lending industry for nearly 25 years, and joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2017. He has a Bachelor of Science, Accounting degree from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Jacquelyn M. Callham

Senior Vice President, Director of Operations

Ms. Callham is responsible for managing the administration and operations of Deposit Services, Electronic Funds Transfer/Money Desk, Item Processing, Treasury Management, Lockbox, Branch Management, and Facilities.

Ms. Callham has more than 20 years of experience in operations and finance roles, most recently with Byline Bank. She joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2018.

Ms. Callham received a Master of Arts in Business Administration, Finance from Lewis University, and a Bachelor of Science, Finance from Illinois State University.

Michael Connolly

Senior Vice President, Director of Risk Management

Mr. Connolly leads the Enterprise Risk, Cyber Security, Compliance, and Vendor Management teams.

Mr. Connolly has more than 30 years of experience in operations roles within the financial services industry, and joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2015. He has an MBA, Finance from Lewis University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago.

Chynise Cunningham

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Ms. Cunningham is responsible for overseeing all HR services and functions for the bank, including training and development, benefits, compensation, diversity and inclusion, and union and non-union employee relations matters. As a passionate HR leader with broad experience, she also establishes key performance indicators, supports the Bank’s strategic goals and provides HR expertise, leadership and guidance to senior management and her own team members. Since joining ABOC, Ms. Cunningham has served as a valued and effective coach, as well as a leader who provides HR direction that helps strengthen the Bank as it grows.

Ms. Cunningham started at ABOC in 2022 as Vice President of Human Resources Management. She was promoted to her current position in July 2023. While at ABOC, she has expanded the HR function, increased the focus on Change Management, updated and modernized HR strategies and practices, and prioritized building company culture. Ms. Cunningham started her career in retail, spending 17 years in human resources with leading international retailer H&M.

Ms. Cunningham is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of the USA, a member of NBMBAA, and the Society for Human Resource Management.

 

Andy DeMotte

Senior Vice President, Marketing

Mr. DeMotte leads marketing, branding, and growth initiatives for the Bank, including its customer relationship management program and company website.

Mr. DeMotte has held marketing roles in the financial services industry since 1999, including a four year period with Amalgamated Bank of Chicago. He rejoined the Bank in 2022.

He received his Masters of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and a Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, from Northwestern University.

Cherie Duve

Senior Vice President/General Counsel

Ms. Duve manages the provision of legal services to and on behalf of the Bank and Board of Directors, and oversees the Corporate Trust team.

Ms. Duve has 30 years of experience as a practicing attorney, 20 of which has been in the financial services industry. She previously worked for Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2000-2011, and rejoined the Bank in 2022.

Ms. Duve received her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Science degrees from University of Iowa.

Chris Kaleth

Director of IT

Mr. Kaleth manages the Bank's IT team to align with the Bank's initiatives while ensuring operational efficiencies. Mr. Kaleth brings a wealth of technical experience and leadership acumen to the Bank, including a focus on the standardization of information technology infrastructure. Mr. Kaleth streamlines business practices through thoughtful design, coordination, and data integration while also adapting to emerging technologies for the Bank to meet growing customer financial needs.

Mr. Kaleth joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2024. He brings over 25 years of visionary experience and deep industry knowledge. Most recently, Mr. Kaleth worked at Kroll as Director – Global Network, Security, and Unified Communications.

Mr. Kaleth received his Master of Science in Network Engineering and Management from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology from Purdue University.

Robert J. Majdecki

Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Robert Majdecki is Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago.

In his role as Chief Investment Officer of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, Mr. Majdecki manages the Bank’s own investment portfolio, the Investment department, and sales and marketing for the Trust division of the Bank. He serves as a member of the Bank’s Trust Investment, Employee Benefits, and Asset/Liability Committee.

Mr. Majdecki has over 40 years of investment management experience on both sides of the balance sheet. On the Trust side, Mr. Majdecki is responsible for the portfolio management of Taft-Hartley, Public Funds, and other institutional clients, as well as personal trust relationships.

Mr. Majdecki received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Roosevelt University.

Michele Martello

Senior Vice President, Corporate Trust Department Manager

Ms. Martello is responsible for managing the administration and operations of the Corporate Trust Department. Ms. Martello started the Corporate Trust Department in 1990 and has 35 years of corporate trust experience and over 44 years of banking experience. She joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 1988 as a land trust administrator, but quickly moved over to start the Corporate Trust Department a few years later. Michele was a Team Leader for 13 years prior to being promoted to Department Head in 2023.

Ms. Martello has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with Olivet University. She has also completed the requirements to be a Certificated Corporate Trust Specialist from the Institute of Certified Bankers. She has also received a Team Leader Certificate and Trust Services and Operations Certificate from the American Institute of Banking.

Mary C. Murray

Senior Vice President - Institutional Trust Retirement Services

Ms. Murray manages our Custodial Services and Employee Benefit Payment areas of the Bank providing services to our Taft Hartley clients. She serves on the Bank’s Trust and Employee Benefits Committee.

Ms. Murray has been in banking since 1987, serving Government and Public Funds, Corporate, and Taft-Hartley clients. She joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in 2007.

Ms. Murray holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Board of Directors

Robert M. Wrobel
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Amalgamated Bank of Chicago

Kenneth D. Bahk, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Lakewood Holdings

Juan C. Campos
Secretary-Treasurer
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 705

Ronald A. Damashek
Member
Stahl, Cowen, Crowley, Addis LLC

Donald Finn
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134

Miriam Lutwak Fitzgerald M.D.
Physician

Warren Katz
Partner
EAG Great Lakes, LLC

Jennifer Hoover
Managing Partner, COO
Highgate Capital Group

James T. Landenberger
Past President (Retired)
Amalgamated Bank of Chicago

Gary Perinar
Second General Vice President
United Brotherhood of Carpenters

Robert G. Reiter, Jr.
President
Chicago Federation of Labor

James M. Sweeney
President-Business Manager
International Union of Operating
Engineers, Local Union No. 150
General Secretary-Treasurer
International Union of Operating Engineers

Nick Weaver
President and Chief Operating Officer
Amalgamated Bank of Chicago

 

2023 STATEMENT OF CONDITION

Diversity & Inclusion

More than just a commitment to our associates, a commitment to our community.

At ABOC, diversity and inclusion is vital to who we are as a business, as individuals and as members of the Chicagoland community. ABOC takes tremendous pride in being a great place to work. We value the contributions our employees bring to the table every day. We work hard to nurture and maintain a mutually respectful, diverse culture that fosters teamwork and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

  • We proudly employ individuals from diverse backgrounds and value the unique perspectives and contributions that our inclusive environment provides.
  • We offer resources for educational opportunities to those in our community in need of financial literacy.
  • We seek opportunities to contribute charitable donations of time and money in order to serve underrepresented communities.
  • We have a zero tolerance policy for ANY type of discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, religious belief, ancestry, national origin, disability, military status, or sexual orientation.
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