The best career moves sometimes come from unexpected conversations. For Dave Seiler, a phone call from a banking client early in his career shifted his focus from real estate appraisal to financial services. That decision would eventually lead to him becoming President & CEO of First Business Financial Services, Inc., succeeding Corey Chambas as leader of the publicly traded parent company of First Business Bank in May 2026 when Chambas retires.
"Who knows where a turn is going to take you," Seiler reflects on that phone call. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with an undergraduate degree in Business and a Master of Science in Real Estate, he'd been working as a commercial real estate appraiser in Milwaukee, serving banks and evaluating apartment buildings and shopping centers.
Then came the phone call that changed everything. In 1994, a client from First Bank (now part of US Bank) asked if he'd ever considered banking. That conversation led Seiler to join US Bank in Real Estate Credit Administration, where he spent more than eight years developing his understanding of commercial lending and credit analysis. 
In 2002, he moved to M&I Bank, which is now BMO Harris Bank, where he would spend nearly 14 years advancing through roles before becoming Managing Director of the Correspondent Banking Division. The correspondent banking role proved particularly valuable, connecting Seiler with financial institutions across the Midwest and giving him insight into how different banks approach strategy, operations, and client relationships. Among the institutions he worked with regularly was First Business Bank, where he developed respect for the organization's collaborative culture and client-focused approach.
That relationship led to an opportunity in 2016 to join the parent company of First Business Bank, where he's spent the past decade deeply involved in the company's growth story.
Building Strategy Through Collaboration
Since joining First Business Bank in 2016 as Chief Operating Officer, Seiler has rotated to have oversight of the bank's four commercial banking regions, all specialty finance divisions, private wealth, IT, and operations. His promotion to President and COO in 2023 positioned him to lead the company's most recent strategic planning process.
"With the help of the senior leadership team, I led the development of our last strategic plan," he said. "We collaborated to ensure a strategic plan is solidly in place, directing our efforts and keeping us focused on what’s important to reach our goals."
The collaborative strategic planning process reflects Seiler’s broader leadership philosophy. Rather than operating as a sole decision-maker, he prefers working with a team to identify the best ideas, regardless of where they originated.
"I view myself as part of the team, working with my direct reports to make sure we're operating as well as we can," he said. "It doesn't matter if it's my idea or someone else's idea, as long as it's the best idea."
This collaborative style mirrors the culture that has defined First Business Bank since its founding in 1990. The bank's Statement of Beliefs, written early in the company's history, outlines how employees should treat clients, care for the bank, and work with each other—principles that still guide decision-making today.
Steady Leadership, Strong Results
First Business Bank's leadership history tells a story of stability. With only three CEOs since its founding in 1990, each leadership change is carefully planned to maintain the culture and strategic direction that drive success.
As CEO of the holding company, Seiler will lead First Business Financial Services, Inc., the publicly traded parent company that owns both First Business Bank and First Business Specialty Finance. "The holding company oversees the entire organization and all of its subsidiaries," he explained. "The holding company is publicly traded (Nasdaq: FBIZ) and CFO Brian Spielmann and I work at the holding company level to communicate with investors and analysts about our financial performance and strategic direction."
The upcoming leadership transition reflects the bank's commitment to planned succession and leadership development. Seiler's decade with the company has provided him with comprehensive exposure to every aspect of the business, while recent organizational adjustments have prepared him for expanded responsibilities.
"For more than a year, we've been shifting some of my responsibilities to other experienced people at the bank," he said. For instance, operations and IT now report to Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer Brad Quade, while First Business Bank’s President & CEO, Jim Hartlieb, oversees the four bank markets and our marketing team. President of Specialty Finance Niamh Kristufek leads our specialty finance divisions.
These changes allow Seiler to focus on strategic planning, investor relations, and client engagement. "I am hoping to have more time to get out and meet with more clients—that's the fun part of the job," he said.
The senior management team supporting this transition brings substantial experience and continuity. Among the 10-11 senior leaders, average tenure exceeds 10 years, with some team members bringing more than 30 years of experience.
"The values and priorities that have driven this company don't change," Seiler says. Referring to retiring First Business Financial Services, Inc. CEO Corey Chambas, who will continue serving on the holding company board of directors, Seiler says, "Corey and I bring different styles, but we're aligned on what matters most."
What’s Ahead For First Business Bank?
Looking ahead, Seiler identifies technology adaptation as both the biggest challenge and opportunity facing all financial institutions. Over the years, First Business Bank has positioned itself well in this area, evolving from having no software developers on staff a decade ago to employing several today. Unlike many other companies that struggled with technology as the pandemic hit, most of First Business Bank’s employees worked from home seamlessly thanks to the bank’s proactive technology strategy.
"The banks in this industry that are successful will use technology to become better," he said. A few recent initiatives he lists include robotic process automation, artificial intelligence tools integrated with Salesforce, and the development of a proprietary credit platform that provides enhanced data analytics capabilities.
The bank's growth trajectory presents another strategic challenge. With a goal of 10% annual growth, the company doubles in size about every seven years. Maintaining that pace while preserving the culture and client relationships that differentiate the bank requires careful planning.
"As you get larger, that's more difficult," Seiler said. "We believe organic growth is the best kind of growth, as opposed to buying somebody else. But maintaining the core of what makes us unique is very important."
Community Commitment Beyond Banking
Outside the bank, Seiler's involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County reflects his commitment to community development. He serves on the organization's board and finance committee and spent five years as a Big Brother volunteer.
"Both of my parents were elementary school teachers, and my wife teaches at the intermediate level, so I've always heard about the challenges kids face," he said. "I thought that was a meaningful area where I could contribute."
The experience has broadened his understanding of community needs. "It opens your eyes to what some families are dealing with. I had some sense of it from conversations at home but experiencing it directly gives you a different perspective."
Culture As Competitive Advantage
The leadership transition at the parent company of First Business Bank demonstrates how values-driven organizations create lasting competitive advantages. Seiler's collaborative approach, combined with his cross-functional expertise and institutional knowledge, positions the company to maintain its growth trajectory while preserving its distinctive culture.
With planned succession, experienced leadership depth, and strategic clarity in place, the bank enters its next chapter from a position of strength. For clients, employees, and community partners, the transition signals continuity in First Business Bank's relationship-centered approach.
The career advice that has guided Seiler came from his grandfather, who ran a savings and loan in Chicago: "Keep your head down and do your best. Everything else will take care of itself." That philosophy, combined with collaborative leadership and commitment to the bank's foundational values, provides the framework for continued success under his leadership.
Updated: 3/10/2026
