News from Marquette masthead.

Northern Lights Broadcasting launches 96.3 NOW

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquire Stanton Group

Carl Pohlad: Private Man, Public Figure

Pohlad Family Increases Investment in Valley, Adds Capital to Meridian Bank

Lampert Joins Pohlad Family of Companies as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Communications

Marquette Equipment Finance Launches Vendor Services Group

Meridian Bank Texas Establishes Headquarters in Fort Worth

Karas Joins Marquette Commercial Finance

Johnson Returns to Marquette Financial Companies

Marquette Business Credit Increases Loan Portfolio

Marquette Financial to enter wealth management business

Murphy Promoted to Head Commercial Finance

Marquette Financial launches new asset-based lender in Dallas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johnson returns to Marquette Financial Companies as Chief Technology Officer

MINNEAPOLIS – (April 28, 2005) – Marquette Financial Companies, a privately held financial services company, has named Dave Johnson as its chief technology officer.

Johnson returns to Marquette after serving as chief technology officer of Associated Bank. Previously, he worked for U.S. Bank for 12 years in several technology roles, including chief information officer. Johnson then joined Marquette in March 2001 and was the head of technology and operations until his departure in 2002.

Johnson’s appointment comes as Marquette expands its portfolio of commercial finance companies, commercial banking, and commercial real estate investment banking through recent acquisitions. As chief technology officer for Marquette, Johnson will work closely with Marquette’s operating companies to meet IT requirements in areas such as needs assessments, system recommendations and purchasing, regulatory protocols and best practices.

“Dave’s return brings additional depth to our staff,” said Bert Colianni, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Not only does Dave bring significant IT experience to this position, but he is well-versed in the technological and managerial needs, and day-to-day operations, of a financial services firm. We are delighted to welcome him back to the Marquette family.”

Johnson holds a master of business administration in information systems from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in management and accounting from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He also earned his CPA license following his graduation from Northern State University.

About Marquette Financial Companies
Marquette Financial Companies is a $1.2 billion financial services company owned by the Carl Pohlad family in Minneapolis, Minn. The privately held company has a diversified portfolio of real estate investment banking, commercial finance and commercial real estate investment banking businesses operating in 32 states, with 665 employees.

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