Port Washington State Bank (PWSB), Ozaukee County’s longest‑standing community bank, announced that President James S. Schowalter has been appointed the additional title of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Schowalter, a 23‑year banking industry professional, has spent the past 20 years serving PWSB in roles spanning credit, operations, and executive leadership. He has served as president for the past six years and has been a member of the bank’s board of directors since 2015.

James succeeds his father, Steven R. Schowalter. Steve joined the bank’s board of directors in 1979 and served as president from 1989-2020, at which time James became president while Steve maintained his role as CEO. Steve, a 58-year banking veteran, will remain active in the organization serving on various committees and maintaining his position as executive chairman of the bank’s board of directors, as well as president of Port Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Port Washington State Bank.

A Legacy of Community Leadership

James Schowalter represents the fifth generation of family leadership at PWSB, continuing a tradition that began with his great-great‑grandfather, Clarence Hill, who co-founded the bank in 1899 with George Henry and other local investors. Clarence’s son C. Donald assumed the presidency in 1936, creating the second generation of family leadership. Ronald Schowalter, husband of C. Donald’s daughter Elizabeth, joined the bank in 1949, thereby bringing the Schowalter name into the family lineage. Ron was named president in 1964 following the death of Mr. Hill. Ron’s sons Steve and Mark joined the bank upon their respective graduations from college with Steve succeeding Ron as president, and Mark as EVP/COO until his retirement in 2019.

Over his career, James has contributed to numerous nonprofit and economic development initiatives throughout Ozaukee County, further reinforcing PWSB’s longstanding commitment to community stewardship.

Founded 127 years ago, PWSB is Ozaukee County’s only locally headquartered financial institution and one of Wisconsin’s few remaining multigenerational family‑owned banks. It is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating business in Port Washington. 

The bank has demonstrated consistent growth and community commitment:

• Assets: Surpassed $1 Billion in 2025
• Portfolio: $1.2 Billion in loans, $900 Million in deposits
• Customer footprint: Approximately 40,000 as of 2025
• Branches: 8 locations across Ozaukee County
• Employees: More than 130 team members supporting retail, commercial, and digital banking services
• Community giving: Over $4 million donated across the past decade; a Top Charitable Contributor on the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Book of Lists from 2021-2025
• Culture: 15-time Journal Sentinel Top Workplace Winner

Throughout its history, PWSB has maintained a service‑driven, community‑first philosophy—emphasizing personal relationships, local decision‑making, and long‑term investment in Ozaukee County’s economic vitality. James Schowalter’s appointment reinforces this continuity of vision and the bank’s dedication to preserving local, family‑led stewardship for generations to come.