MUSCATINE, Iowa–40 years ago, Wayne Johanson came to Muscatine to take a job in the financial sector. A graduate of Washington High School who had taken sever courses at Muscatine Community College and the University of Iowa, he looked forward to starting a career and taking care of his young family.

For one year, Johanson worked outside of Muscatine, but he quickly found his way back and took at job at First National Bank of Muscatine, now MidWestOne Bank. He has stayed there ever since. “Muscatine is home,” he said.

Throughout much of his banking career, Johanson worked in the loans department, helping individuals and businesses finance a variety of different endeavors. Over the years, Johanson has particularly enjoyed watching small businesses establish themselves and thrive in a supportive community.

In more recent years, Johanson has moved into management, and in September he took on the role of MidWestOne Muscatine Market President. “I’m honored to be president,” he stated. “It’s exciting–it’s exciting to see the bank grow.”

Outside of his work at the bank, Johanson, has given back to the community by serving on numerous boards for local non-profits, including the Salvation Army of Muscatine County and United Way of Muscatine. “We have a lot of non-profits that give back to the community,” he remarked. “We’re very fortunate to have all those in Muscatine.”

For the past four decades, Johanson has loved getting to know the people who make up the community and has considered the city a great place to raise a family. Johanson delights in the fact that 10 of his 15 grandchildren live in Muscatine and that he often gets to attend their dance recitals and sporting events. He also feels pleased that Muscatine embodies what he describes as, “small town Iowa with a big town feel,” providing numerous opportunities for his family while still retaining the care and neighborliness of a close knit community.