Forward Family | May 22, 2026
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The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is pleased to announce that Sheri Dick, chief operating officer, Forward Bank, Marshfield, is a 2026 recipient of the Wisconsin Woman of Impact Award. The award was presented at the 20th annual WBA Women in Banking Conference.
“We are thrilled to honor Sheri with this award to celebrate her above-and-beyond dedication to her colleagues and communities,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “She embodies the thoughtful leadership and character of what it means to be a woman of impact.”
Dick is a forward thinker who always envisions what’s next. She serves as the chair of Forward Bank’s AI Council and spearheaded formal AI governance at the bank. Dick drove measurable adoption of AI through pilot programs, dashboards, and ROI tracking. Beyond her AI initiatives, Dick helped launch the Lean Forward program whose mission is to develop and mentor emerging women leaders. The program is entering its third year and has successfully reached 20 promising employees.
“Sheri doesn’t chase trends—she builds systems that last,” said Bill Sennholz, CEO of Forward Bank. “She brings clarity to complex challenges and creates environments where both people and performance can thrive.”
Dick’s influence extends well beyond the walls of her branch. She has appeared as a speaker at the Graduate School of Banking AI Innovation Series as well as WBA conferences. She strengthens the broader banking industry by educating peers on digital processes and enhancing the customer experience.
Dick has served on the UW-Stevens Point School of Business & Economics Advisory Council since 2014, which helps prepare students for real-world careers after graduation. She has been a Marshfield Chamber Ambassador since 2013 and a Rotary Club member since 2009. Dick’s two decades of involvement reflect her selfless commitment to education, community service, and supporting the next generation of leaders.
The WBA Woman of Impact Award was established to celebrate WBA members who have made significant contributions and positive impacts in their organizations, communities, and the banking industry.
About the Wisconsin Bankers Association
Founded in 1892, the Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing 180 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and nearly 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 96 percent of banks doing business in the state are WBA members.