Uncategorized - First United Bank

First United Bank Hires Russell Carignan As A VP Commercial/Ag Banker And Crop Insurance Agent

First United Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Russell Carignan as a VP Commercial/Ag Banker and Crop Insurance Agent at their Grafton location. Carignan brings with him over 30 years of banking experience and has a strong background in relationship banking, finance and crop insurance. His broad expertise and leadership in the banking industry make him a valuable addition.

Throughout his career, Carignan has worked extensively with agricultural and business customers, helping them navigate financing options to meet their unique needs. His experience gives him a well-rounded perspective that will directly benefit our customers and the Bank.

In his new role, Carignan will continue to work closely with farmers and business owners to develop tailored financial solutions that support their growth and success. His proven track record of fostering long-term client relationships and delivering results aligns perfectly with First United Bank’s commitment to service excellence and community-focused bankin

“We are excited to welcome Russell to our team,” said Matt Beneda, Grafton Market President. “He brings a wealth of lending experience and a deep understanding of relationship banking. His extensive lending background will strengthen our ability to provide financial solutions for the evolving needs of our customers.”

Carignan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Dakota and is also a graduate of the North Dakota School of Banking. He has always been a believer in volunteering and giving back to the community with his community involvement on various boards over the years and currently serves on the Unity Medical Center governing board as well as the Unity Medical Center Foundation board. Russell is married to Kellie and they have four adult children, two grandchildren, and a third on the way.

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $725 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The Bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock, and Rugby.

First United Bank Is Sponsoring A Cybersecurity & Fraud Awareness Presentation

Thursday, December 18, 2025
9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1:00 p.m.–3:30 pm.
(same information presented in both sessions)
LRSC Robert Fawcett Auditorium
Devils Lake, ND

With two available sessions, this presentation will feature financial crimes and fraud investigator, Todd Riedinger. It is open to anyone interested in learning more about cybersecurity and how you can protect yourself and your businesses. You’ll learn practical tips to help prevent fraud and keep your information safe.

Cybercrime is on the rise – don’t miss this chance to get expert advice and strengthen your defenses!

First United Bank Named One Of The Top 100 Community Banks

First United Bank has been included in the 2022 Best Performing Community Banks report which was released by S&P Global Market Intelligence, according to Steve Rehovsky, CEO of First United Bank.

S&P Global Market Intelligence launched these rankings in 2011 to assess the performance of community banks and credit unions. The division ranks institutions based on returns, growth and efficiency but places a premium on the strength and risk profile of balance sheets.

In the Midwest Region category of Best Performing Community Banks with assets under $10 Billion, First United Bank was ranked 16th out of 1,848 banks. Nationally, in the category of Best Performing Community Banks with under $3 Billion in assets, First United Bank ranked 85th out of 3,782 banks.

“We are extremely pleased with these reports. As a community bank, we strive not only to provide the best service possible but to operate efficiently as well. Our customers can feel confident knowing they are banking with a company that is performing at a high level,” stated Rehovsky. “These reports are also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the great employees that work at First United Bank.”

First United Bank, founded in 1885, has assets totaling over $675 million and offers full-service banking along with Trust and Insurance services. The bank has a long history in northeast North Dakota including locations in Park River, Adams, Michigan, Petersburg, Grafton, Hoople, Crystal, Aneta, Sharon, Cooperstown, Devils Lake, Cando, Cavalier, Fargo, Maddock and Rugby.

Your Money Is Safest In Your Financial Institution

A message from Lise Kruse, Commissioner of Department of Financial Institutions

With just over 10,000 banks and credit unions, the U.S. banking system is large and diverse, designed to serve the economic needs of a large and diverse country.

North Dakota currently has 67 state-chartered banks and 20 state-chartered credit unions with over $30 billion in assets.

U.S. financial institutions are regulated by an experienced network of state and federal agencies. Most importantly for consumers and businesses, depositors are protected by the full faith and credit of the United States through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Founded in 1933, the FDIC has provided stability to our banking system and assurance to our citizens. No insured depositor has lost money in the history of the FDIC. Similarly, the NCUA was established in 1970 and provides the same stability to the credit union system.

This is why during this period of uncertainty; your money is safest in your financial institution. Money at home can be stolen or lost due to a fire. However, money in a bank is locked and secure, and your deposits insured up to $250,000 per account. Want to see if your money is insured? Check out the FDIC’s or NCUA’s insurance calculator at edie.fdic.gov/ or www.mycreditunion.gov/share-insurance-estimator-home.

State financial regulators charter and supervise 79% of the nation’s banks, 39% of the nation’s credit unions, and are the primary supervisors of nonbanks like mortgage lenders and payments companies. Across the nation, we are working with each other, with federal regulators and with the industry to find the best ways to manage the impact and recovery from the COVID-19 virus. We have a mandate to ensure safety and soundness, protect consumers and to promote economic growth.

As your state regulator, my job is to ensure that our citizens have broad easy access to banking and credit services, and I will continue to do so during this pandemic.