ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
At Hilltop Bank, our goal is to ensure you and your business endeavours are set up for success. Our Commercial Loans Department are experts when it comes to aiding you with your finances in order to run your business efficiently and effectively. Through mentorship and financial leadership, we offer guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to open a line of credit or applying for an agricultural loan, our Commercial Lending "Rapid Response" Team will have all the answers you’ll need to take that next step forward.
MEET THE TEAM

Bob Cerkovnik
Senior Vice President/Chief Credit Officer
NMLS #1712601
Bob has over 38 years of experience in banking and lending. He has been the manager of the Hilltop Bank lending department since 2018. He has extensive experience in commercial, commercial real estate lending, and agricultural lending throughout a multi-state region.
- Graduate of the University of Montana with a BS in Business
- Graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington
- Board Chair for St. Anthony School Foundation

Jens Hansen
Vice President/Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #789961
Jens has worked for Hilltop Bank since 2006, the majority of which has been in the lending department. Jens specializes in commercial financing and commercial real estate lending. He also has extensive experience in business acquisitions and start-up loans. In addition, Jens has extensive experience in residential construction lending. Jens is passionate about community service and is involved with numerous non-profit and charitable organizations in Wyoming.
- Graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a BS in Business Finance
- Graduate of the University of Colorado School of Banking with top honors
- Committee member for Habitat for Humanity and former board member
- Volunteer at the Boys and Girls Clubs
- Volunteer for Meals on Wheels

Randy Buffington
Vice President
NMLS #789958
Randy has been with Hilltop Bank since 2007 and has over 30 years of banking experience. He has extensive experience in commercial, commercial real estate, and agricultural lending. He grew up on a farm in eastern South Dakota.
- Graduate of the South Dakota State University with a BS in Animal Science
- Graduate of the Colorado School of Banking
- Treasurer of the Natrona County 4H Foundation
- Past President of the Natrona County Library Board

Brian Cetak
Vice President/Commercial Loan Manager
NMLS #707920
Brian began his Hilltop Bank career in 2022 but has over 14 years of experience in commercial lending. He handles all types of commercial loans and has extensive experience with commercial construction. He also has significant experience in the residential construction lending area.
- Graduate of the University of Wyoming with a BS in Business Finance
- Board member for CASA of Natrona County
- Volunteer coach for Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, and the Casper Soccer Club
- Past board member of Special Olympics of Wyoming

Joe Thompson
Assistant Vice President
NMLS #527730
Joe has been a part of the Hilltop Bank team since 2013 and has been involved in credit analysis and lending for seven years. He has extensive experience in all types of lending including commercial, loan participation, construction, and commercial real estate. He also oversees the credit analysis process. He was born and raised in Casper.
- Graduate of the University of Wyoming with a BS in Biology

Jon Boulanger
Vice President
NMLS #1097052
Jon has been with Hilltop Bank since 2015 and in banking for 17 years. He specializes in business development and helping small and medium-sized businesses within the Casper community. Jon was born and raised in Casper.
- Graduate of the University of Wyoming with a BS in Business Finance
- CASA of Natrona County advocate
- Past board member for Habitat for Humanity