First Western Bank & Trust has announced the hiring of four people in key roles.

Marilou Strand has joined First Western Bank & Trust as a trust administrator. She has been involved in volunteering for Back Pack Buddies and The Great Plains Food Bank. Strand grew up in Rolette and has over five years of experience in banking and finance.

Tony Watterud comes to First Western Bank & Trust as an AVP trust officer. Watterud earned associate’s degrees in architecture and marketing & advertising, also earning a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University. He is very involved in the communities in which he lives, serving on the National Association of Royalty Owners Board, ND Home Builders Association and a Board member at Dakota Hope Clinic. Watterud has over 27 years of financial, banking and business management experience.

Dean Zaderaka is a Max native who graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in ag economics. Zaderaka comes to First Western Bank with over 30 years of banking experience. He currently serves on the NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association and the International Peace Garden Board. He is a vice president and senior trust officer at the bank.

Stephanie Hoffart comes to First Western Bank & Trust as the assistant corporate secretary & special projects manager. Hoffart earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Minot State University. She is very involved in the Minot community, currently serving on the Xcel Energy ND Advisory Board, and was a committee member for Military Affairs and an Honorary Commander at Minot AFB.