Audie Baumgartner, a FreedomBank director since 2022, has had a diverse career and education in business and finance. He began as a State Bank Examiner for the Iowa Division of Banking, gaining valuable insights into the industry's regulatory aspects. For 30 years until his retirement in 2023, Audie worked at Keystone Area Education Agency in Elkader, starting as a Financial Clerk for 13 years and then as a Business Manager for 17 years.
He graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and later earned his Professional Diploma from the Iowa School Business Management Academy.
"I believe that community banks in Northeast Iowa can provide the best financial options for the residents and businesses in our local communities and the surrounding rural areas. FreedomBank understands the local Northeast Iowa financial and business landscape because our team members live here and have a vested interest in providing professional financial resources to everyone in our communities and surrounding rural areas," shared Audie.
As a business manager and director, Baumgartner has garnered invaluable insights. He noted, "Every situation is unique and requires a different approach to problem-solving, and it's impossible to please everyone. It is rewarding to assist customers in realizing their dreams, and this has been a guiding principle in my professional journey."
From a community perspective, Audie has been a member of the RISE Ltd. Board of Directors for nine years. He is also an active member of St. John's American Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, previously serving on Church Council, and volunteers with the NEIA Food Bank in Guttenberg. In his free time, Audie enjoys golfing, walking at least 5 miles daily, and solving Sudoku puzzles. Furthermore, he has been collecting baseball cards since youth and has been a book collector for many years.
Audie explained that being a FreedomBank Director is an honor, allowing the opportunity to give back to the bank that made a significant difference in his life. The bank's motto, "We Empower Success," resonates personally with Audie. After being denied a loan for college expenses by their longtime family bank, Audie found the necessary financing at the newly established Peoples State Bank in Elkader (now FreedomBank). This support enabled Audie to pursue a college education, and he is grateful for the impact of the FreedomBank team on his life.
Back to Board of Directors >