Derek Ohme, a business banking team lead at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, has spent 25 years weaving his love of sports into a distinguished banking career.
His early years as a two‑year captain of the Augustana baseball team taught him the discipline of leading a squad, a skill that later earned him 23 years of officiating high school and college football games.
A scholarship to Augustana University not only gave him a degree in business with an economics minor, but also placed him on a path that began with a year‑long internship that took him to offices in Fargo and Iowa before he returned to Sioux Falls.
After receiving offers from three area banks, Ohme chose First National Bank, where he now oversees a team of business bankers including Nick Bentele, Scott Speer and Blake Chesley.
He repeatedly stresses that confidence, clear communication and a commitment to continuous learning are as vital on the field as they are in the boardroom.
A Dual Legacy in Sports and Finance
Beyond the office, Ohme serves on the board of directors and executive team of Ronald McDonald House Charities in South Dakota, and he once chaired Downtown Sioux Falls Inc., reflecting a lifelong dedication to community service.
Family remains central; he shares his life with his wife Leah and their children Julia, Hadley and other relatives, while also finding time for outdoor pursuits and volunteer work.