Dart Bank Expands Risk and Audit Leadership with Key Appointments
New leadership roles strengthen oversight, support enterprise risk management, and position the Bank for long-term growth.
MASON, Mich., October 1, 2025 – Dart Bank is proud to announce several additions to its team, underscoring its commitment to advancing risk management, audit, and compliance programs. These appointments reflect the Bank’s continued investment in strong oversight practices that safeguard customer trust and support long-term growth.
Tara Owens, who has been serving as Dart Bank’s Risk Officer since 2019, has been promoted to Chief Audit Executive. In this new role, Owens will draw on her extensive knowledge of the Bank’s risk landscape to further strengthen the audit function. Her focus will be maintaining independence, enhancing governance, and fostering stronger alignment between audit and risk functions.
Owens will be joined by Lisa Ackerly, who is transitioning from Dart Bank’s BSA team to serve as Internal Audit Manager. Ackerly will support the ongoing development of the Bank’s internal audit program.
The Bank has also expanded its risk management leadership. Tana Rugel joined Dart Bank earlier this year as Chief Risk Officer and holds the designation of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Officer as well. Since her arrival, Rugel has focused on building a high-performing team and advancing the enterprise risk management framework. Her leadership has enhanced oversight of strategic initiatives and strengthened the Bank’s ability to anticipate and proactively address emerging risks across all lines of business.
The Bank also welcomes the following team members who will work alongside Rugel and will be instrumental in advancing Dart Bank’s risk and compliance strategies:
- Tahiti Anderson – Vice President, Director of Risk Management
- Noel Berry – Vice President, Information Security Officer, Third-Party Risk Manager
- Brittany Foster – Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Division Compliance Manager
- Debby DiClemente – Deputy BSA Officer
- Michael Carr – BSA Technology Manager
- Darren Carranza-Escalera – Financial Crimes Compliance AML Investigations Manager
- Jess Richardson – Fraud & Identity Theft Program Manager
- Jennifer Salazar – Financial Crimes Compliance Due Diligence Oversight Manager
- Travis Tidrick – BSA & Risk Operations Manager
“Our people are our greatest strength, and these appointments demonstrate our dedication to building a team that can support our continued growth,” stated William J. Hufnagel, President and CEO of Dart Bank. “We are excited about the expertise and leadership they bring as we continue to evolve our risk and audit programs and deliver trusted service to our customers and communities.”
With these expanded capabilities, Dart Bank is well-positioned to support future growth, meet evolving regulatory expectations, and deliver lasting value to customers and stakeholders.
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About Dart Bank
Founded in 1925, Dart Bank is a Michigan-based financial institution committed to providing innovative banking solutions while maintaining the personal connections that define a true community bank. With a strong presence in mortgage lending, treasury management, and specialty banking, Dart Bank blends the technology of a large financial institution with the personalized service of a local bank. Headquartered in Mason, MI, Dart Bank has 13 offices, more than 360 employees across 23 states, and assets exceeding $1.3 billion.