Community First Bank of Indiana Expands Local Team with Four Strategic Hires

June 5, 2025 – Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) is proud to announce the addition of four accomplished professionals to its team: Bryan Mitzelfelt, Rana Sayre, Scott Stars, and Whitney Steltenkamp. These key hires reflect the bank’s continued growth and investment in excellence across Retail Banking, Human Resources, Commercial Lending, and Mortgage Services.

Elevating the Customer Experience in Retail Banking Bryan Mitzelfelt joins as Vice President, Retail Sales Administrator, bringing 17 years of banking experience and a strong track record in sales and branch leadership, particularly in Hamilton County. A graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, Bryan is passionate about creating meaningful customer relationships. “I want every person who walks into our branches to leave with a great experience—one they’d recommend to friends and family,” he shared. His focus on service excellence aligns with CFB’s commitment to delivering personalized, community-centered banking.

Building a People-First Culture As Vice President, Director of Human Resources, Rana Sayre brings nearly four decades of HR expertise spanning talent management, training, benefits, and organizational development. Another IU Bloomington alumna, Rana holds both SHRM and HRCI certifications. “People are an organization’s greatest asset,” she said. “I’m excited to help CFB attract top talent and create the right environment for employees to thrive.” Her leadership will help shape a workplace where people grow, contribute, and feel valued.

Fueling Local Business Growth With 18 years in lending—14 of those in commercial—Scott Stars steps into the role of Vice President, Commercial Lender. A graduate of the University of Phoenix, Scott has supported small businesses nationwide with loans ranging from $100,000 to $30 million. Now focused on serving Hamilton County, he’s eager to help local entrepreneurs succeed. “I strive to be a trusted advisor to business owners, helping them scale and reach their goals,” he said.

Expanding Personalized Mortgage Solutions Joining as Vice President, Residential Mortgage Sales Manager, Whitney Steltenkamp brings 27 years of industry experience, with deep expertise across every stage of the mortgage process. A graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, Whitney is also a dedicated community leader, serving as Treasurer of the Home Builders Association of Howard County since 2019 and as a Commissioner for the Kokomo Housing Authority since January 2025. “I’m passionate about building strong, service-driven mortgage teams that grow alongside the families they serve,” she said. “From the excitement of a first home to the transitions of retirement, our team is here to guide and support every step of the way.” Whitney will lead a team of local lenders offering flexible, people-first mortgage solutions across Howard, Hamilton, and Marion Counties.