Peter Stenehjem
editPeter Stenehjem (also known as S. Peter Stenehjem) is an American banker and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), based in Watford City, North Dakota. He assumed the role on January 1, 2025, becoming the fourth generation of his family to lead the bank.
Early life and education
editStenehjem is the great-grandson of Odin Stenehjem, who founded the bank (originally Farmers State Bank) in Arnegard, North Dakota, in 1910. He earned a degree in business from the University of North Dakota.
Career
editStenehjem began his career at FIBT as a teller at age 15. Over the next two decades, he held positions including Credit Review, Commercial Banking, Chief Retail Banking Officer, and Fargo Market Manager before being appointed President of the bank.
In June 2020, he was recognized by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) on its “40 Under 40” list, which highlights emerging leaders in community banking.
On January 1, 2025, Stenehjem succeeded his father, Stephen L. Stenehjem, as CEO, while his father remained Chairman of the Board, continuing the bank’s four-generation family leadership.
As CEO, Stenehjem has focused on community banking initiatives and innovation.
Board and community involvement
editStenehjem serves on the boards of Watford City Bancshares, Inc., FIBT’s Board of Directors, and its Strategic Planning Committee. He is also involved with regional business and healthcare organizations, including the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Board, the Sanford Health Medical Board (Fargo region), and the Dakota Medical Foundation Governance Committee. [1]
References
editFIBT announces transition to fourth-generation family CEO , Minot Daily News, December 20, 2024.[2]
Peter Stenehjem named to ICBA 40 Under 40 , McKenzie County Farmer, June 9, 2020.[3]
People Moves: S. Peter Stenehjem , FinTech Magazine.[4]
- ↑ Cite error: There are
<ref>tags on this page without content in them (see the help page). - ↑ "First International Bank announces CEO transition to fourth generation". minotdailynews.com. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
- ↑ "McKenzie County Farmer - Archive". www.watfordcitynd.com. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
- ↑ Thompsett, Louis (2025-02-11). "People Moves: S. Peter Stenehjem". fintechmagazine.com. Retrieved 2026-01-13.