Union Bank Welcomes Kara Hayes as Director of Small Business Banking

Grand Rapids, Michigan – August 31, 2026 – Union Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Kara Hayes, Assistant Vice President, Director of Small Business Banking. In this role, she will provide leadership and direction for the Bank's Small Business Banking and Treasury Management teams, strengthening Union Bank's commitment to serving the financial needs of small business customers throughout the communities it serves.

Hayes brings more than a decade of banking experience and has held a variety of leadership positions throughout her career. She has developed extensive expertise in branch management, employee development, customer experience, consumer lending and operational leadership.

Known for her commitment to community banking, Hayes has built strong customer relationships and helped individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. Her leadership experience and relationship-focused approach position her well to lead Union Bank's Small Business Banking and Treasury Management teams and support the continued growth of the Bank's small business customer base.

A longtime member of the Barry County community, Hayes is actively involved in several local organizations, including Rotary, the Mill Street Market Board and the Always Leave Smiling Foundation Board. She is also a graduate of Leadership Barry County and has participated in several professional development programs focused on banking leadership, security and fraud prevention.

Hayes will be based at Union Bank's Hastings Branch.

"We are excited to welcome Kara to Union Bank," said Janet Dreffs, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer of Union Bank. "Her extensive banking experience, proven leadership abilities and commitment to building strong customer relationships make her an excellent addition to our team. As Director of Small Business Banking, she will play an important role in helping local businesses access the financial solutions and support they need to grow and succeed while further strengthening our commitment to the communities we serve."

Union Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Financial Corporation and operates full-service banking offices in Ada, Dimondale, Grand Rapids, Hastings, Lake Odessa, Mulliken and Westphalia and a loan production office in Portage. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. (NMLS# 488568) ubmich.com