Marquette Business Names Alexandra Hottinger Director of Commercial Banking Program

Marquette Business has appointed Alexandra Hottinger as the new director of its Commercial Banking Program, succeeding the program’s founder, Dr. Kent Belasco. Hottinger will lead efforts to secure program funding, recruit students, and manage relationships with a board of advisors representing various local and national financial institutions. This leadership transition is significant for the commercial banking sector as it ensures the continued development of a specialized talent pipeline designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Hottinger takes over the leadership role following the retirement of Dr. Kent Belasco, who founded the program and served as its director until May. In her new capacity, she is tasked with overseeing the program's financial sustainability and driving recruitment for both current and prospective students. A central component of her role involves collaborating with the program’s board of advisors, which consists of representatives from local and national banks, to facilitate internships and career placements for students entering the commercial banking field.

Bringing nearly a decade of experience from FIS Global, where she most recently served as a senior management consultant, Hottinger also possesses a background in direct commercial banking operations. Her previous experience includes roles in portfolio and relationship management at BMO Bank, providing her with a practical understanding of the industry's requirements. Andrew DeGuire, dean of the College of Business Administration, highlighted that her industry expertise and professional connections are expected to attract more students to the sector and enhance the program's overall impact.

Hottinger, who holds an MBA and a biochemistry degree from Lakeland University, emphasized that the program's mission is to stimulate interest in commercial banking careers while increasing accessibility for students. By strengthening industry connections and fostering student preparation, the program aims to bolster the regional and national economy through a well-trained workforce. Beyond her professional duties, Hottinger remains active in the community as the choreography director for Cedarburg Pom and Dance, a nonprofit preparatory program in Wisconsin.