NSTS Bancorp Announces Passing of CEO Nathan E. Walker; Stephen G. Lear Appointed Successor
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. announced the passing of Nathan E. Walker, Chief Executive Officer and President of North Shore Trust and Savings and Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr. Walker, who began his career in 1996, had served in his leadership roles since 2022. The Company's Board of Directors has appointed Stephen G. Lear, current President and Chief Executive Officer of NSTS Bancorp, Inc., as the new Chief Executive Officer and President of the Bank. Mr. Lear brings extensive experience, having previously served as CEO of the Bank from 1997 to 2022 and as Chairman of the Board for both the Company and the Bank since 2012, ensuring leadership continuity for the institution, which reported $266.6 million in assets as of December 31, 2025.
Key Highlights
- Nathan E. Walker, Chief Executive Officer and President of North Shore Trust and Savings and Executive Vice President of NSTS Bancorp, Inc., passed away.
- Mr. Walker began his career as a teller in 1996 and served as CEO and President of the Bank and Executive VP of the Company since 2022.
- Stephen G. Lear, current President and Chief Executive Officer of NSTS Bancorp, Inc., has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of North Shore Trust and Savings.
- Mr. Lear has served as Chairman, President, and CEO of the Company since 2012, and Chairman of the Bank since 2012, and was previously CEO of the Bank from 1997 to 2022.
- North Shore Trust and Savings had total assets of $266.6 million as of December 31, 2025.
- The Bank operates from its headquarters in Waukegan, Illinois, and two additional full-service branch offices in Waukegan and Lindenhurst, Illinois.