Wells Fargo announced that Talena Hooper has been named division executive to lead its Commercial Banking Great Plains division. Based in Kansas City, Hooper now oversees commercial banking operations across Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Born into a hard-working family, Hooper began her banking career as an administrative assistant and steadily excelled to head teams of industry-leading bankers who provide credit, treasury management, deposit and other products and services to a diverse set of commercial businesses, including not-for profit and government agencies in local markets.

“Talena is an exceptional leader and has done a fantastic job engaging with and leading her team, building strong client relationships, and moving the needle to help grow our business,” said Laura Oberst, who heads the Central region for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking.

For more than two decades, Hooper has held many roles, including market executive, regional vice president, business development officer and relationship manager.

“I learned the business from the ground up, and it began with my hard-working family roots. I’m passionate about the banking industry and committed to helping companies and their owners reach their financial goals,” Hooper said. “I also focus day-in and day-out on the career development of our hard-working and talented employees.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Friends University in Lenexa, KS, and studied mechanical engineering at University of Kansas.

Wells Fargo Commercial Banking provides expertise across various industries including food, beverage & agribusiness; investor real estate; government; and technology throughout its regional presence.