Russell S. Kropschot, Chief Deputy Commissioner of the Michigan Financial Institutions Bureau retired on March 20, 1998. Mr. Kropschot has been with the FIB since 1963 when he began work as an Assistant Bank Examiner. Mr. Kropschot served as Chief Deputy Commissioner from 1974 until his retirement.

During his tenure, Mr. Kropschot worked with six Commissioners. He twice served as Acting Commissioner by appointment of Governors Blanchard and Engler. Mr. Kropschot had responsibility for the day to day operation of the Bureau, overseeing the work of approximately 140 employees and an annual budget in excess of $11 million. The FIB is responsible for the regulation of Michigan state-chartered banks, savings banks, credit unions, and over 4000 other non-depository lenders.

Mr. Kropschot had long played an instrumental role in the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, including work on the development of an accreditation program for state bank supervisory departments. He taught extensively at the Michigan Bankers Association's Robert M. Perry School of Banking at Central Michigan University and the Conference of State Bank Supervisor's Senior School at Norman, Oklahoma. Mr. Kropschot was a charter member of the Society of Financial Examiners.

Mr. Kropschot, a life-long resident of East Lansing, has long been an active member of his community. His volunteer activities have included Brothers Against Drugs, serving meals at the Lansing City Rescue Mission, and delivering for Meals on Wheels.

Mr. Kropschot and his wife Sue have two grown children, Jeff of Seattle, Washington, and Krissa of Indianapolis, Indiana.