News Summary
Johnson Financial Group has announced the appointment of Jeff Blonski as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Mark Behrens. Blonski, with over 35 years of experience, has been with the company for eight years as Controller. Along with this transition, Jeff Pierce has been named president of Johnson Wealth Inc., bringing over 20 years of industry experience. This leadership change underscores the firm’s continued commitment to serving its Wisconsin clients and enhancing its financial services.
Racine, Wisconsin — Jeff Blonski has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Johnson Financial Group, following the retirement of veteran banking executive Mark Behrens. This decision marks a significant leadership transition for the company, which specializes in financial services in the local community.
Blonski brings over 35 years of financial management experience to his new role. He has been with Johnson Financial Group for eight years, previously serving as the company’s Controller. His expertise in financial oversight is expected to support the ongoing strategic initiatives within the organization.
Mark Behrens, who has retired, had been a key figure in the company, contributing many years of industry knowledge and guidance. His departure signals a new chapter for Johnson Financial Group as it continues to focus on serving its clients in Wisconsin and enhancing its financial services.
In conjunction with Blonski’s appointment, Jeff Pierce has been named the new president of Johnson Wealth Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson Financial Group. Pierce brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having previously served as the president and chief operating officer of Annex Wealth Management. His previous roles include CEO of The Mather Group and senior executive positions at Creative Planning and Wipfli Financial Advisors.
Johnson Wealth Inc. has a significant history, having been rebranded from Cleary Gull Advisors in 2018 after its acquisition in 2016. The company has operated its wealth management division for over 40 years, constantly evolving to meet the needs of its clientele.
Johnson Financial Group emphasizes a strong commitment to local clients and community engagement in Wisconsin. The firm focuses on personalized service, believing that understanding clients emotionally is a crucial aspect of financial advising. This approach is underscored by the leadership team’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for clients.
Additionally, the leadership structure at Johnson Financial Group showcases a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with several women occupying key roles within the organization. This progressive approach aims to reflect the values of the community they serve while meeting the diverse needs of clients.
The announcement of Jeff Blonski as CFO and Jeff Pierce as president of Johnson Wealth Inc. is part of a broader strategy to enhance the company’s service offerings and community involvement as they continue to build on established success over the past decades. Johnson Financial Group remains focused on delivering high-quality financial solutions tailored to the unique requirements of its clients in Wisconsin.
This article is part of the 30th anniversary issue of BizTimes Milwaukee, published on March 17, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- BizTimes: Milwaukee Johnson Chidester Johnson Financial Group
- Milwaukee Magazine: Women of Distinction 2024 Johnson Financial Group
- Citywire: Jeff Pierce Joins Johnson Wealth as President
- Google Search: Johnson Financial Group
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Advising
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
