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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jeff Blonski Appointed CFO of Johnson Financial Group
Excel Academy Public Charter School Announces Sudden Closure
Evanston/Skokie School District Considers School Closures
NFLPA Appoints David White as Interim Executive Director
Positive Growth at eXp Realty Despite Market Challenges
Chicago Law Firm Recognizes Personal Injury Attorney’s Achievements
Louisiana Law Limits Medical Compensation in Car Crash Cases
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



