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NASHVILLE, Tenn.
April 14, 2025
Middle Tennessee-based Sonata Bank has promoted veteran banking executive Wendell Bontrager to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This leadership change follows the retirement of founding CEO Dan Dellinger, entrusting Bontrager, Sonata’s former President and Chief Lending Officer, to champion the bank’s future-focused strategy during a pivotal time of growth.
Based on 2024 asset growth rate data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Sonata is the top-ranked commercial lender in Tennessee and ranked 4th nationally in the same category. Additionally, Sonata is the #1 fastest-growing bank in Nashville by year-over-year percent change in deposits.
“We are confident that Wendell’s strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit will build on Sonata’s momentum as we prioritize bringing innovation and forward-thinking leadership to our customers,” said Farzin Ferdowsi, Chairman of the Board. “Dan was instrumental in building the bank’s strong foundation and the Board is deeply grateful for his leadership and service.”
A seasoned executive with over 34 years of commercial banking experience, Bontrager supported Ferdowsi and Dellinger in cofounding Sonata in 2022. Bontrager specializes in building high-performance teams, developing and implementing organic growth initiatives, and leading organizations ranging from a de novo bank to a multi-state bank with $4 billion in assets. Prior to joining Sonata, Bontrager served as president and board member of Wichita, Kansas-based Equity Bank.
“What sets Sonata apart from competitors is our innovative, ambitious mentality. As a full-service commercial bank, we’re committed to transforming financial lives in our community by meeting the needs of entrepreneurs and business owners,” said Bontrager. “It’s been a privilege to be part of Sonata’s significant growth, and I look forward to working with our incredible team to bring meaningful impact to businesses throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond.”
Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bontrager is actively involved in the Nashville and Williamson County communities. He is currently a mentor for the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s “Project FinTech” and a member of C12, Williamson, Inc.’s CEO Forum and the Economic Development Committee. Bontrager has previously served as a board member for several organizations including Dupont Hospital, Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana, Regional Economic Development of Northeast Indiana, and numerous nonprofits. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Goshen College.
ABOUT SONATA BANK:
Sonata is a digital-first financial services company led by experienced banking industry leaders. As both an FDIC-chartered bank and technology focused financial services company, Sonata provides a full suite of banking products and services to two distinct customer segments –business and personal banking customers in the Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky markets, as well as to quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchisees and their employees across the United States.